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DECEMBER, 2016
GARAGE FIRE WITH EXTENSION IN DANIELSON
JOSH MALONEY
Danielson, CT - Around 1:00 A.M. on October 14th, Danielson FD, along with mutual aid companies from Williamsville, Dayville, South Killingly and FAST teams from Moosup and Atwood Hose, responded to a garage fire behind 509 Main Street. The first arriving officer found the garage to be fully involved.
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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December, 2016
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MAINE
CARA WILLIAMS
Rangeley Fire Rescue Makes Quick Save at Structure Fire
Rangeley, ME - Rangeley Fire/Rescue had an excellent save on October 27th after timber that was resting on a chimney in the ceiling of a one-and-ahalf story home on Quimby Pond Road caused a fire to ignite and spread. Franklin Dispatch dropped tones at 12:21 P.M. and Rangeley Fire
arrived on-scene at 12:30 P.M. A total of 17 members responded to the scene, along with Northstar Ambulance, Rangeley PD and mutual aid from Eustis Fire and Phillips Fire. All apparatus were out of the stations and on the road within two minutes. Great teamwork resulted in saving the struc-
ture, which only suffered about $40,000 worth of damages. Rangeley couldn't have done this without their extensive training and the unwaivering support from the employers that allowed 17 members to respond! - CARA WILLIAMS
CARA WILLIAMS
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 21, No.12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in e r r o r . A division of: Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
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Students learning how to stay low.
CARA WILLIAMS
Rangeley Fire Rescue Participates in Fire Prevention Week Rangeley, ME - It’s all about the kids in Rangeley! When Rangeley Fire/Rescue isn’t training or on calls, they focus on the kids in the community. From Christmas and Halloween parties, to Fire Prevention and check- JUMP TO FILE# ing out the stations, 102816115 they believe that making education fun also makes it more memorable. Not to mention, most of them are just big kids at heart! This is why Fire Prevention week is very busy for Rangeley up in the mountains. By teaching the younger generation safety and prevention, their hope is that in the time of emergency, the kids will know what to do. During Fire Prevention Week 2016, Rangeley Fire/Rescue visited grades K-3 at the Rangeley Regional School. To say the kids were excited to see the trucks rolling up would be an understatement. In grades K-1, the children learned how to “stay low”, stopdrop-and-roll, and even had a visit from Smokey the Bear and his friend, Ranger Tom Lillis of the Maine Forest Rangers. Grades 2
and 3 were focused on evacuation plans and getting out safely. Of course, the biggest attraction was getting to explore Engines 4 and 2 up close! To follow up their visit to the school, they also hosted an open house at Station-1. There, they had Smokey, door prizes, coloring, snacks and giveaways. Everyone, young and old, got to check out all of our trucks, try on the gear and have their pictures taken. Rangeley was also joined by their friends at Northstar Ambulance and Rangeley Police Department. There were a lot of wide eyed faces during the extrication demonstration, as parents and children got to see and hear exactly what happens if there’s an accident and they come to help them. Rangeley Fire/Rescue takes a lot of pride in educating their community, the children being the biggest part of that. They try to give them as much information as possible in hopes that they will remember what to do if and when the need arises. In a couple of years, they might even have some new Junior Firefighters sign up with them! - CARA WILLIAMS
CARA WILLIAMS
Kids and adults didn't miss this photo op during Open House!
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December, 2016
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In memory of those who gave all
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Nevada: Yaphet Miller, 43 Rank: Captain Incident Date: September 23, 2016 Death Date: October 5, 2016 Fire Department: North Las Vegas Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Yaphet Miller succumbed to a medical injury suffered after working a multi-alarm fire in a shopping plaza that damaged six businesses on September, 23rd. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
tus with getting back into service. While at home the following morning, Bichler collapsed in the driveway of his residence. Emergency 911 was called and his home department, Evesham Fire Department, responded along with paramedics for the medical call. Firefighter Bichler was found to be in cardiac arrest. His fellow fire department members performed CPR and transported him to a local hospital where he succumbed.
New Jersey: Joseph Bichler, 66 Rank: Senior Firefighter Incident Date: October 30, 2016 Death Date: October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Evesham Fire-Rescue (Evesham Fire District #1) Initial Summary: Firefighter Bichler responded to two fire calls on October 30, 2016. These calls were at 1302hrs and 2340hrs, respectively. For both calls, he responded to the station and stood-by until fire apparatus returned and then assisted the appara-
Ohio: Adam Long, 44 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 31, 2016 Death Date: October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Defense Supply Center Columbus Fire and Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Adam Long suffered a massive cardiac arrest while on-duty. Fellow responders treated Long and transported him to the hospital, but despite all efforts, Firefighter Long passed away.
Colorado: Jermaine Frye, 31 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: October 25, 2016 Death Date: October 29, 2016 Fire Department: Cimarron Hills Fire Department Initial Summary: The day after being released from the hospital for treatment of a work-related injury he sustained during training, Firefighter/Paramedic Frye was found at his home in cardiac arrest. According to the fire department, Wescott Fire Protection District responders tried unsuccessfully to revive Frye, but he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.
Wisconsini: John C. Brocker, 65 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 31, 2016 Death Date:October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Town of Oneida Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Brocker responded on a fire unit to a single vehicle vs. utility pole crash. The vehicle was occupied by five teenagers, one of whom died from injuries sustained. Upon arrival, Brocker advised the department chief he was having chest pain. After sitting down, he was given oxygen and began to feel better. A short time later, Firefighter Brocker collapsed in full arrest at the scene. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI, where he passed away.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
LACONIA FD
Deputy Chief Fran Zombeck on his last day.
Rochester, NH - Deputy Chief Fran Zombeck recently retired from the Rochester Fire Department after 28-years of service to Lilac City. Chief Zombeck joined the Rochester Fire Department in 1988 and quickly rose through the ranks to Captain in 1991 and again to Deputy Chief in 1997. He was the third in Command of the City of Rochester Fire Department and was responsible for training both the paid and call fire department force.
PAUL DOLNIER
He was also in charge of all building and equipment maintenance and direct assistant to the City of Rochester Emergency Management director. He will be sadly missed by all those he worked for and with, and also by the residents of Rochester. We thank him for his service and wish him the best with his retirement! - PAUL DOLNIER
Crews Respond to First-Alarm House Fire in Laconia Laconia, NH - On October 27th at 1:31 P.M., the Laconia, Belmont and Gilford Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire located at 38 Belvidere Street. Gilford was unable to fill the assignment, as they were already working a serious motor vehicle crash at the time. Laconia Engine-1 was on the road, just coming in service from an alarm activation. Assistant Chief Beattie was first on-scene, with nothing showing from a two-and-a-half story wood frame, multi-family
JUMP TO FILE #110716104 dwelling. The second-floor occupant stated that smoke was coming out of her walls and floor. As he conducted a walk around, smoke started pushing from the first-floor "B/C" corner. Within moments, he had smoke showing from both the first and second floors. He then requested a firstalarm. Engine-1, Ladder-1 and Ambulance-2 arrived on-scene and an
attack line was stretched to the rear, first-floor entrance. Fire was now visible in the kitchen area. Crews had to force entry to the first-floor. The Weirs crew arrived with Engine-5 and Ladder-2 and started a back-up line. This line was quickly re-routed to the second-floor to check for extension. Belmont arrived and assisted with opening up the kitchen area. The fire was contained to the firstfloor kitchen, with smoke damage to the entire building. - LACONIA FD
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December, 2016
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Beloved Rochester Retired Firefighter Passes Away at 64 Rochester, NH - The Rochester Fire Department sadly announced the recent passing of Tim Kenaley, 64, who according to Fire Chief Norman Sanborn, served the City of Rochester proudly from 1979 until his retirement in 1999. "Timmy was a downright nice guy who would do anything for anybody," said Chief Sanborn, who worked with Kenaley for the 20 years that he worked in the city. He was very involved in the Toy Bank program and actively played Santa Claus for the annual holiday party, sponsored by the fire department. Even after his re-
OLD & NEW
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them onour website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JUMP TO FILE #102416113 tirement, Tim was still very active in the department retirement parties and also helped out with the department community events each year. Tim Kenaley is survived by his wife and two children. His fire department was working with his family to organize a special event to celebrate his life and his 20year fire department career. - PAUL DOLNIER
PAUL DOLNIER
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.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Rochester, NH - On October 6th, the Rochester Fire Department retired it's 1985 R Series Mack Engine-7 that was bought and put into active service in 1985, serving the Lilac City with pride for 31 years. It was sold to the Acton Fire Department in Maine and picked up by its Chief, where it left the city of Rochester for the last time as Engine-7. It was replaced by a 2017 Mack with a 3000-gallon tank and a detachable side portable tank unit, along with a quick dump ability that allows the new Engine-7 to release the whole 3000-gallons into the portable tank within minutes, allowing it to then be refilled quickly.
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them onour website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BELMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT
Belmont, NH - Have you ever wondered what Belmont FD looked like from the bucket of the Tower?!
PORTSMOUTH NH FIRE DEPT.
Portsmouth, NH - Having successfully completed their 12 month probationary periods, Firefighters Carrier and Chamberlain were sworn in as permanent members of the Portsmouth Fire Department in September at the Fire Commission meeting. Congratulations to both!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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December, 2016
VERMONT
EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Watercraft” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
GREG RAMSDELL
Two-Car Crash Leaves One Person Trapped GREG RAMSDELL
Swanton, VT - Swanton Firefighters responded to the Missisquoi River on Route 78 in West Swanton for an overturned boat on October 23rd. The firefighters responded in Swanton's 13 Marine 1 and confirmed that there was no one in the boat, the boat had only broke loose due to high winds. Firefighters recovered the boat safely and there were no reported injuries.
Swanton, VT - At approximately 7:50 P.M. on November 7th, the Swanton Fire Department, along with Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR) Units 1 and 2 and the Swanton Police Department (SPD), responded to Maquam Shore Road for reports of an MVA. Two cars collided when a silver car was pulling out of a driveway at the same time that a red car was traveling North on Maquam Shore Road. There were a total of three patients, but only one was transported to the hospital. AmCare Ambulance was called in for a paramedic to assist with pain management. A person in the silver car had to be cut out of the vehicle by Swanton firefighters. The extent of injuries sustained was unknown. SPD is investigating the crash.
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PAGE 12
December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Responding To Gas Emergencies STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
The following article appeared in this column a few years back, in reference to responding to gas leaks, and will serve as a refresher. Responding to a reported odor of gas or a possible gas leak can result in either a minor problem, or a much more hazardous condition, depending on the situation. It may be a pilot light that has gone out on a gas appliance, or a major catastrophic leak resulted in an explosion, causing a fire as witnessed recently in news articles. Having an SOG covering response to gas emergencies will provide you with initial operating procedures that can be modified as the situation warrants. As always, the first priority is the safety of responders and the public when responding to a gas emergency. 1. Personnel responding to a natural gas emergency should be dressed in full protective clothing and SCBA at all times. 2. If a gas leak is detected, request the local gas company to respond. 3. Evacuate the affected area by at least 150-feet, increase area as may be deemed necessary. 4. Deny access to the area. 5. Operate upwind whenever possible. 6. Locate a water supply in the event of fire or explosion. 7. Remove any possible sources of ignition. 8. Whenever a gas meter is shut off, it should never be turned back on by anyone other than the gas company. Restoration of gas service should be done by gas company personnel only. In addition, the following may also be included in your SOG: 1. Spot the apparatus a safe distance from the address of the leak. The first arriving company may enter the block area of the leak and other responding apparatus shall stage one block or a safe distance and preferably upwind of the leak and keep vehicles, spectators and/or occupants away. 2. Request traffic control by a police agency or fire police, if needed. 3. Consider evacuation of the structure and other exposures. 4. Try to determine if there is a gas leak and the area of involvement with Combustible Gas Meters. 5. If a gas leak is detected, notify the Gas Company and stand-by until arrival. 6. Evacuate any endangered occupants in the building, as well as the immediate area. 7. Ventilate structure by opening doors and windows from outside. 8. If using electric or gasoline fans, make sure that they are explosion-proof type and keep generators clear of the area. 9. Do not
ring doorbells and do not operate electric switches inside the building. 9. Natural gas is lighter than air, so always check upper levels above the leak site and place apparatus accordingly. 11. Propane is heavier than air and will gravitate to lower levels and should be checked. 12. Shut off gas supply at the meter or propane tank when possible. 13. Shut off electric power to the building to prevent appliances (refrigerator, oil burner, etc.) from coming on. 14. Suppress or remove all sources of ignition in the immediate area whenever possible. 15. Do not attempt to shut down main line gas valves; this should be done by trained gas company personnel. 16. Allow occupants back into the structure only after levels have been reduced to 0% and the gas company concurs. The above provides some initial suggestions as to what should be done upon response and what additional actions may also be taken into consideration. As mentioned previously, gas leaks can be very minor, or they can turn into a disaster in a matter of seconds. There are many variables that contribute to the emergency, such as the source of the leak, what is the location of the leak a building or in the street, how long has the gas been leaking prior to notification, and the potential ignition sources in the immediate area. Gas emergencies pose many dangers to responding personnel and members should be constantly aware of those hazards and maintain necessary precautions to protect themselves from possible injury and death, should a fire or explosion occur. Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
VERMONT
GREG RAMSDELL
GREG RAMSDELL
One-Car Rollover Results in Minor Injuries Highgate, VT - On October 21st, Highgate Fire Department, along with AmCare Ambulance Service and the Vermont State Police (VSP), responded to Machia Road for reports of a one-car rollover. The car was traveling north on Machia Road when the operator lost control and went off the road, rolling the car over onto its roof. Passerby's were able to get the driver out of the car. The operator received minor injuries but refused transport. VSP is investigating the crash.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
RHODE ISLAND
ON THE LITER SIDE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
PORTSMOUTH FD
Portsmouth, RI - Here is a drawing that Alaia made for her father, Portsmouth Firefighter Ismael Biurrun. Alaia pointed out to her Dad that he was in the picture on the “back step," firefighter lingo for the rear facing seats in the passenger compartment of a fire truck. Great job Alaia!
UNION FIRE DISTRICT OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN
Retired Deputy Chief Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
South Kingstown, RI - Congratulations to retired Union Fire District Deputy Chief Quinn on being awarded the RISFL's Lifetime Achievement Award on October 20th!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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RHODE ISLAND
Portsmouth Firefighters Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Portsmouth, RI - The Portsmouth Fire Department and the members of the Portsmouth Firefighters Association expressed their support to anyone and JUMP TO FILE# everyone that has 111116140 been effected by breast cancer by purchasing and wearing fundraising pink t-shirts during the month of October. - PORTSMOUTH FD
PORTSMOUTH FD
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
PETER LOBO
PROVIDED
Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association Sponsors Fireground Command Training Seminar Brewster, MA - On Saturday, November 5th, the Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association hosted a one-day fire command seminar titled “Command, Control, and Accountability� at the Captains Golf Course in Brewster. The instructor for this dynamic training program was North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire Department Deputy Chief Anthony Avillo (ret.), who is a nationally recognized speaker and author known for his dynamic presentations involving fireground command, strategy and tactics, and company officer leadership. During the program, which attracted approximately 100 firefighters from across Cape Cod and
JUMP TO FILE #111016100 the region, Deputy Chief Avillo used his many years of fireground experience and familiarity with current fire suppression strategy and tactics to deliver a variety of incident command alternatives, fireground command and control systems, and company officer leadership tips that fire officers and firefighters could use to improve their level of safety at emergency incidents. Using real life video and audio as the foundation of his presentation, Deputy Chief Avillo discussed subjects such as decision
making, size-up, incident command, safe driving, accountability, radio reports, apparatus placement and the deployment of effective strategy and tactics at structure fires. This is the fifth firefighter training event sponsored by the Barnstable County Fire Chiefs, who have made it their mission to bring dynamic, innovative, and highquality management, leadership and fire suppression training to Barnstable County firefighters, so that they are better prepared to respond to your requests for emergency services.
DRILLS/TRAINING
- ROBERT MORAN
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
PETER LOBO
Waltham Firefighters Respond to Structure Fire Waltham, MA - Waltham firefighters responded to a building fire on the Fernald School property on November 9th. Waltham Engine-8 was first-due and found smoke showing. Captain Paul Quaranto requested a working fire. Engine-7 laid a line from Engine-2 that was one-half-mile from the fire. Deputy Randy Mullin asked for a second-alarm for water purposes. The abandoned building had many holes in the floors. The fire was knocked down within about 30 minutes.
JIM FORTIN JR.
Maynard, MA - On Thursday, October 20th, the Maynard Fire Department conducted a live burn training at a donated home located on Rockland Avenue. Day one consisted of RIT training and day two consisted of live fire evolutions. The Acton and Stow Fire Departments also took part in the training.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
PAGE 17
MASSACHUSETTS
B. SPRAGUE
Fire in Bathroom of Cafè Quickly Contained Methuen, MA - On the afternoon of November 4th, Methuen Fire Dept. received a call for a fire at the Common Ground Café. Methuen's Engine-6 was first-due and reported smoke showing. After a quick check by firefighters, fire was found coming from the inside of a bathroom fan, which was quickly contained and knocked down. No injuries were reported and all fire companies were back in service within one hour.
BARNSTABLE COUNTY DIVE TEAM
Barnstable County Dive Team Conducts Monthly Training at Massachusetts Maritime Academy Barnstable County, MA - On Wednesday, November 16th, members of the Barnstable County Regional Dive Team conducted their monthly training at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. During the drill, session team divers exercised their cache of specialized dive equipment while practicing a variety of search patterns used during underwater search and rescue and recovery missions around the berth and hull of the T.S. Kennedy, which is the Academy’s training ship. Using the ship as a large prop,
JUMP TO FILE #111716106 the team divers became acclimated to deploying their search equipment and search patterns around the confines of the ships large hull and mooring. Since most prior training sessions have taken place in a variety of open water locations where the probability of a search and rescue or recovery operation is more likely to occur, the scenarios and location presented during this training
session provided the divers with an exceptional opportunity to practice their skills in an unusual dive environment. The Barnstable County Dive Team and the Barnstable County Fire Chief’s Association would like to thank the staff at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy for providing their location to allow Team members the opportunity to improve their dive skills and abilities. - ROBERT MORAN
PETER LOBO
Pedestrian Struck by Cars and Killed in Waltham
Waltham, MA - On November 3rd, Waltham Fire dispatched Engine-4, Rescue-6 and Medic-1 to I-95 south for reports of a person struck by a car. All three units had to re-route themselves, as the location was actually north of the exit that was initially given. Engine-7 was then dispatched. Several cars had struck the individual, who was killed on impact. The MA State Police were investigating the accident. BARNSTABLE COUNTY DIVE TEAM
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
BUDDY SHOT
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shot� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
PETER LOBO
Waltham, MA - (L to R): Captain Paul Quaranto, Keith Tower and Jeff Ciccone of Waltham Rescue-6 at a two-alarm fire on November 9th.
Ladder-2 makes the roof.
K. LEGER
Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Fire in Fall River
JIM FORTIN JR.
Maynard, MA - Stow Firefighters at a live burn drill held in October. (L to R): FF Bertonassi, FF Fortin, FF Herlihy and LT. Guerin.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Gas Leak in Wareham Forces Evacuations
Wareham, MA - Firefighters responded to the Cranberry Plaza on October 24th for reports of a gas line that was struck in the rear of a commercial building. A second-alarm was struck upon arrival and businesses were ordered to evacuate or shelter in place. The combined buildings contained both medical and retail businesses. Firefighters checked the inside of the buildings for gas levels, which showed no levels of gas present. Occupants were then allowed to return to the buildings.
Fall River, MA - Shortly after 6:00 A.M. on October 21st, firefighters were dispatched to 46 Buffington St. for a reported fire on the third-floor. Fire Alarm dispatched Engines 4, 5 and 9, along with Ladders 2 and 4, Heavy Rescue-1 and Car-3 to the scene. Engine-4 arrived on-scene and reported heavy smoke and fire venting from the third-floor, in the rear "B" and "C" sides. Car-3 arrived under the command of District Chief Bill Pappas and established Buffington Command.
JUMP TO FILE #102116105 Chief Pappas called for a secondalarm due to the fire conditions on the third-floor of the large threeand-a-half story, six-family, wood frame. Ladder-2 came up the one-way street to avoid the overhead power lines and threw the aerial to the roof for ventilation. The crews from Engines 4 and 5 stretched two lines to the third-floor to attack the
BOB LONG
fire while the crew of Rescue-1 made their way to the attic to check for extension. All occupants were able to escape before firefighters arrived because of a working smoke alarm system. No injuries were reported and the Red Cross was called in to assist displaced residents. Command called for the Fire Investigation Unit to begin the investigation, as well as the Special Services Unit to provide rehab to firefighters. - KENNETH LEGER
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December, 2016
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MASSACHUSETTS
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.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
K. LEGER
Basement Blaze Quickly Knocked Down
CAPT. RDL
Oxford, MA - Oxford Fire-EMS Firefighter Jonathan Yursha poses with "Puddles the Fire Dog" during Fire Prevention week in October. Firefighter Yursha is an Oxford Fire-EMS public educator who travels with Puddles to school classrooms and daycares to educate children on Fire Safety.
Fall River, MA - Shortly before noon on October 19th, firefighters responded to 343 Slade Street for a report of smoke in the basement. Fire Alarm dispatched Engines 2, 4 and 5, as well as Ladder-4, Platform1, Heavy Rescue-1 and Car-3 to the scene. Engine-5 arrived on-scene and reported smoke showing. Car-3 arrived shortly after and District Chief Jeff Bacon established Slade Street Command. The crew of Engine-5 stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch attack line to the open bulkhead and into the basement.
JUMP TO FILE #101916111 Command ordered Ladder-4 to put the aerial to the roof of the threestory wood frame structure. Engine5 reported that they had the visible fire in the basement knocked down and were checking for extension. Command then ordered dispatch to make the working fire notifications and called for an investigator and building department official to respond to the scene. Command reported that the fire
was confined to the area of the "C" side wall and ordered inside companies to open up the walls on all three floors to check for extension and to also open all windows to ventilate the building. Fire was found in the bays on the first-floor after the walls were opened and another attack line was stretched into the first-floor to extinguish the fire. Command declared the fire under control and ordered dispatch to begin moving up companies to fill in at the empty south-end stations. - KENNETH LEGER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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MASSACHUSETTS
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
each month in all of our r editions.
NATE ARNOLD
West Springfield Crews Discover One Fire While En-Route to Another 1st Responder News correspondent Artie Osniak, from Pennsylvania, has been a firefighter for over 20 years. Family tradition is what inspired him to get this tattoo, which shows the helmet fronts of his father, himself and his son, with the years that each one started in the fire department.
Would youyou likelike youryour emergency services related Would emerge ency services related featured here? ? Contact tattootattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey us at at News@1stResponderNe ews.com
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
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West Springfield, MA - A very unusual and almost never heard of situation occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday, October 26th. West Springfield firefighters were called to an JUMP TO FILE# apartment complex 102816118 located at 19 Colony Road in the Memorial section of town for a reported kitchen fire and started their response shortly thereafter. While en-route to the call at Colony Road, Engine Company-1, in an effort to expedite their response, elected to turn down York Street, a side street located two blocks south of the reported address, taking a connecting cross street onto Colony Road. Once they turned onto York Street, Engine-1 encountered a vacant, two-story commercial building that formerly housed a local fire extinguisher service business, with heavy smoke pushing from the "Alpha" side's second-floor. After checking with the Fire Alarm office to verify the dispatched address, members discovered that the department had received no 911 calls for this fire. Had it not been for the original call with a location of two blocks over, (which turned out to be food left cooking on the stove), West Springfield firefighters may not have found out about the fire on York Street until the building was fully engulfed. Companies made fast work of the fire on the second-floor, stretching two handlines through
NATE ARNOLD
Members use a 35-foot portable ladder to vent a second-floor window.
the "Alpha" side entrance way, but not before the fire did more than $70,000 of damage to both the building and its contents, which was mostly excess inventory from Mass Fire Tech., who had recently moved their office and show room
to a neighboring building. The cause of the fire was determined to be from an overheated HVAC pipe that ignited combustible materials nearby. - NATE ARNOLD
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MASSACHUSETTS
Plymouth Firefighters Extinguish Heavy Truck Fire Plymouth, MA - Firefighters responded to the rear of 88 Camelot Dr. on October 26th for a report of a truck fire. Plymouth Engine-1 arrived first and JUMP TO FILE# found heavy fire in 102816119 the rear container part of the truck. Firefighters stretched a line and began working the fire. Tower-1 arrived and a supply line was set up. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire from the Tower shortly after. The cause of the fire was undetermined. - JOHN SJOSTEDT III
Firefighters extinguish the truck fire from Plymouth Tower-1.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
BUDDY SHOT
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JOHN SJOSTEDT
Working Fire at Martinis Bar & Grill in Plymouth Plymouth, MA - Firefighters responded to Martinis Bar & Grill for a report of a fire on October 14th. First arriving units found a trash fire that had extended to the building. The fire extended up the side of the building and to the roof. Firefighters extinguished the fire and checked for extension. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Oxford, MA - Oxford Fire-EMS Explorer Lauren Hart and Firefighter Jeff Morris during a recent 5K charitable race.
CAPT. RDL
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CONNECTICUT
RYAN FLAHERTY
Honorees pose with members of CT FF's Pipes and Drums.
RYAN FLAHERTY
Copper Overflow Causes Furnace Fire in Norwich Norwich, CT - On Thursday, October 13th at 7:14 P.M., the Yantic Fire Engine Company, along with an engine and tower from Taftville, were dispatched to Freeport Mcmoran at 41 Wawecus Street, for a fire under the holding furnace. Yantic's Assistant Chief Paul O'Connell arrived first and assumed command. Engine-32 arrived next and went inside with employees to investigate. Lieutenant Herz was the interior boss and reported that the fire was out and had been caused by copper getting backed up and overflowing.
DID YOU K NOW
After 9/11, famed actor Steve Buscemi rejoined the New York Fire Department to help firefighters sift through the rubble of the World Trade Center.
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Twenty One Honored as Firefighter of the Year by CT District Exchange Club Plantsville, CT - On October 20th, approximately 500 people gathered at the Aqua Turf Club to honor 21 fire service members who were selected by their local Exchange Clubs to be recognized as Firefighter of the Year. State Representative Michele Cook of Torrington delivered the keynote address and described her advocacy for the Firefighters Cancer Bill. Representative Cook, who has worked tirelessly on this project, silenced the crowd as they held on to her every word. After the keynote speech, each of the honorees were presented with a
JUMP TO FILE #102216105 plaque, commemorating their award. The Bravest Honorees of 2016 included Branford FF/PM Dante Ghiroli, Jr., N. Branford AC Mark Amatrudo, East Haven FF Chris Rosa, Guilford FF/PM James Considine, Cheshire Capt. Scott Thibodeau, Bethel Honorary Capt./Rev. David Pople, Stony Hill Chief James Belot, Danbury Lt. Nick Cabral, East Hartford App. Operator Michael Desilet,
Farmington FF Gary Petersen, Glastonbury DC Brian Hollister, North Madision FF Paul Gesner, Middletown FF Richard Mastroianni, Naugatuck FF Steve Hebb, Norwalk FF Dennis Dustin and FF Dale Roos, Westbrook FF Michael Leeza, Old Saybrook Capt. Ben Bagnati, Ridgefield FF/PM Raymond "Tim" Nobes and Lt. Patrick Sexton, Waterbury Lt. Raymond Corbo, Windsor FF John Desrosiers and Wolcott DC Randy Watts. - BERNIE MEEHAN
? BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Past Chief Jim Belote of the Stony Hill FD being awarded his Firefighter of the Year plaque.
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CONNECTICUT
MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
MATTHEW LAFLASH
Camper Fire in Bozrah Quickly Knocked Down Bozrah, CT - On Tuesday, October 11th at 4:37 P.M., the Bozrah Fire Department was dispatched to the Odetah Campground, located at 38 Bozrah Street Extension, Site109, for reports of a camper fire. ET-126 arrived at 4:42 P.M. and reported a heavily involved camper. The crew stretched their trash line from the front bumper and extinguished the fire. Tanker-126 was second-due and nursed the engine. The Bozrah Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS
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MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
Newington Firefighters Respond to Electrical Fire
Newington, CT - On October 18th, the Newington Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Winslow Drive for a report of an electrical fire in the living room. The first officer on-scene reported heavy smoke inside of the home. Firefighters located the source and quickly brought the fire under control.
COMMAND VEHICLES
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
PROVIDED
"Todd Bender is a Staatsburg Fire District Commissioner in Hyde Park, NY. When not playing with his five-year-old son Logan, or eating pizza with his 21-year-old daughter Megan, or chatting online with his 22-year-old US Army Combat Medic son Ryan, he can be found wandering throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, looking for stories and pictures to contribute to 1st Responder News. Todd is a former Dutchess County Legislator who got tired of politics, until he became a fire commissioner, and now he's just exhausted! Todd is always looking for new story ideas and routinely asks for emergency responders to email him at sfdbender64@Gmail.com with their ideas and events."
Old Saybrook, CT - Old Saybrook Fire runs this 2003 Ford Expedition as a command car.
KEN SNYDER
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MEMORIAL BOARD
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RYAN FLAHERTY PROVIDED
Members of the Paugassetts assemble in front of the Connecticut Fallen Firefighter's Memorial for a group photo.
MVA in Bozrah Sends Two to Hospital Bozrah, CT - On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 19th, calls poured into the Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications Center for a motor vehicle accident in the town of Bozrah. At 3:48 P.M., the Bozrah Fire Department, along with an American Ambulance Paramedic and the Connecticut State Police, were dispatched to the intersection of Fitchville Road and Bozrah Street Extension for a two-car, head-on crash, with one vehicle on its roof. As units were arriving, one of the drivers involved in the crash was found crawling out of the vehicle that had rolled over. Two patients were treated and transported to Backus Hospital. Crews secured the vehicles and cleared the scene shortly after. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
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Embers of the Paugassetts assembled with their Ladder Truck-15 in front of the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich after a Blue Mass where Chief Butler was honored as an LODD.
Norwich, CT - Members of the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. #4 of the Derby Fire Department recently attended two ceremonies honoring Chief James Butler, Jr. who was a line-of-duty-death in January of 2016. Members of the Paugassetts assembled in front of the Connecticut Fallen Firefighter's Memorial at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks. Chief Butler's name was engraved on the monument during a ceremony held on September 25th. The members gathered for a photo after the ceremony.
Embers of the Paugassetts assembled with their Ladder Truck15 in front of the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich after the Blue Mass that was celebrated on October 15th, where Chief Butler was honored as an LODD. The members of the Paugassetts brought their truck to raise the American Flag in front of the cathedral. The aerials were raised in honor of Chief Butler at the conclusion of the ceremony, outside of the cathedral. - CHIEF CHARLES M. STANKYE, III (RET.)
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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Multiple Companies Respond to Third-Alarm in Norwich Norwich, CT - On Saturday, October 15th at 3:37 P.M., while units from Norwich Fire Headquarters were operating at a stove fire at 30 Summitwoods Drive, dispatch called Battalion-1 and said they received a fire alarm for Foundry 66, located at 66 JUMP TO FILE# Franklin Street. 101816107 Battalion-1 asked for Engine-2 and the East Great Plain Fire Department to be assigned to the fire alarm while companies began to clear the stove fire. While responding, dispatch advised Engine-2 that they were taking calls for smoke coming from the second-floor. Engine-2 arrived on-scene and transmitted the working fire for smoke showing from a two-story, brick building. After declaring the working fire, the Mohegan Tribal FAST was added to the assignment. After investigating and speaking to contractors, Engine-2 reported that they had a fire in the cockloft and were stretching a hose line. There was a hydrant in front of the building, so Engine-2's driver was able to secure his own water supply. Truck-1 was instructed to set up on the "Alpha" side and go to the roof for vertical ventilation. The crew from Squad-A stretched a backup line to the interior of the building and assisted with opening the attic. Ladder-5 took a position on the "AlphaBravo" corner and assisted with venting the roof. Car-1 had command and struck the third-alarm for manpower. Taftville Tower-25 set up on the "Charlie" side in the rear parking lot and flew to the roof. Yantic Engine-33 performed salvage operations and threw multiple salvage covers over the office equipment. Laurel Hill provided manpower with Engine-62 while the Occum and Montville Fire Departments provided station coverage. Many mutual aid companies were needed due to the size of the building, type of construction and the attached exposures, one of which was an occupied restaurant. Thanks to the coordination of all agencies and a quick response, the fire was held to the area of origin. The fire did not result in any injuries and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
SEAN FLAHERTY
- RYAN FLAHERTY
SEAN FLAHERTY
December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RYAN FLAHERTY
Pre-Incident Mutual Aid Plan Utilized for Norwich Structure Fire
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Cromwell, CT - Melissa Roming is a firefighter who belongs to the Cromwell Fire Department. When not fighting fires for Cromwell, Melissa holds a full time job running a nursing service and is also a mother. If that isn't enough, she also serves as the Deputy Commander of the Connecticut Statewide Honor Guard. Melissa's incredible efforts with the Color Guard have reached many fire service members across the State of Connecticut.
TODD BENDER
Highland, NY - Tiffany Weaver is 27-years-old, a mother of two, and a member of Highland Hose Company No. 1. She was inspired to join the fire department because of her desire to save lives and assist her community in times of need. Weaver, employed as a phlebotomist at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY was previously a member of the Roosevelt Fire Department Rescue Squad in Hyde Park, NY. Highland Hose Lt. Joe DeFellipo is proud to have Tiffany in the department and looks forward to having her complete driver training in the near future. Under the guidance of her fellow firefighters, Tiffany has been honing her driving skills on Highland's 1994 E-One Hurricane.
Norwich, CT - On October 23rd at 1:58 P.M., Norwich Emergency Dispatch received calls for smoke coming from the rear of 132 Franklin Street. This address is an old mill complex located within the heart of downtown. Norwich Fire Department Battalion Chief Merchant arrived at 2:02 P.M. and transmitted a working fire, as white smoke was spotted coming from the second-floor windows. As companies searched to find the seat of the fire, the Franklin Street Mill Pre-Incident Mutual
JUMP TO FILE #102416110 Aid Plan was utilized. This brought in the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department FAST and a portion of all Norwich volunteer companies, including Taftville, Yantic, Occum, East Great Plain and Laurel Hill Fire Departments to their stations or into staging for possible move ups into the scene. The fire was found on the second-floor and quickly extin-
guished, keeping the fire to a single room. Mutual aid from Taftville was redirected to cover Greeneville's station while East Great Plain and Laurel Hill Fire Departments were redirected to cover headquarters. The remaining mutual aid companies were released. No civilians or firefighters were injured during the fire. The fire is under investigation by the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office and the Norwich Police Department. - RYAN FLAHERTY
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December, 2016
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IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOSH MALONEY
Portland Fire Department uses this Spartan/4-Guys 1500/750/20 as E-1.
ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
Fire Call
JOSH MALONEY
Garage Fire with Extension in Danielson Danielson, CT - Around 1:00 A.M. on October 14th, Danielson FD, along with mutual aid companies from Williamsville, Dayville, South Killingly and FAST teams from Moosup and Atwood Hose, responded to a garage fire behind 509 Main Street. The first arriving officer found the garage to be fully involved and extending to the "D" side exposure, which was also a garage. Companies deployed multiple hand lines to the primary fire building and to the exposure, limiting the spread of fire. The cause is under investigation by the Town of Killingly Fire Marshal's Office.
Fire Call Sounding the alarm to save our vanishing volunteers By George Devault Available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and also in most book stores Price: $17.95 This book is soft cover, measuring six-by-nine inches and has 297 pages of 36 chapters within seven parts, plus an introduction and epilogue. The author was a volunteer firefighter for 30 years in Pennsylvania. Part of that time, he was a part-time paid firefighter in the general vicinity. His plea is a valid one attested to in the seven page introduction. It is an eye opener to the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters there are, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the country. The amount of information and statistics is overwhelming and sounds a signal that many, if not most, volunteer fire departments are hurting for members. That said, it also gives the average age of today’s volunteer. Let’s just say that if they were professional ath-
letes, they would be well retired! He gives many reasons for the shortage, most of which are legitimate, especially when it comes to the economy dictating the need for two or more incomes within families, compounded by the level of stress placed upon men and women today. Contributing to that are the multiple ways that people today can be contacted, including many kinds of phones, answering machines, e-mail and pagers to name a few. He makes his living at a reputable publisher, where he has progressed intoto a management position. He is also an organic farmer. His office is across the street from the fire station, so when at work, it was easy access to respond to a call. He uses part of the book to explain how his journalism job sparked an interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter, particularly when he worked the police desk so to speak at a newspaper in the large city of Ohio. It was after he took a job at the publishing company that he relocated and became a firefighter. He takes the reader through the many variables of being a volunteer. Not taking anything away from the career firefighter (I was one), the volunteer is subject to be called to duty at any time. While career firefighters work in teams and advance in skills together, the
KEN SNYDER
volunteer almost never knows who will show up to answer a call, thus it is a guess who will make up this team. The number of personnel showing up is also questionable at a call. I can say that most career FD’s don’t do much better with the numbers game, as firefighters are expensive today, but even years ago when they weren’t, few departments had adequate manning. He goes through all aspects of training for volunteers, which included inside firefighting. Other parts of the book group all kinds of fires and emergencies fought and handled in a non-perfect world. When reading some of these, you may forget that these are volunteers, as many of the details resemble those you may have read from other authors in career fire departments. It is a book you will not want to put down unless something really urgent commands your attention! Also, a quick note that on the last page are ways that a person can ease the burden of a volunteer fire department without necessarily joining the ranks. There are many supportive functions needed, such as grant writers, fundraisers, office workers, cooks (for fundraising), attorney for legal matters, tradesmen such as mechanics, electricians, grounds keeping, chaplain, nurse and many others.
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December, 2016
Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
Stigma?
There is a movement currently going on about stigma and mental illness. In emergency services, if we admit to having a challenge, we do not want our brothers and sisters looking at us in a different light. Why? Are we not human? Who among us are perfect? Part of the Stigma Free movement should be understanding your challenges, as well as other people's challenges. Sources indicate that "one-in-five Americans live with a mental health condition." Think about that for a minute; one-in-five. If you have five responders on a truck, one of them may have a mental health issue. Twenty percent of your department may have an issue. Are you or a member of your family or department one that is living with it, but did not seek any help? Are we judging others that have the courage to admit that they need some help? Let's look at some things that might be in our stations. There may be a member who has lost someone so close to them that they will have a difficult time making it through the upcoming holidays because they are battling with depression as they grieve. There may be someone who is still having challenges because of a really bad call and they may have PTSD. I know people who are bipolar, have addictions, in major depression, had a stroke, etc. Should we just tell them to "suck
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
it up, buttercup"? NO! How would you want to be treated? What if it was your child or family member? Compassion goes a long way. Whatever mental issues they have does not identify them. One of my best friends is blind. I do not think of him as "Blind Steve". He is just Steve and life goes on. He will tell me if he needs my assistance. Other times I let him know about a situation coming up that he may need to know about. If a person in your department has a substance abuse challenge, are you going to just get rid of him from your department, or are you going to be a brother and come along side of them and help to lead them to a program that can assist them. The person may be a great responder BUT they have a challenge and need help. It is perfectly alright to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor and get the help that is needed. If you have physical challenges, hopefully you go to the doctor and get help, so why not mental health? Why not take the course Mental Health First Aid? 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' - Isaiah 41:10 Do not keep trying to make it on your own. God is with you during your struggles. Seek out the help that you, a family member, or member of service may need. Understand those who have the challenges. Let us remove the stigma in emergency services. Let us first get the help that we need and understand those who have mental health issues. Let emergency services be Stigma Free. Let us get to the point where the stations are safe for all. Let us try to help those with mental health issues. Happy Holidays and stay safe, Didymus McHugh
CONNECTICUT
MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
Apartment Building Fire in New Britain
New Britain, CT - On October 28th around 10:15 P.M., the New Britain Fire Department responded to it's second fire within 12 hours, located at 18 Farmington Avenue. This fire would go to two alarms, as it was a larger apartment building. With fire on the first-floor, one resident jumped from a second-floor window and was taken to the hospital by New Britain EMS, where they were treated and later released. Firefighters made a very aggressive attack, holding the fire to the first-floor and bringing it under control within 25 minutes.
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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.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
DOM RICCIO
Meriden’s Bravest Respond to Afternoon Structure Fire Meriden, CT - On Saturday afternoon, November 5th, Meriden firefighters were alerted to a building fire. Engines 1, 2, 4 3, along with Truck-1 and Car-3, responded to 277 Chamberlain Highway. Engine-1 was first-due, reported smoke showing on arrival and took the hydrant. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and quickly extinguished the fire.
RYAN FLAHERTY
Norwich, CT - Members from Norwich and Laurel Hill Fire Departments, along with the Norwich Police, pose with a four-year-old girl who dressed as a firefighter for Halloween. Her father did a great job turning her wheelchair into a fire truck!
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Tracy Schiller pins her husband, Captain Schiller.
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
RYAN FLAHERTY
Norwich FD Responds to House Fire on Fourth Street Norwich, CT - On October 28th at 2:19 P.M., the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to 103 Fourth Street for a house fire. Engine-2 arrived first and reported fire showing from the first-floor "Delta" side of a three-story wood frame, multi-family house. The crew stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch crosslay and forced entry into the apartment. While stretching the line, dispatch called Engine-2 and said they
JUMP TO FILE #110716114 were getting reports that two people may still be inside the residence. Truck-1 positioned on the "Bravo"/"Charlie" corner and flew the aerial to the third-floor. Truck1's crew also laddered the building and assisted with outside ventilation. Squad-A assisted with water supply and then performed the pri-
mary search with Engine-3. Engine-2 had the fire extinguished within about 10 minutes. Both the primary and secondary searches turned out to be negative. The fire did not result in any injuries and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. During this incident, the Taftville and Laurel Hill Fire Departments provided station coverage. - RYAN FLAHERTY
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Danbury FD Promotes Schiller to Captain Danbury, CT - On November 3rd, Jaime Schiller was promoted to Captain in the Danbury Fire Department by the Honorable Mark Boughton, the Mayor of Danbury. Jaime has served in the department for 16 years, as Lieutenant for the previous eight. Captain Schiller will be transferred from the D-Platoon to the C-Platoon, where he will serve as Captain on Truck-1. At the Danbury Fire Department, the Captain serves as the Executive Officer of the platoon, being the second in command under the Deputy Chief. Captain Schiller is married to Tracy and together, they have two daughters. There will be less confusion with Jaime now, as he can now be called "Captain" both on and off the ice, as he has been Captain of the Danbury FD Hockey team for years!
PROVIDED
New Milford MVA with Extrication New Milford, CT - At approximately 8:50 P.M. on November 16th, New Milford Fire and EMS were notified of a serious motor vehicle accident on Second Hill Road. Water Witch Hose Company, along with New Milford Ambulance and the Regional Paramedic Unit responded. Upon arrival, New Milford Car-1's Chief Todd Russell established command and confirmed that extrication was required. One person was extricated from the vehicle and transported ALS to the hospital as a trauma alert.
ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND NEW ENGLAND 1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
PAGE 41
To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Plymouth, MA - A Plymouth firefighter deploys a supply line at a truck fire on October 26th.
Waltham, MA - Waltham Deputy Randy Mullin working a two-alarm fire in Waltham on November 9th. PETER LOBO
SEAN FLAHERTY
Norwich, CT - Command overseeing operations at a two-alarm structure fire on October 30th.
CARA WILLIAMS
Rangeley, ME - Rangeley Fire/Rescue Lt. Tiger Sikes and FF Casey Clark at a structure fire in October.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Plymouth, MA - A Plymouth firefighter drains the supply line after a truck fire was knocked down on October 26th.
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Working Fire in Abandoned New Britain Building New Britain, CT - On November 14th, a firefighter working a detail job in the area called in that he had smoke showing from the second and third floors of a three-story brick building, located at 189 Oak Street. With smoke showing, the Deputy Chief called for a fourth engine company and then upgraded to a second ladder company, filling out the second-alarm. The fire was quickly located and knocked down
JUMP TO FILE #111516103 within a short amount of time. The fire building was boarded up and abandoned. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire. - MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
MICHAEL CARENZA JR.
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
Blaze Ravages Kleemanns Service Center in Norwich Norwich, CT - On October 30th at 5:03 P.M., the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to Kleemanns Service Center, located at 401 North Main Street, for a structure fire. This location is one block south of Greenville's station and while the crew JUMP TO FILE# was gearing up, En- 110716103 gine-2's lieutenant transmitted the working fire. Engine-2 arrived to find heavy fire from the automotive repair garage and struck the secondalarm, which added the Mohegan Tribal FAST. Engine-2 positioned on the "bravo"/"charlie" corner near a hydrant, and their crew stretched a two-and-a-half inch line, as well as a blitz fire into the building. Squad-A tied into a hydrant in front of the building and stretched a two-and-a-half inch hose line to the "alpha" side. Engine-3 laid in from a hydrant at the corner of North Main Street and Second Street and then fed Truck-1, who set up on the "alpha" side and began darkening down a large volume of fire. Following that, Engine-3's lieutenant and step man stretched a threeinch line and set up their blitz fire on the "delta" side. Taftville's Tower-25 set up on the "bravo" side and their Engine-22 laid a supply line into them. After crews were backed out to go defensive, Tower-25 put their bucket to the ground and used a master stream to knock down heavy fire. Next, Engine-22 did a reverse lay from Engine-3 to Central Avenue and supplied them with a second supply line from a different water main. After knocking down a lot of fire, crews re-entered the building to try cutting off the fire before it made it to the showroom. Laurel Hill's Engine-62 assisted the crew from Squad-A in getting a hose line through the showroom and into the garage. Members from East Great Plain joined the Mohegan Tribal FAST since it was such a large building. East Great Plains Rescue-5 was also onscene with their cascade system, filling cylinders. Three people were inside of the business when the fire started, but all of them escaped safely. The Yantic and Mashantucket Pequot Fire Departments provided station coverage and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
SEAN FLAHERTY
- RYAN FLAHERTY
SEAN FLAHERTY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
New England
Fire-Dex Recognizes Hometown Hero, Jamie Brock
WILLIAM MURRAY
Medina, Ohio - November, 2016 Fire-Dex representatives, Todd Herring and Jessica Meade, presented the first Fire-Dex Hometown Hero award to Volunteer Firefighter, Jamie Brock, on November 8, 2016. Jamie received a beautiful award, a new Fire-Dex helmet and a pair of FDXL-100 Red Leather Fire Boots. Additionally, Fire-Dex will make a $500 donation to the charity of Jamie's choice.
Jamie has served his community in his volunteer firefighter role for more than 30 years. On September 28, 2016, he went above and beyond the call of duty. He heard on his pager of an active shooter at a local school, Townville Elementary School. He immediately rushed to the scene and without hesitation tackled the shooter. He detained the shooter until authorities arrived. His efforts were applauded as likely preventing others from being hurt.
Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams spoke about how the community is doing after the terrible shooting incident. "We come together as a community as well as a county, state," Chief Billy McAdams said. "We've had a lot of support, a lot of good people helped us. So,
tonight is basically the people that responded that day. It's our time to be together." Join Fire-Dex in congratulating Townville Volunteer Firefighter, Jamie Brock, our first recipient of a Fire-Dex Hometown Hero award, for his heroic efforts on that fateful day. Fire-Dex, headquartered in Medina,
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IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
WILLIAM MURRAY
Yantic and Norwich Participate in Fire Prevention Week Norwich, CT - On October 17th, the Yantic Fire Engine Company, along with a member of the Norwich Fire Department's fire prevention committee, taught fire safety and prevention to the 376 students at the Samuel Huntington Elementary School. Each presentation included a lecture, as well as a video that the students enjoyed watching. Two teachers also donned the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters to get a sense of how much their gear weighs and how it feels. After the presentations concluded, the firefighters visited every classroom so that the students could ask questions.
CT - The Oxford Center Vol. Fire Co. runs this 2008 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/400/105' as T-46.
KEN SNYDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
December, 2016
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December, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE