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MELBOURNE, FL - Melbourne Police Officers responded to the area of W H Jackson Street and the railroad tracks regarding a vehicle hitting a Brightline train on January 10th. Officers found that a Honda Element SUV was traveling west on W H Jackson Street when it struck a Brightline train that was northbound. -
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
Picture Perfect
ADVERTISER INDEX C om D anv
Paae
Chaplain’ s Corner Didymus McHugh
A ll H a n d s F ire
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C e n tr a l A la b a m a T r a in in g
H o z e D o lly
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I have a mirror that I received from my great aunt. It is a simple mirror. It’ s maybe a foot square framed with a dark wood. The mir ror may be about a hundred years old, so it may have some discolor ing to it. It is not perfect and neither is the image that it reflects. I notice that people need things to be perfect. The meal must be per fectly prepared and served at the perfect temperature. People think that they have to look perfect. Yes terday, I even passed a hair salon called Perfect Image Salon. People spend time and effort manipulating pictures with filters and angles, to make sure that they look perfect. I see people driving perfect cars, yet they have a beat-up place that they live in, but in people’ s eyes they look perfect. N obody’ s life is perfect. So many things have flaws. Each per son has flaws. People are addicted to drugs, alcohol, exercise, looking at images on the internet, and so many other things that we may never know. So many people say that they are fine and do not have any flaws. Well, their flaw is that they are lying. Every person has flaws. Do you really believe every thing that people put on social media? D o you realize how much time they spend trying to make one part o f an ordinary day seem like the best that you have ever seen? It is through our imperfections that we can be used. God knows our imperfections and knows that we can be approachable to other people through our imperfections, that they may also have. We may be too
tall, too short, too thin, too fat, but we are still as G od needs us. Our memory may not be perfect, som e times that may be a good thing. We may not be perfect with skills either. We may not be perfect doing certain skills. I may know how to do some minor auto repair, but I thank G od for a great mechanic. I appreci ate a doctor who is a go od doctor. We need good accountants. I appre ciate these people’ s skills, but what do they lack. I know that I am not perfect and I am good with that. Being imperfect helps me do som e o f my work b e cause it helps me meet people, who may also be deficient in the same areas or they may be strong in my deficiencies. It starts conversations so that a level o f trust is built, com monality. When I do some art, it may not look perfect. When I evaluated fire fighters, I had to fail students b e cause they refused to listen to directions or lacked skills that they were being tested on. No matter what we try to do and how we live our life, we are not per fect. We do not follow all the instruc tions we are given. We fail to follow everything that we are supposed to do according to the Bible, but G od forgives us. It is through G od’ s grace that we have another chance. Some times we beat ourselves up and hold other people’ s imperfections against them. G od knows that we will never be perfect, but it is through our per fect imperfection that we can accom plish what we truly need to. Please look at each person that you com e in contact with and try to figure out where they shine in life, but also accept them for who they are, imperfections and all.
S C O n LAPRADE
Palm Harbor D w elling F ire PALM HARBOR, FL - Palm Harbor Fire arrived on scene of this one-story dwelling at 13 Citrus Rd., finding smoke show ing from all four sides, March 4th. First due Engine 68 stretched a line into the front door, quickly knocking down the fire before it could spread throughout the home. Primary and secondary searches were made and no one was inside. Three people were displaced and one was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The fire is under investigation at this time.
Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didyrnus-mchugh.com
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CIRONE PHOTOS
Prescribed Fire in Oscar Scherer State Park Gets Loose NOKOMIS, FL - On February 13th, firefighters at the Oscar Scherer State Park were conducting a prescribed fire, with a 40 block to be burned, when the afternoon winds picked up and took the fire out of its control area. The state park re quested Mutual Aid as the fire grew rapidly with the help of the wind. Nokomis and Sarasota Fire Departments, along with the Sarasota County Burn Team and the Florida State Forestry assisted. The fire threatened structures for a short while and also impacted travel on Interstate 75. The fire was brought under control just before dark that night. A total of 189-acres burned.
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March/April, 2024
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
FLORIDA
JULIAN LEEK SEMINOLE COUNTY FD
F a ta l V e h ic le V s. Train A c c id e n t in M e lb o u rn e MELBOURNE, FL - Melbourne Police Officers responded to the area of W H Jackson Street and the railroad tracks regarding a vehicle hitting a Brightline train on January 10th. Officers found that a Honda Element SUV was traveling west on W H Jackson Street when it struck a Brightline train that was north bound. The vehicle had four occupants, and the adult male driver of the vehicle succumbed to his injuries. One person was airlifted from the scene and two others were transported to Melbourne's Holmes Regional Medical Center. No condition of these patients has been released. The crash was under in vestigation by the Melbourne Police Department.
SCOTT 1APRADE
Three-Car MVA in Hudson HUDSON, FL - Pasco County firefighters, along with Her nando County, responded to a three-car MVA on February 25th. Pasco County transported one woman to a local hospi tal with unknown injuries. Pasco County Sheriffs are investi gating.
Group presentation from the CFAI Commission to Seminole County Fire Department and Seminole County Government management, elected officials and other personnel.
Sem inole County Fire D epartm ent Earns CFAI In te rn a tio n a l A c c re d ita tio n S tatus SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (February 28, 2024) - The Semi nole County Fire Department (SCFD) is proud to announce it is now an Internationally Accredited Agency with the Comm ission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). To receive the accredita tion, SCFD met or exceeded rigor ous standards and criteria established through CFAI’ s self-as sessment and accreditation pro gram. SCFD is one o f more than 300 agencies, including 29 in Florida and nine in Central Florida, with In ternational Accredited Agency sta tus through CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE). Seminole County Fire Depart ment now has three renowned ac creditations: International Accredited Agency through CFAI, ISO Class 1 Rating through the In surance Services Office, and CAAS Accreditation through the Commis sion on Accreditation o f Ambulance Services. “ This International Accredited Agency status demonstrates the commitment o f our Seminole County Fire Department to provide the highest quality o f service to our community,”said Jay Zembower, Chairman o f the Seminole County Board o f County Commissioners. “ The Commission on Fire Accredi tation InternationaTs process is a proactive mechanism that helps our Fire Department maintain excel lence while upholding accountabil ity and conducting self-assessments on an annual basis.” “ We initially began our accred itation journey back in 2013 and quickly realized the daunting task that was ahead o f us. This latest process unfolded over a two-year period with four project leads and all 574 members o f SCFD in-
Jum p to file # 022 92 41 0 2
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volved,”said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “ We are proud of this achievement as an entire team especially as it comes on the heels of our 50th anniversary year o f proudly serving the citizens o f Seminole County. This accreditation is a testa ment to the hard work and commit ment we have and have had since 1974.” CFAI is dedicated to assisting the fire and emergency service agen cies throughout the world in achiev
ing excellence through self-assess ment and accreditation to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement o f service delivery to their communities. The CFAI process provides an agency with an improvement model to assess their service delivery and performance in ternally, and then works with a team o f peers from other agencies to verify and validate their completed self-as sessment. For more information on CFAI and its process, visit www.cpse.org/accreditation.
- DOREEN OVERSTREET
SEMINULE COUNTY FU
Fire Chief Matt Kinley with CFAI Commission Chair Steve Dirksen.
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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS
Maryland: Rodney Pitts, III, 31 Rank: EMT/Firefighter Incident Date: October 19, 2023 Death Date: October 19,2023 Fire Department: Baltimore City Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, Balti
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
overwhelmed by the smoke and heat. All 5 firefighters were rushed to the hospital. EMT/Firefighter Rodney
m ore City Fire Department firefighters responded to a
more City Fire Department firefighters responded to a While inside one o f the homes, 5 firefighters became
Pitts, III died as a result o f the injuries he sustained. One
fire that broke out in a block o f brick two-story
o f the firefighters remains in the hospital in critical but
homes. W hile inside one o f the homes, 5 firefighters
stable condition. The other 3 firefighters have been
becam e overwhelm ed by the smoke and heat. All 5
treated and released. Investigation into the incident con
firefighters were rushed to the hospital. On W ednes
tinues.
day, Oct. 25, 2023, Lieutenant D illon J. Rinaldo died
Overstreet •Frank Robinson •Bob Romig •Steve Rose •Stephen Sabo •Van
as a result o f the injuries he sustained. This is the sec
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@ lstrespondemews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www. lrbn.co. Publisher resemes the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
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Iowa: Anthony "Tony" Hoffman, 43 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 22, 2023 Death Date: October 22,2023 Fire Department: Ionia Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, Ionia Fire
ond firefighter that has succum bed to his injuries
Department firefighters were responding to a cornfield
ing him to lose control and crash. He was ejected from
Kentucky: Regina Huffman, 39 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 28, 2023 Death Date: October 28,2023 Fire Department: Coon Creek Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: On Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, firefight
the vehicle. He was immediately airlifted to the Mayo
ers responded to an ATV accident with two people seri
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fire. A pumper was driven by a member o f the depart
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driven by Captain Anthony "Tony”Hoffman. Captain Hoffman reared o ff and hit the side o f the pumper, caus
GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adver tisement free o f charge. Addition ally, we offer a complete marketing department for all o f your printed communications, inc. needs. Whether they are posters, or 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.
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from this fire. On the evening o f Oct. 19, 2023, EMT/Firefighter Rodney Pitts, III also passed away. The other 3 firefighters have been treated and re leased. Investigation into the incident continues.
Clinic in Minnesota where he passed away a short time
ously injured. Helicopters were summoned for transport.
later. The other firefighter driving the pumper was not
As the apparatus Firefighter Huffman was riding in left
hurt.
the scene to g o to the landing zone, it slipped off the
8 45 -53 4-75 00 ext. 220 • (fax) 845 -53 4-00 55 C ircu latio n @ 1stR es p o n d erN ew s .co m
later, he was declared deceased. The cause o f his death has yet to be determined.
Maryland: Dillon J. Rinaldo, 26 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: October 19, 2023 Death Date: October 25,2023 Fire Department: Baltimore City Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, Balti
fire that broke out in a block o f brick two-story homes. Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Comer)
medical personnel, to no avail. Approximately one hour
roadway, went down an embankment, and struck a
Florida: Adam Wayne Hart, 38 Rank: Captain
house. Firefighter Huffman and two other firefighters, one o f which was her oldest son, were injured in the
Incident Date: October 5, 2023 Death Date: October 5, 2023 Fire Department: Hurlburt Field, Fire & Emergency
where Firefighter Huffman died from her injuries a short
Services
and were released from the hospital.
Initial Summary: On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, during his 48-hour shift, Captain Adam Wayne Hart was found unresponsive on the floor inside his bunkroom. CPR was immediately performed by fire department and
crash. All three were immediately rushed to the hospital time later. The two other firefighters had minor injuries
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
FLORIDA
Cedar Hammock Fire Recognizes Top Honors
CIRONE PHOTOS
City of Bradenton One Room Knock BRADENTON, FL - The city of Bradenton was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 215 11th Ave West on February 5th. On arrival, smoke was coming from the vacant structure, which also had security bars on the windows. Firefighters made entry and found one room on fire, which was quickly knocked down.
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.
SCOTT LAPRADE
SPRING HILL, FL - On February 15th, a homeless person started a brush fire around his camp area. Sheriffs arrived on scene first, awaiting the arrival of Hernando County's Engine 5 and brush.
CEDAR HAMMOCK, FL Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue recognizes in dividuals that excel in their roles. They con sistently provide ex cellent internal and external customer service, setting the example for others to follow. F irefighter Marco Nepomuceno is the 2023 Ex emplary Duty Award recipient. Marco consistently trains hard, ex cels at his position, and sets the bar o f excellence for others to follow. In just over three years he has amassed an impressive fifty-two classes with a focus on ladder/truck company op erations, engine company operations, search and rescue operations. Mayday and RIC operations, firefighter survival and technical rescue classes. His drive, passion, and discipline are driving him to be better every day, leading by example. Captain Bradley Jones is the 2023 Fire Officer o f the Year Award recipient. He continues to work at Hie highest o f levels and continues to increase his level o f education at every opportunity. In addition to ad vancing his educational qualifica tions, he is also delivering the utmost level o f educational guidance to fire school candidates in our community. He brings an enthusiastic brother hood type atmosphere to the shift. His forward-thinking mindset and willingness to explore new ideas have contributed to the success o f various improvements and changes within Hie organization. His actions and behaviors consistently align with our organization’ s values, reflecting a deep commitment to integrity, re spect, and excellence. EUs dedication to upholding these values has had a positive impact on our workplace culture and the well-being o f our em ployees. Firefighter Paul Reda is the 2023 Firefighter o f the Year Award recipi ent. FF Reda personifies excellence in firefighting and has earned the mu tual respect and admiration o f both peers and supervisors. FF Reda has been a leader in the District and the community. FF Reda has been a valuable asset to the District for over two decades. In 2019, they were elected as the DVP for IAFF Local 2546. He led the District through contract negotiations in 2023 with the primary focus on moving the District forward. He was an original member o f the TRT team at its incep tion, and he has maintained the BLS certification for the department for more than 8 years. He is continuing his career path with the District by recently promoting to Fire Inspector, and is now working on his Fire In vestigator certification.
- KYLE BRADSHAW
Firefighter Marco Nepomuceno
CHFR
CHFR
Cpt. Bradley Jones
CHFR
Firefighter Paul Reda
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
PAGE 9
March/April, 2024
FLORIDA
CIRONE PHOTOS
Family Dog Saved in Cedar Hammock CEDAR HAMMOCK, FL - Cedar Hammock Fire District was called to a report of a structure fire just after noon om Satur day, January 27th. On arrival, units reported heavy smoke coming from side “C”. All occupants were out of the house, except for the family dog. The fire made its way into the attic as thick black smoke pushed from the eves. During suppres sion, the family dog was rescued. Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS assisted. The Red Cross assisted with placing two adults and two children.
PROVIDED
Tamarac Inspector Sheila Doblas Awarded Inspector of the Year by FFCA TAMARAC, FL - Tamarac Fire Inspector Sheila Doblas takes a second prestigious award as the Florida Fire Chiefs Asso ciations, Fire Inspector of the Year. Sheila was recognized at the Florida Fire Conference held in Orlando. Inspector Doblas was also named “Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year” by the Fire Inspectors Association of Broward County in De cember. Congratulations on both your achievements!
PROVIDED
Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Deputy Chief Bradd Clark with the Palm Coast firefighters who were newly promoted and recently hired.
Palm Coast Fire Department Announces Promotions PALM COAST, FL - The Palm Coast Fire Department is excited to announce a wave o f promotions that mark a significant milestone in the organization's growth. Under the leadership o f Chief Kyle Berryhill, the department proudly reveals advancements that reflect its com mitment to excellence and its strate gic succession planning. Chief Kyle Berryhill is pleased to unveil the latest promotions within the department's ranks, demonstrating a steadfast dedica tion to enhancing the organization. Am ong these notable advance ments is the elevation o f Driver En gineer Kahn Graham to the role o f Lieutenant, succeeding Lieutenant Rich Cline, who retired this past September. Continuing its emphasis on nur turing talent and ensuring a smooth transition o f leadership, the fire de partment has promoted Firefighters Anthony Forte, Michael Ginn, and Dylan Mulligan to driver engineer
Jump to file # 020 52 41 0 2
positions. These promotions align with the department's succession planning efforts, which have been thoughtfully implemented to guar antee seamless progress and service delivery. In line with its dedication to ad dressing evolving needs, the Palm Coast Fire Department is thrilled to w elcom e eight new firefighters to its esteemed team. James Allinson, Cole Dipatre, Joshua Gilliam, Izaiah Lee, and Osvaldo Sene have all joined the department's ranks since November 2023. Their recruitment is a strategic response to the depart ment's goal o f filling vacancies stemming from budgeted expan sions in firefighter personnel, as well as recent retirements and pro motions. The newly promoted firefight ers were honored in a special cere
mony held at the Palm Coast C om munity Center, where they were proudly pinned by their loved ones. Chief Berryhill highlighted the sig nificance o f these advancements, emphasizing how the department's well-established succession plan, conceived years ago, ensures a seamless transition o f leadership. Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said, " Palm Coast is a safe place thanks to the hard work and com mitment o f the men and women serving as our first responders. Their efforts and sacrifices are cru cial in creating an environment where we feel secure in our homes and neighborhoods. Under the guidance o f Chief Berryhill, I am confident that each o f you will con tinue to provide outstanding care and fire protection for Palm Coast. Success is only achieved through meticulous succession planning."
- PATRICK JULIANO
Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
PAGE 10
March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
FLORIDA
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.
CHUCK LOWE
Estero Engine 44 operates a 2022 Sutphen Monarch 2000/750/30F.
CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Liz Williams-CSRIPS Operations Manager
Coral Springs Training Institute Receives State Recognition CORAL SPRINGS, FL - The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire D e partment and its members are proud to announce that the Coral Springs Regional Institute o f Pub lic Safety (CSRIPS) was selected as the 'Florida Fire Service Train ing and Education Provider o f the Year' for a record-setting fifth time by the Florida Fire Training Directors Association. Previously honored in 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2017, this 2024 award further solidifies the insti tute’ s outstanding contributions in the field o f fire service training and education. Established in 1999, CSRIPS has demonstrated excellence in fire service training, significantly impacting not just the South Florida region but also state and national levels. With a diverse range o f innovative programs, such as Struggle Well, a mental wellness initiative geared towards the well-being o f first responders. CSRIPS has consistently adapted to the evolving needs o f the fire service community. These pro grams and the institute's innova tive training methods set CSRIPS apart in its field.
TOFILE# 0 1 2 5 2 4 1 0 1
aH I »
“ R ecognition on a state-level is a testament to the dedication and expertise o f CSRIPS staff, which includes over 100 part-time instructors from various agencies. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the institute's im pres sive track record, including a 100% state exam passing rate for the Firefighter I & II Class”, said Fire C hief Michael McNally. This award highlights CSRIPS's significant community outreach efforts and its role in hosting critical fire service p roj ects, such as the annual Job Fair & Career Expo and the Fire Explorer/Cadet Competition. These initiatives not only aid in profes sional development, but also fo s ter community engagement and support. For more information about the Coral Springs Regional Insti tute o f Public Safety and its pro grams, please visit www.csrips.org.
CHUCK LOWE
Cedar Hammock runs a 2018 Pierce Enforcer PUC1500/500/100' Ascendant platform as Ladder Co 219.
CHUCK LOWE
- MICHAEL MOSER Bradenton operates a 2022 Pierce Enforcer PUC 1500/750 as Engine Co 431.
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
FLORIDA
CIR0NE PHOTOS
CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT
Captain Neita and Lieutenant Rabaglia
Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Prom otions CORAL SPRINGS, FL - The CSPFD is happy to announce the promotion o f Captain Rohan Neita and Lieutenant Stephanie Rabaglia. Captain Neita joined our depart ment in July 1998 as a volunteer fire fighter. He was hired full-time as a firefighter/paramedic in July o f 2000. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012 and has worked in this role until his recent promotion to captain. Throughout his career. Captain Neita has received one lifesaving commen dation, two unit citations, and one
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meritorious duty commendation. Lieutenant Rabaglia was hired in March 2019, but began her passion for the fire service several years be fore while an active member o f our fire explorer program. Lieutenant Rabaglia was also a member o f the Coral Springs High School Fire fighter 1Program prior to graduating high school. Lieutenant Rabaglia has
earned three unit citations during her career and has committed many hours o f her own time assisting with public education programs as the Coral Springs Professional Fire fighter Benevolent Association So cial Media Coordinator. We are proud o f both o f these newly promoted members and are confident they will bring amazing leadership to their respective crews
- MICHAEL MOSER
Southern Manatee & Cedar Hammock Tag Team House Fire BRADENTON, FL - Just before midnight on February 8th, Southern Manatee Fire & Cedar Hammock Fire were dis patched to a reported fire in Casa Loma Mobile Home Park. On arrival, heavy smoke and fire was coming from the back of the structure. First units found a well-involved shed with extension into the main structure. Due to the lack of hydrants, a secondalarm was hit for water shuttle. One occupant of the house was checked by EMS. The shed required foam to extinguish. The Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced residents.
LITTLE 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.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.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, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
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March/April, 2024
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FLORIDA
Seminole County Fire Department Celebrates Opening of New Fire Station 11 Facility Serving Altamonte Springs SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (January 19, 2024) - The Seminole County Fire Department in part nership with the Seminole County Board o f County Commissioners and the City o f Alta monte Springs, re cently celebrated the opening o f the brand new Fire Station 11, located at 2721 S. Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Altamonte Springs. The $5.78 million station was built less than a quarter mile from its original home, allowing the sta tion to continue serving its existing first-due area o f nearly 13,000 res idents while providing ample space to house the station’ s increased ca pabilities and meet the needs o f a growing community. The land for the station, located adjacent to the Altamonte Springs SunRail Sta tion, was generously donated by the City o f Altamonte Springs. The City also contributed $2 million to ward the construction costs. Fire Station 11 was originally constructed in 1974 on State Road 427. It was then relocated in 1978 to the larger City o f Altamonte Springs municipal com plex on Newburyport Avenue. The station served residents as part o f the A l tamonte Springs Fire Department until its merger with the Seminole County Fire Department in 2002. SCFD’ s founding Fire Chief, Gary Kaiser, even started his career at Fire Station 11. The new station, based on the same design from CT Hsu + A sso ciates as Fire Station 29 in Jamestown/Oviedo, includes 10,300 total square feet o f living and apparatus space that incorpo rates updates based on firefighters’ feedback. The facility includes a slate o f m odem safety features, in cluding a direct source exhaust capture system for apparatus, a self-contained PPE storage room, a fueling depot, and an emergency standby generator. Crew facilities include a kitchen, sleeping quar ters, offices, fitness equipment, and EMS supply storage. Three appa ratus bays house vehicles and equipment to support a variety o f response capabilities, including Engine 11, Rescue 11, Boat 11 for water rescues/responses. Woods Tmck 11 for wildland firefighting andATV 11 for trails responses. “ Fire Station 11 has a special place in our department’ s 50-year history, and our opening o f a new home for it represents an important new chapter in that history,”said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “Station 11 has been a fix ture in this community for decades, and the Seminole County Fire D e partment has been privileged to be
SEMINOLE COUNTY FIRE DEPT. its steward for more than 20 years. Afire station is more than a building - it’ s a home for our crews, a hub for our lifesaving capabilities, and a place that embraces the community it proudly serves. This new fire sta tion allows our crews to do their job faster, safer, and more effectively, to the benefit o f the residents they serve.” “This station represents a key part o f the important relationship we have with our valued City o f Alta monte Springs municipal partner,” said Seminole County Board o f County Commissioners Chair Jay Zembower. “The safety and w ell being o f our residents is a responsi bility that transcends jurisdictional boundaries. Our residents can rest easy at night knowing that we are working together to ensure they continue to receive the effective and efficient public safety services that make Seminole County a great place to live.” “When the City first proposed this partnership to Seminole County to relocate the existing fire station to another city-owned property, we knew this would be a true win for both our first responders as well as taxpayers,”said City o f Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates. “ We were thrilled when the County was recep tive. Local governments should work together to create better serv ice delivery and better outcomes for our residents and businesses.”
Last year. Fire Station 11 ran more than 6,465 responses and it is currently Seminole County Fire D e partment’ s fourth busiest station. Today, it serves more than 12,896 residents and 5,466 households in
its first due area. Crews at Fire Sta tion 11 remain committed to serving the community by participating in smoke alarm installs with the Amer ican Red Cross o f Central Florida and leading education programs
with local schools and the East A l tamonte Boys & Girls Club, located less than a mile from the new sta tion.
- DOREEN OVERSTREET
SEMINOLE COUNTY FIRE DEPT.
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
March/April, 2024
PAGE 15
Thanks to West Manatee Fire District for sponsoring another Wildland Urban Interface S-215 training. Two dozen firefighters and prescribed fire firefighters attended this 3-day course. The first two days were spent in class learning how to triage houses in the interface. On the third day, students were given a house to triage. This course is a NWCG and Florida Serp-FCDICE approved.
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CIRONE PHOTOS
Students came from all corners of the state for this class.
CIRONE PHOTOS
The first two days were in the classroom.
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
FLORIDA
SEMINOLE COUNTY FD PROVIDED
U.S Navy & Seminole Tamarac Fire Rescue Advanced County FD & Seminole Life Support Team Brings Home Sheriff's Office Conduct Joint Training Exercise Covenant Florida Cup During Daytona Deach Navy Week SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (February 19, 2024) - The United States Navy recently collaborated with the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) and the Seminole County Sheriff’ s O ffice (SCSO) for a joint training exer cise during Daytona Beach Navy Week. This cooperative effort aimed to foster a meaningful ex change o f knowledge between ac tive-duty Sailors and first responders, strengthening the bond between military and civ il ian emergency services. The scenario, carefully crafted for training purposes, facilitated a hands-on experience for both Navy personnel and Seminole County em ergency responders along with personnel from the D o mestic Security D ivision from the Seminole County Sheriff’ s O ffice Personnel will rotate through three stations: -Extrication Seminole County Fire Department person nel and U.S. Navy worked to gether on extrication exercises with SC F D ’ s Special Hazards & Operations Team. -High-angle R escue - SCFD personnel and U.S. Navy prac ticed high-angle rappelling from the 3rd floor o f the Training Tower with SCFD ’ s Tower Team. -Bomb Squad & D ron es personnel from Seminole County
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Sheriff’ s O ffice B om b Squad unit and the U.S. Navy had their bomb squad robots. SCFD show cased drones. “ About 10% o f our firefight ers are military veterans,” said Seminole County Fire C hief Matt Kinley. “So, having the Navy here as part o f a subject matter expert exchange was extremely meaning ful and engaging to all members involved. We thank the U.S. Navy for their service and our Seminole County Fire Training Facility was proud to be am ong their tour stops.” Daytona Beach Navy Week was one o f 15 Navy Weeks to take place in 2024, which brings a va riety o f assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a w eeklong series o f engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 m illion people— about half the U.S. population. Special thanks to M ission B B Q for providing lunch to the participants and Barista Cup for providing coffee.
- DOREEN OVERSTREET
TAMARAC, FL - For the first time in Broward County, an Ad vanced Life Support Team wins the Florida Cup in the last competition o f the year in Doral, Florida. Team Tamarac earns the bragging rights as the best o f the best, or as described in the Florida Cup rules, “ the best medics are the most consistent ones.” Tamarac finished in third place at the Navra competition in Novem ber, fourth place in the Clin Con
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competition in July, first place at the Randy Boaz, first place and First There First Care and to complete the year, first place at the Panther Chal lenge. This team, led by Captain Michael Boyhan, also traveled to Spain to compete in the 2023 World Rescue Challenge and won first
place in the Trauma Standard Sce nario and 11th overall. Members o f the team consist o f Capt. Boyhan, Lt. Mais, Lt. Curbelo and FF/PM Avril. Members traveled to Orlando to receive the Florida Cup from the Florida Fire Chief’ s Association. Congratulations to the team and we look forward to some great com petition in 2024!
- VAN SCHOEN
BUDDY SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our Buddy Shot feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
CIRONE PHOTOS
Duette Firefighters Tim Hillman and Brady Backhoff at a recent prescribed fire at Moony Branch Preserve in Duette.
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FLORIDA
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
CHANGE OF QUARTERS
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Aircraft”feature, please up load them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Change o f Quarters”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
CIRONE PHOTOS
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Lighthouse Point Firefighters moved into their new home, located at 2101 NE 36th St, in November of 2022. The two-story facility has three drive-through bays that allow for the department's current and future needs. It also has a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center that is built to withstand a category 5 hurricane. The new Station 22 is located a short distance from their former fire house on 22nd Ave. That building was repurposed by the City.
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March/April, 2024
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PCFD
Advanced L ife S upport S ervice Program Expands in P aulding County PROVIDED
(Lto R): EMA Director Stephen M. Dooley, Dave Fuller, EMA Deputy Director Eve Cogsdell
P au lding C ounty EMA V o lu n te e r Dave F u lle r P resented w ith V o lu n te e r A p p re c ia tio n Aw ard DALLAS, G A - On W ednes day, January 24, 2024 Paulding County Emergency Management A gency volunteer Dave Fuller was presented with a Volunteer Appreciation Award in recogn i tion for his dedication and leader ship for the past 15 years as the Emergency Coordinator for Paulding County Amateur Radio Emergency Service. He served in this volunteer leadership position from 2008-2023. As the Emergency Coordina tor, Dave Fuller was responsible for leading Paulding County ARES volunteers through plan ning, preparedness, and response phases o f emergency management to support Paulding County EMA. In addition to his duties with the organization, he worked with Paulding County EM A to organize ARES volunteers for planned community events and emergency
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response. When presenting the award, Paulding County EM A Director Stephen M. D ooley said, “Orga nized and vetted volunteers are on the front line o f any disaster re sponse. We are able to accomplish our agency goals and assist our community partners as w ell as neighboring counties to the level that we do with the support o f our EM A Volunteers.” Paulding County EM A is truly appreciative to Dave for his serv ice to Paulding County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Pauld ing County Emergency M anage ment Agency, and the community as a whole.
DALLAS, GA, January 8, 2024 - Two years after successfully launching Paulding County Fire & Rescue’ s Advanced Life Support (ALS) program, the department again expands its rapidresponse Paramedic capability. On the morning o f January 8th, ALS Rescue 9 was commissioned for service and is now responding to 911 emergencies 7 x 24 x 365. Headquartered at Fire Station #9 on Pine Valley Road, in the southeastern part o f Paulding County, ALS Res cue 9 shares a home with Engine 9 and its experienced crew. Following today’ s commission ing, three ALS Rescues (4,9,and 11) are available countywide. They are each staffed with licensed Para medics and equipped with advanced
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A medical tools, drugs, and protocols. Advanced Life Support includes emergencies such as cardiac arrest, chest pain, difficulty breathing, res piratory distress, stroke, seizures, un conscious patients, significant trauma, and childbirth. Chief Joey Pelfrey commented, “ Besides fire suppression. Advanced Life Support capabilities is one o f the most important services we can pro vide. When ALS Rescues 4 and 11 went into service, the impact was al most immediate in treating critical patients. This has been one o f the most successful launches in the his tory o f our department, so we are
thrilled to expand the number o f ALS Rescue’ s. Our ALS teams give highacuity patients the best chance o f sur vival by responding with the right personnel & equipment - quickly. It is another major milestone helping enhance medical care for Paulding County citizens.” In November o f 2021, Georgia’ s Department o f Public Health’ s Office o f EMS & Trauma, and Paulding County’ s Medical Director, approved PCFD’ s request to upgrade from Basic Life Support (BLS) to the higher ALS designation. Over the two years since the department earned its ALS license, it has re sponded to more than 1,400 ad vanced life support calls.
- STEVE MAPES
nIRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on oui website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
- PAULDING COUNTY EMA
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In January, on duty crews from multiple Pooler Fire Stations conducted extrication training at the LKQ Self Service auto salvage yard on Highway 80. Several vehicles were provided to allow training with both corded and battery powered extrication equipment. For some of Pooler’s newest firefight ers, this was the first real opportunity to use some of the newest extrication equipment that was re cently purchased and placed into service.
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March/April, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA
The C onnecticut Fire Service Experience ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
The Connecticut Fire Service Experience By Kevin M cKeon Available from: FSP B ooks & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528
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Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $35.00 This b ook is soft cover, 8 Vi inches by 11 inches, with 138 pages. It is Volume 3-our heritage and our future. My regret is that I was unaware o f the first two v o l umes, and by now they are sold out (which is g o o d news for the author). He is a retired career lieu tenant. My immediate impression while reading this book is that he, the author, is having “ the time o f his life” doing what he loves, which is writing about photo graphing Connecticut fire appara tus and the history behind them. The forward is by a friend o f mine, Mark Redman, retired from the Bristol FD. Mark is a skilled artist, and on the inside cover has a m ag nificent drawing o f a 1936 N ew Haven Seagrave tiller. Back then, their trucks had a deck gun behind the cab which in my opinion is com m on sense because where does the truck position at a fire? In front o f the building! A go od place for the deck gun to be. Another friend involved is Glenn Vincent, who wrote the forward o f one o f the previous volumes. Neverthe less, in the chapters each o f the eight state counties is represented by photos o f personnel and expe riences and a multitude o f magnif icent color apparatus photos. A friend o f mine who knows that au thor says that he aspired to photo graph every apparatus in Connecticut, which is an ongoing task that is never com plete b e cause trucks are bought every year. With the help from many, the ac knowledgements take up seven single spaced pages. D on ’ t forget to check out the special feature in the back o f the book. Before this segment is a list o f the Connecticut Firefighter Hall o f Fame members. Take my word for it, if you have an interest in history and fire appa ratus, this is a book you will want in your collection. Order it before it sells out like the other volumes!
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Fatal House Fire in Paulding County DALLAS, G A -A t 10:56 P.M. on Saturday, January 13th, Pauld ing County 911 received a call from a resident located at 588 F lo rence Road, in unincorporated Douglasville, saying his house was on fire and that a family member was trapped inside the residence. Several additional 911 calls also reported seeing flames com ing from a neighbor’ s home. Seven minutes after dispatch (at 11:03 P.M.), Engine 9 and R es cue 9 arrived on the scene to find a modular home fully involved in flames. E9’ s crew encountered a distraught resident in the front yard who told fire personnel he did not think his stepson was able to get out. E9 & R9 attempted to enter the home to execute search & res cue operations, but extreme fire conditions hindered access to the interior. Within minutes, addi tional PCFD units arrived on the scene joining the fire suppression operation as w ell as attempts at rescuing the trapped victim. Un-
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fortunately, a short time after the fire was brought under control, a 59-year-old male was located in side the home with severe burns and was pronounced deceased on the scene. As is policy, anytime fire claims the life o f a citizen, PC F D ’ s Investigators requested assistance from the State o f G eor gia’ s Fire Marshall. The initial in vestigation cites a kerosene space heater accidentally being knocked over, causing the fire and its rapid spread throughout the residence. Paulding County’ s M edical Examiner will release information on the deceased victim pending notification o f next-of-kin. Engines 2, 5, 9, ALS R escue 9, Squad 1, Truck 2, and several command officers responded to the incident.
- PAUL GARRETT
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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.
Forcible Entry llnstructing forcible entry tech niques isn’t as much about the practical methods as it is about a mindset; it's about thinking about the best way to gain entry to a building or ve hicle as safely and efficiently as possible. This is not to say that a firefighter doesn’t have to practice forcing open a door with a set of irons or using a key to unlock the exterior doors of a grounded elevator. As mentioned, those are prac tical skills that need repetition to form muscle memory. No, forcible entry is more about maintaining your composure because ultimately when a fire fighter “loses it” and relies more on brute force rather than intelligence and leverage, then the process of gaining ac cess takes longer. That not only puts potential victims in more danger, but also them selves as firefighters end up using more energy and re sources including air from their cylinders. Realistically, there is only one reason why forcible entry is necessary and that is to ex tract a potential victim from smoke and/or fire. So, in any given forcible entry scenario the stakes are automatically high and it can be easy to lose your focus. So, how then would a fire instructor go about teaching forcible entry emphasizing intelligence and cunning versus brute force? More importantly, how would an instructor then make the connection so that firefighters realize that using intelligence and leverage almost always guarantees a focused attack. There are two main branches to emphasize; the practical as pect being the first, and the second highlights thinking under duress. Although both can be taught separately, they intertwine in a positive feed back model and build off one another. Relative to the practical side
there really aren't many limits to not only the skills taught, but also the format in which they are presented. The reason for this is the seemingly end less tools at our disposal to gain access. For example, an instructor can set up stations in one drill where a lock board with several types of locks that would necessitate a K-tool kit can be balanced with several other stops like using a K12 saw to cut rebar to simulate a wrought iron gate or bars around windows. Of course, no forcible entry drill would be complete without a door simu lator for firefighters to practice prying open a door using a set of irons. Still, forcible entry can also be taught in a series of drills teaching to mastery one skill or tool at a time.
be interpreted another way. This popular expression can also translate to “think before you break”. Granted in a forcible entry situation fire fighters may not have the lux ury of time, it still needs to be emphasized that the best method to gain access is think ing. When faced with a forcible entry situation, thinking (try) before acting (pry) will have
the effect of helping to keep your composure. Think first, devise a plan and then act on it accordingly. Ultimately, your forcible entry technique should match the situation. For example, blocking your access is an eight-foot driveway gate. Plan one (“TRY”) could be try ing the lock or if possible, using a key from a knox box while plan two (“PRY”) could be using an A-frame ladder to get over it fast and efficiently and on your way to your victim or a K12 saw to cut the lock or hinges. Even if your first plan fails, maintaining the ability to think and quickly devising a second plan is not only crucial for any given situation, it is also crucial for an instructor while training firefighters to demonstrate the importance of staying calm and the connec tion between and how thinking (trying before prying) begets staying poised and in control.
Although the emphasis here has been to think, keep in mind that being aggressive is also acceptable, depending on the situation. It should be “intelli gently aggressive”. For exam ple, leverage is better than strength and knowing your tools and where they are on your truck is better than bring ing the wrong tool or not being able to find the correct tool. Last note is to check out the video at this link: https://youtu.be/bmBFaD3roRs . What is most remarkable is how calm the firefighter in volved is throughout the situa tion. Think, try before you pry, staying calm as a result and get the job done safely. -JOSEPH CEA
CHANGE OF QUARTERS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Change o f Quarters”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
A cautionary note here is war ranted and that is to make sure that any forcible entry lesson plans and drills match what firefighters in your district are likely going to encounter. Rural residential districts likely will not have bars on the windows as much as an urban situation, and so why develop a forcible entry drill that has little if any application. Aware ness is great and necessary, but practicality is going to be the order of the day. Obvi ously, when skills are prac ticed to mastery when they are put into play, firefighters are going to be able to stay fo cused on their task fully know ing they have what it takes to get the job done. Enter the second branch that is arguably the more difficult aspect to instruct; using the most important and effective tool available to firefighters, i.e. your brain. We have all heard the phrase “try before you pry”. Whereas the practi cal application of this phrase is simply to try the door knob before you use a Halligan and flathead ax to force and bust open the front door it can also
CHRIS DILLEY
Pooler Fire Rescue Station #5 is located on Jimmy Deloach Parkway in Pooler, GA. Station 5 is a 5600-square-foot building featuring twin pull-through apparatus bays, and is the fourth new station constructed since 2008. Engine 605 and Truck 605 are both housed here with the crew cross staffing both apparatus, with Truck 605 being the primary staffed apparatus. Future plans for Pooler Fire Res cue are to expand the staffing and have two staffed fire companies operating out of Station 5.
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March/April, 2024
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.
PROVIDED
New Technology Playing Role in Diagnosing Strokes ROME, GA, Jan. 19, 2023 Atrium Elealth Floyd Medical Cen ter is now using patient-centered technology to better diagnose and monitor those who have suffered a stroke. RapidAI can help reduce the time it takes to receive treatment and improve outcomes for stroke patients. CT perfusion is an addi tional imaging tool that can deter mine if the patient has a blockage and can help determine how much brain tissue in the area is salvage able. The same technology is avail able at Atrium Elealth Floyd Chero kee Medical Center and Atrium Elealth Floyd Polk Medical Center and will soon be included at the stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County. “Time is vital when it comes to stroke treatment,”said Bre Merrell, stroke coordinator o f the hospital’ s Stroke Center o f Excellence. “ The quicker strokes can be diagnosed and treated, the better it is for the pa tient.” With these Food and Drug Ad ministration (EDA)-cleared tools, Floyd’ s stroke team now can detect suspected brain bleeds and blood vessel blockages more quickly and effectively. “ RapidAI and CT Perfusion are a game changer,”said Ches Ely, di rector o f Imaging Services for Atrium Elealth Floyd. “We can get accurate results communicated to the Stroke Care Team faster and even with other facilities, improving patient outcomes.” Imaging results can be shared through a mobile app, allowing Floyd’ s stroke team to quickly col laborate on the next steps for patient
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treatment. Atrium Elealth Floyd Medical Center is a Certified Primary Stroke Center and can begin treating peo ple experiencing a stroke within an hour o f their arrival, preserving brain cells and increasing the oppor tunity for recovery and survival. The hospital has an acute stroke team available 24/7 that can be at the bedside within 15 minutes and can administer clot busting medica tion. A bout Atrium Health Floyd The Atrium Elealth Floyd fam ily o f health care services is a lead ing medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Elealth Floyd is part o f Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Elealth, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination o f Atrium Elealth and Advocate Aurora Elealth. Atrium Elealth Floyd employs more than 3,500 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at three hospitals: Atrium Elealth Floyd Medical Center - a 304-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Elealth Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Elealth Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; as well as Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health - a freestanding 53-bed be havioral health facility in Rome and also primary care and urgent care network locations throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Al
abama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia. About Advocate Health Advocate Health is the thirdlargest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States - cre ated from the combination o f Advo cate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illi nois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health out comes, consumer experience and value-based care, with Wake Forest University School o f Medicine serv ing as the academic core o f the en terprise. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million pa tients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its ex pertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilita tion, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. A dvo cate Health employs nearly 155,000 team members across 68 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one o f the nation’ s largest graduate medical education pro grams with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 pro grams. Committed to equitable care for all. Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual commu nity benefits.
- MICHAEL COLOMBO
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to Calhoun Fire Department, located in Gordon County, GA. Calhoun Fire Department was established in 1888.
Read m ore new s fro m around G eorgia on o u r w e b s ite ! w w w .1 rb n .c o m
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Is Organic Food W orth the Money? HOLISTIC HEALTH
DEE DEE DIMINO L et’ s say y ou have a ch oice betw een purchasing an organic apple that costs one dollar and a non-organic apple that costs twenty-five cents; how w ould you decide w hich has m ore value to you? A true, organic apple is tradi tionally grow n — pure, un processed, free o f chem icals, fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic, artificial additives, industrial sol vents and G M O s (genetically m odified organisms). This is the way an apple is meant to be, the way our ancestors enjoyed it. Through the use o f harmful ch em icals and procedures as mentioned above, the non-organic apple is stripped o f m ost o f its nu tritional value. These unhealthy chem icals and procedures invite bad bacteria into the body, caus ing p oor gut health and many dis eases. L et’ s talk about GM Os. G e netic engineering is a m assive human experiment, and the health risks are enormous. G M O s are in 80% o f processed foods. A seed is injected so it w ill grow b ig and fast. The surrounding ground is then sprayed with pesticides to keep bugs away. O n ce the plant grows, m ore pesticides are used. This G M O p rocess changes the D N A o f the produce, and along with the other chem ical fertilizers used, are located in the cell o f the produce, where neither can be washed off. G M O s pok e holes in our gut, causing bacteria to leak into our bloodstream and brain. Studies show that when an insect bites into a GM O-altered plant, its stom ach ex plodes alm ost im mediately. So, im agine what it is doin g to us. Som e health issues caused by G M O s are asthma, auto immune deficiency, infertil ity, allergies, organ dam age— What? Organ damage? Now, le t’ s talk about one o f the synthetic chem icals used in non-organic fo o d s called glyphosate. This is a genetically engineered herbicide meant to kill
weeds. In many cases, doctors do not know the sym ptom s o f when w e ingest GM Os, glyphosate, and other pesticides like these; so they ju st treat the symptoms. Som e is sues caused by glyphosate are p oo r digestion, asthma, cancers, skin irritation, and many other ail ments that som e in the m edical field con sider part o f the normal aging process. C laim s are made that GM Os, glyphosate, and other ch em icals like these, have no impact on the environment and are perfectly safe for us to ingest. Yet, there are law yers on television constantly en couraging us to file lawsuits against the makers o f these prod ucts, listing bunches o f diseases they may have caused when used. Even i f not genetically m odi fied, conventional fo o d s sprayed with chem ical fertilizers, in any amount, cannot be considered clean. These chem icals keep accu mulating in our organs. I f you grew a tomato plant at home, w ould y ou spray it with chem ical fertilizers and pesticides and then give it to your kids or eat it your self? N ot likely! Then why w ould w e think it is okay to buy it from the supermarket that way? N ow that w e are becom in g more aware, w e should eat organic fo od s as often as w e possibly can. R ead the PLU (Price L ook Up) sticker on the product. I f it has 5 digits and starts with a ‘ 9’ , it is an organic product. I f it has 4 digits and starts with a ‘ 3’or ‘ 4’ , it is a conventional product. I f it has 5 digits and starts with an ‘ 8’ , it is a G M O product. B e aware that ‘ 8’is not often used by many vendors anymore. You m ight have to in vestigate further. Just sim ply start where you are by switching from non-organic to organic foods. Yes! Organic fo o d s are m ore expensive. H ow ever, w ou ldn ’ t you prefer enjoying fo o d s that are healthier for you rather than spending your m oney on trying to regain you r health from unhealthy fo od s? You choose.
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Dee Dee DiMino Health Coach & Educator Awakening to Wellness, LLC dyminl4@bellsouth.net www.deedeedimino.com
(Views Expressed Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this ar ticle are the author's own and do not reflect the view o f 1st Respon der News.)
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March/April, 2024
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March/April, 2024
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