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FIERY FATAL CRASH CLOSES I-75 IN NORTHERN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Hillsborough County, FL - On Wednesday, November 13th, Pasco County Fire Rescue and Tampa Fire Rescue were dispatched to a multiple-vehicle crash on Northbound I-75. When Firefighters arrived, they reported a multiple-vehicle crash with a tractor-trailer heavily involved in fire. - See full story on page 7

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

PROVIDED BY SUSAN DASHER

Each of Bryan County Emergency Services' stations have created their own patch to describe either the area in which they are located, or match the personalities of shifts that reside there, or perhaps a little of both. This patch belongs to Bryan County Emergency Services Station 5.

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.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Atlanta, GA - Atlanta International Airport Bureau of Fire's rig.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Marietta, GA - Cobb County Fire E-28 and City of Atlanta Fire E-14 at a joint training exercise.

BARROW COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES

Heat Lamp Responsible for House Fire in Auburn Auburn, GA - As temperatures start to drop, people begin to use heating devices to keep themselves and their pets warm. What started as an act of kindness for a family’s pet cats on Saturday, November 16th, resulted in a fire in their home when a heating lamp left on a porch ignited combustible materials that were in close proximity. At approximately 9:15 P.M., communications officers with Barrow County Emergency Services (BCES) were alerted to a house fire in the 1400 block of Carl Bethlehem Road. The first arriving fire units on scene reported heavy fire coming from the front of the home and spreading to the roof. Due to the intense flames, the structure appeared to be fully involved in fire, but as a fire attack was begun, crews were able to knock back the flames enough to make entry into the residence.

JUMP TO FILE #111819108 Once inside, they quickly extinguished the rest of the fire. The homeowners had exited the structure, but a quick search by a search team discovered the family’s dog hiding under a bed. The dog was quickly removed from the home and reunited with its family, unharmed. The home suffered heavy fire, smoke and water damage, but the bulk of the fire was stopped before the majority of the home’s structure and roof were burned. Lieutenant Steve Rose, Public Information Officer with BCES said, “This home is what we refer to as ‘Legacy Construction’. That means that the house was built many years ago, and the techniques and materials used back then are better able to withstand prolonged exposure to fire. The

homeowners told us the house was constructed over 50 years ago, with some of the lumber actually coming from trees harvested off of the property. Back then, homes were stick-built using dimensional lumber. More modern homes use combinations of newer materials like laminated lumber of smaller dimensions and pre-made trusses that burn much quicker, and aren’t able to withstand exposure to fire for extended amounts of time.” BCES Fire Investigators were on scene the following morning and determined that the fire was accidentally started by a heating lamp that had been placed on the front porch to warm some of the family’s pets. No one was injured, but two adults were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross responded to assist those individuals. - STEVE ROSE

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December, 2019

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December, 2019

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Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads Elects First Female President

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 20 No. 12 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., 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 error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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This patch belongs to East Ridge Fire Rescue, located in Hamilton County, TN.

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

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Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Armored Rescue unit on display during FireHouse Expo 2019 in Nashville.

Knoxville, TN - The Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) recently elected its first female president in the organization’s 64-year history. Dujuana Naylor, a TARS member for over 20 years, made history in early October at the Annual Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN, when the membership elected her to serve as president. “When I began this journey as a volunteer, I never dreamed I would be in this position. It is truly an honor," said Naylor. A member of the Hardeman County Rescue Squad since 1997, Naylor has been a licensed paramedic for 20 years and has served in a number of roles with the squad including captain, secretary, historian, training officer, and has also served on the board of directors. She earned her certification as a vehicle extrication instructor in 2005 and became a TARS college level instructor in 2006. Naylor is no stranger to making history. In 2006, she was elected state historian, making her the first female to ever sit on the TARS executive board. In 2008, she was elected to the state secretary position and was elected state vice-

JUMP TO FILE #102519108 president in 2017. In addition to her time spent volunteering, the mother of three is working toward a nursing degree and currently serves as the secretary of the Student Nursing Association at Jackson State Community College. She is a member of Safe Kids Coalition and is a medicolegal death investigator with the local medical examiner’s office. “Dujuana brings years of knowledge, passion, dedication and experience to our association and its members. I am excited about the future of TARS and I believe she is the right person to take us there," said TARS Executive Director Stacy Rhodes. The Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads works for better recognition of organized rescue and first aid activities through organizations, government officials, agencies and departments, on community and state levels. - TARS

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December, 2019

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December, 2019

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

California: Paul Rotondaro, 36 Rank: Fire Captain Incident Date: October 2, 2019 Death Date: October 2, 2019 Fire Department: CAL FIRE, Merced County Fire Initial Summary: On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, Captain Paul Rotondaro, while on-duty, left the Merced County fire station to go to the Usona fire station. Driving a Ford Ranger, Rotondaro was hit by another truck, causing his truck to leave the road and catch fire, killing him instantly.

Washington: Christian Dean Johnson, 55 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: September 1, 2019 Death Date: October 2, 2019 Fire Department: Okanogan Fire Department/Okanogan County Fire District 3 Initial Summary: On Sunday, September 1, 2019, the Okanogan Fire Department/Okanogan County Fire District 3 responded to the Spring Coulee wildland fire. Assistant Chief Christian Dean Johnson and another firefighter were in a brush truck on the north end of the fire when the flames overtook them. The firefighter with Johnson was able to outrun the fire, but Johnson was unable to escape. The other firefighter came back to treat him and called for help. Johnson was airlifted to the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, where he died on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, from the burn injuries he sustained in the fire. New York: Dale Jaynes, 72 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 16, 2019 Death Date: October 1, 2019 Fire Department:Burdett Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, September 16, 2019, Firefighter Dale Jaynes was working with his crew at a residential structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

Texas: Greg Garza, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 15, 2019 Death Date: October 15, 2019 Fire Department: San Antonio Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Firefighter Greg Garza responded to an electrical incident at the Comfort Suites. Garza returned to the apparatus to retrieve some equipment and was attempting to exit the fire apparatus when he tripped getting out of the truck and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. He went into traumatic arrest, was transported and passed away at the hospital.

Texas: Steven Paul Henderson, 60 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 7, 2019 Death Date: October 12, 2019 Fire Department: Louise Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, October 7, 2019, Firefighter Steven Henderson and another firefighter were returning from a fire call in a tanker truck when they stopped alongside the road to inspect the front tires. While outside the vehicle, another firefighter from the same fire department driving his personal pick-up truck, who was also at the scene of the fire call and left shortly after Henderson, did not see the truck parked in the roadway or the two firefighters standing outside of it and subsequently hit both Henderson and the other firefighter. Henderson was immediately transported by LifeFlight to the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, in Houston, where, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, he succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. The other firefighter who was hit had non-life threatening injuries and was released from OakBend Medical Center in Richmond, TX.

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PAGE 7

FLORIDA

VEHICLE NEWS

CHRIS DILLEY

Jacksonville Fire Rescue recently placed into service Crash 56, a 2019 Chevrolet Duramax 3500 HD, equipped with 100-gallons of 3% AFFF and 450-pounds of PKP extinguishing agent. It's also configured with an ICOM aviation band radio, an 800 MHz Motorola radio, and a VHF band Motorola radio to communicate with mutual aid agencies. Crash 56 has a front bumper mounted WARN winch.

CHRIS DILLEY

First Coast Navy Fire & EMS recently took delivery of a 2019 Pierce Arrow XT Ascendant 100-foot, mid-mount tower, configured with a 2000-GPM Waterous pump and 300-gallon water tank. The aerial has a five section steel ladder, two 1000-GPM nozzles, a 1000pound load capacity and a 4-person platform basket. The tower is capable of up to 20-degrees of below grade operation. This apparatus will be designated Tower 131.

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Fiery Fatal Crash Closes I-75 in Northern Hillsborough County Hillsborough County, FL - On Wednesday, November 13th, Pasco County Fire Rescue and Tampa Fire Rescue were dispatched to a multiple-vehicle crash on Northbound I-75. When Firefighters arrived, they reported a multiple-vehicle crash with a tractor-trailer heavily involved in fire. Firefighters on scene began evaluating multiple patients while others performed their initial fire attack. In all, firefighters reported six patients for transport and two fatalities on the scene. Two of the

JUMP TO FILE #111819113 patients transported were listed as a trauma alert. It took crews approximately 90 minutes to bring the fire under control. Initial reports from the scene identified six passenger cars and two tractor-trailers involved in the crash. During the overhaul process, firefighters identified another passenger car underneath the tractor-trailer that was fully in-

volved in fire upon arrival. Florida Highway Patrol investigated the incident and concluded that the driver of one of the tractor-trailers failed to stop for a line of traffic waiting to exit the interstate during rush hour. The two fatalities were listed as the driver of the tractor-trailer responsible for the crash, and the driver of the vehicle found under the tractortrailer. - COREY DIERDORFF

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

CHRIS DILLEY

Jacksonville Fire Rescue recently placed into two 2019 Oshkosh Global Striker 6x6 ARFF apparatus. Crash 561 and 562 both have 3000-gallons of water, 420-gallons of 3% AFFF and 500-pounds of PKP. Crash 561 is also equipped with a 50-ft. articulating Snozzle with a piercing nozzle. Both apparatus are assigned to Station 56 which is located at the Cecil Commerce Center.

FRANK ROBINSON

Miami Dade Fire Rescue utilizes this 2007 Unimog 250/1000 Brush Truck, designated Brush 1.

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December, 2019

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HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES

FLORIDA

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

PINELLAS COUNTY

PPFD Tactical Medical Team (L to R): Ken Huertas, CJ Huffman, Brian Davies, Jared Nestor and Tyler Coats.

Pinellas Park Tactical Team Recognized

"My name is Firefighter Jeff Helgert from Allegheny Valley VFC Station 315 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This tattoo was done in 2014 to represent the fallen."

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Servingg those who seerve us. HeroesMortgagePrograam.com

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Pinellas Park, FL - Pinellas Park Fire Department’s Tactical Medical Team was recently named the 2019 Fire Professionals Special Operations Team of the Year by Pinellas County Board of County Commis- JUMP TO FILE# sioners. The annual 110119100 award recognizes those who go above and beyond when providing professional fire services to the community. Members of the team include Lt. Brian Davies, Firefighter/EMT CJ Huffman, and Firefighter/Paramedics Jared Nestor, Ken Huertas and Tyler Coats. Their mission is to assist the Pinellas Park Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) by providing immediate medical care to officers or others injured in high stress or potentially violent incidents such as crisis negotiations, active shooter, or narcotics seizure. “We can face a level of threat that an ordinary paramedic off the street wouldn’t be able to come into because we have the protection and we have the training to directly work with those operators (police officers),” said team member Jared Nestor. Lt. Davies added, “We’re there not only to protect that team, but anyone else that gets injured or hurt in the line of duty.” The fire department created the first team in 2006 and conducts annual tryouts for firefighters who wish to qualify for the team. Once selected, new members attend law enforcement SWAT school, become weapons certified and receive extensive

PINELLAS PARK POLICE

PPFD Tactical Team (L to R): Jared Nestor, Ken Huertas and CJ Huffman.

field medical training. Huffman and Coats stated that being able to work as a team is critical. “We get a bad trauma call - a shooting or accident, what have you - you can’t do it by yourself,” said Coats. “Everybody starts to

know and piece together what’s to be expected and anticipating the moves of what somebody else is going to be doing,” added Huffman. - SUZANNE BOISVERT

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December, 2019

PAGE 9

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December, 2019

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FLORIDA

MCCFD â€œJunkyard Dogsâ€? Take 1st Place at NAVRA National Extrication Challenge Jacksonville, FL - On this year's Veteran Day weekend, members of the Margate-Coconut Creek Fire Department vehicle extrication team traveled to Jacksonville to take part in the North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) Extrication Challenge. The competition, which pits the best of the best in the United States against each other, is spread over three days. The team faced two different extrication challenges: limited and unlimited scenarios. In the limited scenario, the team must work through their extrication scenario without the use of powered hydraulic tools. The unlimited scenario is just that, unlimited. Teams have the use of all tools available to successfully extricate the victim. The MCCFD "Junkyard Dogs" finished with 3rd place overall on Medical: the Medical award goes to the team medic that provided the best medical care to the patient; 2nd overall place on Technical: the Technical award is

1st Place Overall.

JUMP TO FILE #111019102 given to the team that had excelled in proper tool use; and 1st place overall for Incident Commander: this award goes to the teams Incident Commander that displayed superior command and control of the scene, extrication process, and patient care. The team finished in 2nd place overall in the Limited scenario and 1st place overall in the Unlimited scenario. The team finished as the 2019 NAVRA National Champions. The MCCFD "Junkyard Dogs" will be representing the United States in the World Rescue Challenge for 2020 to be held in Miami, FL. Along with MCCFD, the Miami Dade Fire Rescue Black Hearts and the Palm Beach County Punishers will also represent the United States in the World Rescue Challenge. - MATT WHITESHIELD

Margate-Coconut Creek FD "Junkyard Dogs".

CAPTAIN ROBERT RAMIREZ

Junkyard Dogs formulating Plan 'A' and Plan 'B'.

CAPTAIN ROBERT RAMIREZ

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Ocala Marion Mentees Pass CPAT, Secure Schooling and Employment Ocala, FL - On October 16th, four Ocala Marion Mentorship Program (OMMP) cadets challenged and passed the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) at the Florida State Fire College. After more than six months of preparation with the OMMP, Richard Allman, Giselle Colon, Kayla Miros and Matthew Rice beat the odds of the exam with a 40% fail rate. Comprised of eight stations simulating fire scene tasks, the CPAT is a nationally recognized fire college entry exam which ascertains a candidate’s physical aptitude. Affording candidates no more than 10 minutes and 20 seconds for tasks beginning with a three-minute stair climb wearing a 75-lb. weighted vest and culminating with a ceiling breach and pull, the CPAT is both strenuous and stressful. By relying on lessons learned at the OMMP sessions, Richard, Giselle, Kayla and Matthew passed the CPAT, a necessary step toward gaining admission to a firefighting certificate program. Thanks to partnerships between Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR), agencies behind OMMP, partici-

JUMP TO FILE #102519114 pants are exposed to training that is fundamental to the successful completion of the CPAT. Moreover, candidates gain the opportunity to secure full-ride scholarships and employment in the first responder arena. Such was the case with the four cadets; all of whom have secured employment offers contingent upon successful completion of their fully funded fire college experience, from Marion County Fire Rescue. “We have seen each one of these youths overcome life’s hurdles, improve their physical state, and grow through training experiences,” said Chris Hickman, OMMP Coordinator. “It has been our honor to witness their transition from dreamers to achievers during this defining step in pursuing their career.” For more information about the OMMP please visit www.OcalaFire.org/Mentor. To learn more about the eight tasks CPAT candidates completed visit http://bit.ly/NationalCPAT. - OCALA FIRE RESCUE

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December, 2019

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December, 2019

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FLORIDA

When a Vegetable Takes Center Stage...

Ocala Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Vehicle Crash on SR 40 and NE 25th Ave. Ocala, FL - Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) units responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident at the intersection of State Road 40 and NE 25th Avenue on the morning of November 8th. OFR crews were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with rollover and possible entrapment at 1:29 A.M. Engines 1 and 5, Rescue 1, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a safety officer arrived to find an accident involving three vehicles. The first two vehicles, a red Hyundai and a white Ford, were resting on their roofs, while the third vehicle, a blue Mustang, was upright. Engine 1 assessed the scene, identifying one patient in need of extrication, two ejections, and an ambulatory patient. The driver of the rolled-over Hyundai resting against a power pole needed extrication. As Engine 5 and Tower 1

JUMP TO FILE #111119109 began working on gaining access to the driver of the Hyundai, Rescue 1 tended to the driver and passenger of the Ford, who were ejected upon impact. Once access to the occupant of the Hyundai was gained, crews assessed the patient. Unfortunately, the driver of the Hyundai succumbed to injuries sustained. The occupants of the Ford were trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Mustang was also transported to the hospital. The Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded. - OCALA FIRE RESCUE

FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

The tables are set, friends and family are starting to announce their arrival, and the smells of the holidays fill the air. The spiral honey ham is getting its last coating of glaze, the filet mignon is resting and the turkey is getting carved. The center of the table is cleared to make way for platters of meat, while the vegetables take their place in the far ends of the earth...ok, maybe this is a little bit of an exaggeration, but in all honesty, who really pays much attention to them? Is it because we have been eating the same vegetables year in and year out? The green bean and sweet potato casseroles, the apple and cranberry sauces, and let’s not forget the wonderfully off putting dish that is overcooked brussels sprouts. It’s time we take a stand and start putting a little more effort into those “side dishes”. Let’s make them worthy of the center of the table, right next to the prime rib. Seems like a daunting task, but with some attention to detail and great ingredients, we can finally let the vegetables take center stage. Great ingredients are the most important part of any recipe. They are the foundation to build flavors upon that will take a dish from good to great. When shopping for produce,

if the budget allows, it's best to buy organic. There are obvious reasons as to why, with the important one being better flavor. Organic produce has more antioxidants, which affects the taste, aroma and mouthfeel. In short, organic produce has more intense flavor than those grown conventionally. With that being said, we need to address the other ingredients which make up great recipes. As with produce, the other elements of a dish must be the best we can afford. This is not to say all recipes need to break the bank, but rather we should focus on some key ingredients to help make the dish shine. Let’s take the recipe for ChileMaple Glazed Butternut Squash for instance. Maple syrup is something you should not skimp on, as it lays the groundwork for all the ingredients that follow. It's very easy to grab the bottle of “pancake syrup” instead because it may be half the price, but one look at the ingredient list and you will see why the real maple syrup makes sense. If a recipe contains many ingredients, read through it and decipher which ones will make or break a dish depending on the final goal and “splurge” on them. Now that we know how to shop for ingredients, let’s talk a little about why certain ingredients work in a dish. In order for vegetables to shine, the recipes must have elements that excite our palate. It's not a hard fast rule, but there should be salt, fat and acid. There is no chance of achieving great flavor without the addition of salt. In fact, you can eliminate any other seasonings and yet still make a

great meal using only salt. It has the ability to enhance the other ingredients in the recipe, even in sweet applications like desserts. There are so many different kinds out there, but for the majority of recipes you may find, kosher is best. The fat in a recipe is vital as well, especially in a vegetable dish since most vegetables don’t contain fat. Among all the fats out there, extra virgin olive oil is best for most cooking techniques, aside from high heat applications like frying. In moderation, butter is also a delicious ingredient to carry flavor and add moisture as well. When buying butter, look for the unsalted, grass-fed variety. If you taste something and it seems like it's missing something, it's usually lack of an acidic component. Whether it comes from fruit, like lemon or vinegar, acid will help balance out the fat in a dish. It's also the component which makes us crave more of something. Just a squeeze of lemon on some roasted broccoli elevates the dish from home cooked to something you may find in a restaurant. With the Chile-Maple Glazed Butternut Squash recipe, the cider vinegar balances out the richness of the butter. The elements of salt, fat and acid when applied to vegetables is what takes them from the corner of the table to the center of attention. When you combine great ingredients with great presentation, any vegetable will hold its own next to the glazed ham or rib roast at the holiday dinner table! Stay safe, eat well!

CHILE-MAPLE GLAZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 Large Butternut Squash ¼ Cup Maple Syrup 3 Tbs. Unsalted Grass-fed Butter 2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Fresno Chile (substitute with jalapeno or shishito), sliced 6 Bay Leaves, preferably fresh Salt EVOO Procedure:

- Preheat oven to 450°F LEHIGH ACRES FIRE CONTROL AND RESCUE DISTRICT

Lehigh Acres Fire District was established in 1963 with volunteers and a single fire engine stationed under a canopy on Homestead Road. After providing volunteer firefighting services for 13 years, the District began hiring EMTs to operate one ambulance in 1976, which was funded through community support. In 1981, the District realized Advanced Life Support was essential and added paramedic services. As a result, the name was changed to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, which is one of only two ALS transport services in Lee County. Firefighting and ALS services are responsible for preserving life and property in an area of 142-square-miles, with a population of 100,000+ citizens.

- Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds - Using a peeler, peel the skin of the squash until there is only bright orange flesh

- Rub all sides of squash with EVOO and salt, place on a roasting pan cut side

down. Cook in oven for 1520 minutes.

- While the squash cooks, combine the maple syrup, butter, vinegar and chile in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce to a syrup, about 5 minutes. - After the squash has cooked for 15-20 minutes, remove from the oven. Place squash on cutting

board and carefully slice into ¼” slices. Using a spatula, arrange the squash back on the roasting pan in a shingle like pattern. Stuff with bay leaves, brush with glaze and place back into the oven.

AJ FUSCO

- Cook squash for another 30-40 minutes, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes or so. Remove and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2019

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Holds 35th Anniversary Open House Palm Beach County, FL - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue held its 35th Anniversary of Consolidation Open House at its Headquarters on October 5th. Before PBCFR became what it is today, there were 10 different Fire Depart- JUMP TO FILE# ments in the area. 102919129 When then Chief Administrator Herman Brice took the rieins of PBCFR, these area departments became one. PBCFR is now a premier fire department recognized around the U.S. and internationally, which brought to fruition PBCFR becoming the 35th State Wide Training Center. The Open House had Static Displays from both Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, along with local vendors and demonstrations. It was well attended and all had fun. - STEPHEN SABO

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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums entertaining the crowd.

STEPHEN SABO

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2019

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December, 2019

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FLORIDA

Palm Coast FD Chaplain Chris Cottle, Dwight Bain and Peer Support Team Leader Eric Robinson.

PALM COAST FD

CIRONE PHOTOS

Sarasota County FD Holds Annual Fire Prevention Day Sarasota County, FL - Hundreds to people attended Sarasota County FD's annual Fire Prevention Day in October. During the event young future firefighters dressed in turnout gear and rescued stuffed animals while dragging a hose, and also got to use a real fire hose to knock down wood flames. Many other emergency service agencies were also on display, along with hospital and support services. The sprinkler demo is always a big hit with event goers, and also sends a great message.

MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

Plantation operated this 2005 Emergency One Hush for 13 years. It first served as Engine 24 and later became Engine 96. She had a 1500-GPM pump with 500-gallons of water on board.

Palm Coast Firefighters Host Mental Health Awareness Training Palm Coast, FL – Firefighters work 24-hour shifts several days a week. They miss birthdays, holidays and important family events. Those long days are spent answering calls for help where seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Sometimes they see the unimaginable and are expected to perform their duties perfectly and professionally, staying strong during intense moments. “Nobody teaches you how to deal with those sights, sounds and smells,” said Palm Coast FD Driver/Engineer Chris Cottle, who’s served as the department’s Chaplain since last year. Cottle’s role is to provide spiritual guidance and mental health wellness for fire department personnel following traumatic service calls and personal matters. Over the course of a firefighter’s career, they can develop invisible wounds from the psychological effects of responding to incidents involving the death and critical injury, house fires, car crashes or children’s illnesses. These experiences challenge the core of a firefighter and could contribute to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The rates among first responders are heightened, as they face a greater risk for depression, PTSD and suicide compared to the general population. Studies have also found that there were barriers for first responders in accessing help for mental health, including shame and stigma. In Palm Coast, the fire department is being proactive in taking steps to raise awareness to the effects of PTSD by participating in its first department-wide mental health training. Cottle and PCFD Peer Support Team Leader Eric Robinson brought expertise from the Florida State Fire College back to Palm Coast to share with local first responders.

JUMP TO FILE #111919111 “It's okay to not be okay,” Robinson said recently to a group of firefighters during a training event. He often meets with crews after traumatic incidents and works with fellow firefighters to remove that stigma. “It’s very important that our firefighters understand that they are not alone when they experience the negative effects after responding to critical calls,” Robinson said. “This training was important because it was designed to bring everyone back to the realization that we are humans and the emotions we experience are normal reactions to abnormal situations.” Earlier in November they hosted a four-hour class for three days to 57 first responders from Palm Coast, and eight Flagler Beach FD personnel that included some group exercises and presentations from both Cottle and Robinson, Palm Coast Safety Coordinator Ben Caoili, Dr. Sandra Neer of UCF Restores and Nationally Certified Counselor Dwight Bain, who has worked to help rebuild stability after national disasters like the Sandy Hook school shooting, Hurricane Katrina, the Pulse nightclub shooting, and 9/11. “This specific training is important because the firefighters need to understand how the worker’s compensation bill works so if they need to take advantage of it, they can make that decision for themselves and have the information to use it,” Cottle said. “The bill is set up with workers comp; if you sprain your ankle you go to the doctor for treatment. With mental health, first responders believe they can handle it themselves. If you break your arm, you don’t deal with it by yourself. We want them to take advantage of this resource and treat it like it needs more than handling with an ice pack. We want them to be able to understand everything so they

make their own choice.” The training is a requirement of Senate Bill 376, which was spearheaded by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, and signed into law on Oct. 1, 2018 by then Gov. Rick Scott. The law requires employing agencies to provide educational training related to mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation and treatment. As part of the training, firefighters were educated on the importance of recognizing the signs of a fellow first responder in despair. “The overall message to this training was to let our fire personnel know that we have made a strong push to remove the stigma associated with reaching out for assistance,” Robinson said. “This is evident, as during the past year we have had 10 department members receive peer support training at UCF Restores, and our department has afforded Chaplain Cottle and I the opportunity to attend numerous conferences on this important issue.” “Their walk is never alone,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte. “We have asked our firefighters to come here to build a career. It’s our job to return them back to their families, fit to retire.” Since becoming chief last year, it’s been a staple of Forte’s agenda to be proactive in preserving the mind, body and soul of the firefighters through programs like the Chaplaincy, continuance of clean-cab initiatives and health scans, plus training for aspects such as that of mental health. “The firefighters were glad we were doing something in the realm of mental health and post-traumatic stress,” Cottle said. “Everybody was appreciative. I think it went well.” For more information, contact the Palm Coast FD at 386-9862844. You can obtain more photos from our Facebook page, or for more updates follow us on Twitter @PalmCoastFire. - PATRICK J. JULIANO

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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December, 2019

FLORIDA

Multiple Storage Units in Ocala Damaged by Fire Ocala, FL - Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a commercial structure fire at 8:45 P.M. on October 18th. Engines 3, 4 and 7, Rescues 3 and 4, Tower 1, Battalion Chiefs 11 and 22, and a safety officer JUMP TO FILE# were dispatched to 102119116 the 2400 block of SW 17th Road. As crews approached Store Right Self Storage, billowing smoke was visible. After gaining access to the locked storage site, crews identified the fire building and located the seat of the fire. Utilizing multiple hose lines to extinguish the flames and prevent fire expansion, the fire was confined to the building of origin. Eleven storage units sustained fire damage. The cause of the fire is unknown. No injuries were reported. Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded. - OCALA FIRE RESCUE

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FLORIDA

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.

CHUCK LOWE

Maitland Fire Rescue operates a 2015 Emergency One Cyclone II 95-foot Tower Ladder as Tower 47. This unit has a 1750-GPM pump with 470-gallons of water on board. It also has a 30-gallon foam bladder.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

The City of Oviedo Fire Rescue Department operates this Pierce Quantum as Engine 46.

CHUCK LOWE

Broward County Rescue 14 operates one of the department's 2018 Freightliner/Osage paramedic ambulances. The class of 2018 Rescues sport a new graphics package.

PLANTATION FD

Holding the dynasty: Plantation FD’s Firematics Team earned an unprecedented 11th State championship during competition in Fort Myers.

Plantation Firefighters Capture 11th State Competition Title Fort Myers, FL - Fighting fires requires a combination of skill, knowledge, speed and accuracy, and no one knows this better than the Plantation FD Firematics team. On October 26th in Fort Myers, Plan- JUMP TO FILE# tation’s competition 110519110 team claimed its 11th State Championship. Along with eight other teams from across the state, Plantation’s firefighters proved their mettle in six different events which included a rolling hose relay, changing one hose into two and knocking down targets, a barrel push, and an old fashioned bucket brigade. Each event must be completed correctly and the best time wins. The team captured 1st place in three events, 2nd place in two events, and 3rd place in one event, as well as the overall State Championship. “We’re very proud of our team,” said Fire Chief Don Todd. “They practice throughout the year and have really perfected their competition skills. They continue to bring recognition to our department, as well as maintain a very longstanding tradition.” This year’s team featured three veteran members and seven rookies. The Plantation Firematics team practices all year long and competes in several competitions around the state. “This is a great opportunity for us to show our level of commitment to the fire service community, statewide,” said team captain, Mark DeWalt. “It’s hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun.” “I love the brotherhood,” said Mariela Rico, a first time competitor. “Even though it’s a competi-

PLANTATION FD

Beat the clock: Plantation firefighters quickly connect hoses, flow water, and know down targets in an attempt to get the best time.

tion, everyone works together to help each other do better.” Rico, who recently completed Firefighter One training, was impressed when she saw another team struggling with a skill and two of Plantation’s team members took the time to show them how to do it better. DeWalt also described the value in bringing on new team members. “By constantly recruiting new team members, we keep the energy fresh. The City also benefits not only by

knowing their fire department is state champions, but also knowing that its members work hard to continually improve their firefighting skills and knowledge.” “Being just out of fire school, the competition allowed me to put the new skills I just learned to the test," said Rico. “I am proud to represent Plantation.” Plantation has had a team in competition since the 1970s. - JOEL GORDON

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

East Lake Engine 57 is a 1961 American LaFrance 900-Series pumper that originally served the Middletown Fire Company in Media, Pennsylvania. ELFD continues to maintain and operate the open cab classic for public relations events, including their annual "Santa Run".

December, 2019

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FACES OF SOUTHEAST’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your “Faces” in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach, FL - Congratulations to James Axiotis on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant with the Daytona Beach Fire Department.

Robins AFB, GA - Robins Fire & Emergency Services Lt. Brian Beal was recently named the 2019 Civilian Category 1 of the 3rd Quarter.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Robins AFB, GA - Robins AFB Firefighters participated in the 2019 Trick or Treating at base housing.

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Volusia County, FL - Volusia County Fire Rescue Firefighters Robert Stears and Josh Tress, and Lt. Travis McDonough.

CIRONE PHOTOS

SASHA STATON

Sarasota, FL - Chief Chuck Joseph, Suncoast Fire Academy Coordinator, overseeing an agility test for two recruit classes.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Daytona Beach, FL - The Daytona Beach FD has hired 4 new Firefighters. Congratulations to Denton Sawyer, Nicholas Pera, Samuel Melin and Charles Stevenson.

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December, 2019

FLORIDA

EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT

If you have 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.

MICHAEL KANE, BATTALION CHIEF/PIO

Recently, BSFR promoted 25 company officers.

BSFR Promotes 25 Members of Service CHRIS DILLEY

The Melrose FD (Putnam County) has placed into service Marine 249, a military surplus Avon SR4 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). This RHIB formerly served on the US Army Vessel New Orleans (LCU 2031), a Runnymede-class large landing craft. The boat and two outboard motors were obtained through the Florida Forest Service via the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Programs (FFP). Marine 249 is designed to operate as a water rescue craft on the lakes that are found throughout Putnam and Alachua Counties.

Bob Long

Broward County, FL - On October 24th, a promotional ceremony was held at the Broward Sheriff's Office Public Safety Building located in Ft. Lauderdale. Nineteen Rescue Lieutenants and six Fire Suppression Captains were promoted at a formal ceremony, which was emceed by Fire Chief Joseph R. Fernandez. As many other departments are seeing a large generational shift through attrition, growth and retirements, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue is keeping up with these demands. In 2019 alone, BSFR has hired nearly 50 new recruits to add to the agency's almost 700 fire rescue personnel just to keep up with the ever-increasing needs by the retirements of personnel, and to fill already vacant positions. Congratulations to our cadre of recently promoted personnel!

JUMP TO FILE #102819100 Promoted to Lieutenant: DE Franklin, Sarah; DE Lewis, Corey; DE Harry, Nicholas; DE Gans, Danny; DE Oulette, Marc; DE Alexander, Richard; DE Manning, Alisha; FF Oâ€™Berry, Joseph; DE Brereton, Brittany; DE Garcia, Reynaldo; DE Roby, Reggie; FF Canon, Anthony; DE Calcagno, Eric; FF Bittencourt, Jorge; DE Sylvestre, Andy; DE Hernandez, Kevin; DE Sacco, Erik; FF Slydell, Maurice; and FF Hamlin, Stephen. Promoted to Captain: Lt. Lemons, Steven; Lt. Campbell, Dani; Lt. Peters, Holly; Lt. Guillaume, Jeffrey; Lt. Ruwe, Brian; and Lt. Boyer, Christopher. - MICHAEL KANE

Email: captainmrossi@gmail.com

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FLORIDA

PALM COAST FD

Palm Coast Fire Driver/Engineer & Fire Prevention Coordinator Eric Robinson, with Sparky the Fire Dog, takes questions from students at the Lewis E. Wadsworth Elementary School during Fire Prevention Week.

Palm Coast FD Teaches Fire Prevention to 7,000 Students Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Fire Department recently taught the importance of fire safety to more than 7,000 students at Flagler Schools. The school presentations were part of the Fire Department’s outreach for National Fire Prevention Week, October 6th12th. Palm Coast firefighters visited elementary and charter schools throughout the city of Palm Coast to teach students the importance of “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!”, which is this year’s National Fire Prevention Week theme. The campaign works to educate everyone about the small, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Fire department personnel hosted interactive demonstrations along with our mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog, at all of the elementary schools within the city. Elementary school students had the opportunity to see a fire truck up close, watch firefighters demonstrate their gear

JUMP TO FILE #101619109 and equipment, and practice how to stay low and crawl and Stop, Drop & Roll. In November of 2015, a Palm Coast Fire Department fire safety demonstration was credited for saving a life. A 7-year-old student at the Imagine School at Town Center used what he had just recently learned to help him and his brother escape from a residential fire in western Flagler County. “This is a fun way to interact with the kids, and most importantly, to share information that saves lives,” said Palm Coast Fire Driver/Engineer and Fire Prevention Coordinator Eric Robinson, who coordinates the department's Fire Prevention activities and was one of the familiar faces of the Palm Coast Fire Prevention Week at area schools. - PATRICK J. JULIANO

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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FLORIDA

COMMAND VEHICLES

If your department has photos you would like to see in our Command Vehicles feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Public Safety Job Fair Held in Volusia County

Volusia County, FL - Daytona State College's Advanced Technology College (ATC) campus was the site of the annual Public Safety Job Fair held in October. Numerous local and state agencies attended, including Volusia County Fire Rescue (VCFR). Over 100 future applicants learned firsthand from the firefighters representing VCFR about the requirements necessary to become a firefighter, as well as what to expect on a daily basis on the job. Pictured are Firefighters Charles Downs and Autumn Thurston.

FRANK ROBINSON

The City of Ocoee Fire Department's Battalion Chief runs this 2010 Ford F250 pickup truck.

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

The Temptation to Look Into the Mirror... Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

So many times we're moving forward when we drive down the road and we occasionally look in the rear-view mirror, or in the side mirror, to see what's coming up from behind. We want to make sure that we watch out for the tractor-trailer or the flashing lights in the mirror. But we should not constantly look in the mirror; we should just check occasionally for only a few seconds. If we constantly look in the mirror as we're driving, we do not see what's ahead of us. We may miss that the road makes a turn while we are too distracted looking at something that caught our interest and we're hung up on it. We may keep looking at the exit that we were supposed to take, but we blew it. We were distracted and going too fast and now we are a mile past where we needed to change direction. As we go through life we are to look ahead of us, at the work that we have set our hands to. We cannot constantly live in the past. The enemy wants us to live in the past, so that we cannot complete the mission that God has for us. If we live our life in the past, we will crash because of the “I should haves”, or the “I could haves”. But you did not. You made a decision. You acted a certain way. Can we take it back or hit the reset button for our life? No, we must continue on. We must learn from our experiences. All the past decisions and experiences, no matter if they were right or wrong, make you who you are. We have learned lessons. Yes, sometimes those lessons were painful to you or others, but hopefully you learned

from them. If we never made any mistakes, could we learn? Even if we make no mistakes, there are times that we are in great pain. We may experience a close person’s death, or suicide. We may have seen tragedy and it shook our world, but that does not define us. We may have flashbacks of past incidents or may have nightmares, but we should not live there. Philippians 3:12,13 States that I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. If we let our past rule our present, we may have no future. You may look so hard in the rear-view mirror and not look up that you miss the next exit, so you did not take the off-ramp. As we go through life, we are to look up and see what is ahead of us, as the work that God has set for us. Use the past as a reference of lessons learned. As a point of reference, the past is alright. But as a wise teacher taught me, you cannot have a foot in two canoes. As your foot is in the two canoes, the boats separate and you fall into the water. If you get stuck in the past and cannot get out for one reason or another, you may need someone to be your guide in the journey of getting rid of the dreams, or flashbacks, or triggers. Please remember to do what you need to do to press on in the things that God has for you. You were created on purpose for a purpose. We do not want to cheat other people by not being able to assist them. Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh Didymus-mchugh.com

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

HELP WANTED FIREFIGHTER

The Town of Arlington is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position at the Fire Department. Applicants shall have excellent verbal, written, and listening skills. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Must possess a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee with “F” Endorsement. Must possess State of Tennessee Firefighter I, or above certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Technician- license. Must successfully complete within one (1) year of employment a Firefighter II certification issued by the State of TN Commission on Fire Fighting. Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Salary begins at $37,796.

A detailed job description & application are available at Town Hall, 5854 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN or by visiting www.townofarlington.org. The Town of Arlington is an EOE.

FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

The Town of Arlington is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position at the Fire Department. Applicants shall have excellent verbal, written, and listening skills. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Must possess a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee with “F” Endorsement. Must possess State of Tennessee Firefighter I, or above certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic license. Must successfully complete within one (1) year of employment a Firefighter II certification issued by the State of TN Commission on Fire Fighting. Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Salary begins at $48,000.

A detailed job description & application are available at Town Hall, 5854 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN or by visiting www.townofarlington.org. The Town of Arlington is an EOE.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

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.

CHUCK LOWE

Delray Beach Fire Rescue Ladder 116 protects the Town of Highland Beach. The company operates with a 2017 Pierce Velocity 75foot quint that carries 500-gallons of water and 20-gallons of class A foam.

CHUCK LOWE

Seminole County Fire Rescue Engine 35 is a 2017 Pierce Impel 1500-GPM pumper. This apparatus is part of the department's Special Hazards Division, and carries 500-gallons of water with 30-gallons of foam.

CHUCK LOWE

Flagler County Engine 92 is assigned a 2017 Pierce Enforcer 1500GPM Pumper. This apparatus carries 1000-gallons of water.

December, 2019

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

PROVIDED BY JOE MCGOUGH

This patch belongs to Minor Heights Fire District, located in Birmingham (Jefferson County), AL.

Ruthless Tide: The Heroes and Villains of the Johnstown Flood ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Ruthless Tide: The Heroes and Villains of the Johnstown Flood By Al Roker Available wherever books are sold Price: $16.19 (soft cover)

This book that was reviewed is a soft cover, measuring 5 ½ inches by 9 inches, and it contains 370 pages. It is a tragic, true story about a deluge of rain that fell on May 31st, 1889 that dropped almost a foot of water in under 24 hours. This took place in Central

Pennsylvania and the result of it became the deadliest in our history. The flood it caused quickly destroyed Johnstown, a town with a population of 20,000. It raised the Little Conemaugh River and threatened the South Fork Dam. The dam was built to make a private lake for a hunting and fishing club. Many of the rich industrialists belonged to this club. Names such as Andrew Carnegie are mentioned, as well as others. The dam was controversial, as some thought it was not constructed well enough. The pages in the 14 chapters and epilogue detail the horror of this event, including death and miraculous endings intertwined. The stories of many families affected are written and will keep the reader in suspense.

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December, 2019

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December, 2019

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