KENTUCKY Serving
Volume 5, No. 4
W W W.FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue The Magazine Fire, Rescue Serving & EMS &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since 1973 & Since EMS Heroes 1973
November/December 2026
Story on page 11. - Photo courtesy Pembroke FD
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Busy 24 Hours for Hazard Hazard Fire Department responded to three structure fires in a 24-hour period. See story on page 4
Fire in Pembroke Causes Damage to Home Pembroke Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire spreading to an adjacent field. See story on page 6
Louisville 3-Alarm Held from Extending Crews responded to structure fire in a three-story brick building with heavy fire showing from the front.
See story on page 8
Dog Rescued After Jumping from Vehicle The dog was placed into a basket and brought back up to the road way to the owners.
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ
See story on page 10 Proud Member Of:
Kittens Rescued from Lexington Fire Kittens were recused from a the same construction area two days in a row.
See story on page 12
Tribute Elizabethtown’s Mel Irwin Georgetown’s Orville Cook
See story on page 26
PLUS: Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 12-13 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Busy 24 Hours for Hazard
The Hazard Fire Department was dispatched to Century Circle for reports of an apartment building fire. Engine 1 and Tanker 2 responded along with Unit 1, 2, 3 and 4, a department chief and assistant chiefs to establish incident command. First arriving Assistant Chief Smith confirmed heavy fire involvement. Engine 1 deployed two attack lines and crews split to make ground floor and above grade level interior fire attacks. Tanker 2’s crew arrived to establish permanent water supply and other crews perform victim search and ventilation tactics. Fortunately, no victims were located. One female was transported by ambulance to Hazard ARH for burns and smoke inhalation. Hazard units executed interior attacks stopping an already well-developed fire from spreading further. No further injuries were reported from the fire and no cause was determined. This was one of three structure fires Hazard Fire Department responded to in a 24-hour period, along with Viper and Avawam fire departments. - Photos courtesy Hazard FD
Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Fire in Pembroke Causes Minimal Damage to Home Pembroke Fire Department Chief 1, Chief 3, and Engine 1751 responded to a reported vehicle fire. While units were en route, dispatch updated responding crews that the fire was rapidly spreading to an adjacent field and posing an immediate exposure threat to a nearby residence. Due to the spread of the fire and threat to the structure, mutual aid was promptly requested from Fairview, Oak Grove and Trenton. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the vehicle and the residence sustained only minimal damage to the soffit. The vehicle involved was a total loss. - Photos courtesy Pembroke FD
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 7
Departments Work on Hot House Fire in Clay City
BGFD at Early-Morning Fire at Riverwoods Apartments
Recently, Fire Departments were toned out to a house fire on Main Street in Clay City, Kentucky. The call came in as an all-tone, bringing multiple Powell County departments to assist. Crews arrived to a home heavily involved. The fire reportedly started after an 80-yearold male used a grinder inside the home, causing the area to become hot enough to ignite. The situation became even more dangerous when the gentleman initially refused to leave the home. Thankfully, he was persuaded to exit safely by an officer on scene, Billy Hood. Chief Eric Strange then took command of the incident. The heat from the flames, combined with the hot weather and heavy turnout gear, made conditions extremely dangerous for firefighters. EMS was already on scene and immediately assisted in caring for firefighters. We want to thank EMS members Katie and Tim for being there and helping our men and women when they needed it most. Citizen Susie Hatton also stepped up, bringing water to firefighters, and that kindness did not go unnoticed. Clay City Fire would like to thank Officer Kelly with Winchester Fire for bringing his crew and helping with the response. - Submitted by Lisa Johnson
At 0456 hours, Bowling Green Fire Department (BGFD) units were dispatched to the Riverwoods Apartments on Bryant Way for smoke in the building. First arriving units upgraded the response to request additional units for a structure fire. BGFD is grateful for the assistance of the Bowling Green Police Department in evacuating the neighboring apartments - Photo courtesy Bowling Green FD
Page 8, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Louisville 3-Alarm Held from Extending
Louisville Fire Department crews responded to reports of a structure fire in the 200 block of West Hill Street. The first-arriving company reached the scene within three minutes and found a threestory brick apartment building with heavy fire showing from the front of the structure. Due to the volume of fire and concerns that it was extending to a nearby exposure building, incident command upgraded the response to a second alarm within eight minutes of arrival. The primary fire building was determined to be vacant.
Firefighters conducted searches of both the fire building and the exposure building, with all searches proving negative. One firefighter sustained injuries not considered life-threatening, and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. As fire conditions intensified and the operation expanded, the incident was upgraded to a third-alarm. Firefighters worked for several hours to contain the blaze and successfully brought the fire under control. - Photos courtesy Lexington FD
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 9
Neighbors Help Stop Fire from Extending At approximately 1916 hours on September 24, 2026, Hopkinsville Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to the 200 block of Sheridan Circle for a reported fire on the deck of a home. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and confirmed a fire involving the home’s exterior wooden deck. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, preventing further damage to the home. We’d like to commend several neighbors for using a nearby garden hose to safely help keep the flames from spreading into the home while firefighters were en route. Because of their actions, the fire was contained before it could spread into the residence, and cause further damage. We’re grateful for these neighbors who saw a problem and took action. - Photo courtesy Hopkinsville FD
Page 10, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Dog Rescued After Jumping from Vehicle
The Wilmore Fire Department was called to the High Bridge area of Jessamine County for a high-angle rope rescue. Crews arrived to find a dog that had jumped out of a window of a moving vehicle and fell 40 feet to the bridge pillar below. The crew of Squad 84 rigged off the truck with a twin tension system and sent a rescuer over the
edge with a Stokes basket. The dog was lashed in the basket and brought back up to the road way to the waiting owners where it was taken to a local vet. The dog was expected to make a full recovery. Wilmore was assisted by the Jessamine County, Nicholasville and Jessamine County EMA. - Submitted by Josh Day
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 11
Cover Story
Homes Saved from Field Fire
Pembroke Fire Department Chief 1, Chief 3, Brush Truck 1770, Tanker 1760, and Engine 1751, responded to a large soybean field fire threatening nearby properties. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fast-moving field fire burning in close proximity to three residential structures, situated within 100 feet of the fire
perimeter. Thanks to swift, coordinated tactical action, crews successfully contained the blaze to the field, preventing any structural damage or loss to nearby homes. Mutual aid came from Fairview , Guthrie, Highland, Honey Grove, Oak Grove and Trenton departments. - Photo courtesy Pembroke FD
Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2026
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More Kittens Rescued from Lexington Fire
Lexington Fire Department (LFD) crews rescued two kittens from a small construction area where three kittens had been rescued the day before. LFD crews were able to locate the remaining two kittens and safely rescue them. The best part? All five kittens were reunited and are now together with the same caretaker. - Photos courtesy Lexington FD
TRAINING
Henderson at Trench Rescue Class
Henderson Fire Department members participated in a 40-Hour Trench Rescue class at Henderson Fire Department. - Photos courtesy Henderson FD
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 13
TRAINING
Calloway Co. Trains on Water Responses On September 26, 2026, members of Calloway County FireRescue spent the day on the water preparing for emergency response situations. Crews practiced fire suppression operations from their fireboat, trained with side-scan and down-scan sonar, and sharpened their boat handling and navigation skills. A special thank you to Chief Tommy Morgan, Assistant Chief Chase Morgan, Captain Landon Morgan, and Captain Butch Marquardt for their leadership, instruction and dedication to making this training a success. Their commitment to preparedness helps strengthen our team and enhances our ability to serve the citizens of Calloway County. - Photos courtesy Calloway County FR
Page 16, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Hebron’s Peddicord Appointed to KBEMS Hebron Fire Protection District (FPD)would like to congratulate our own Fire Chief, Adam Peddicord, on his appointment to the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS), representing the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs. The Kentucky Board of EMS is comprised of 13 members from across the Commonwealth, representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives within emergency medical services. Chief Peddicord brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board, with a professional background that includes service as a Paramedic, Emergency Department Nurse, Flight Paramedic, EMS Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. We are incredibly proud to see Chief Peddicord represent Kentucky’s fire service at the state level and have the utmost confidence that his experience, leadership and commitment to EMS will serve the board and the Commonwealth well. Congratulations, Chief Peddicord. - Photo courtesy Hebron FPD
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 17
Honoring Over 100 Years of Combined Volunteer Fire Service Recently, Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue (CCD) had the honor of presenting retirement plaques to two longtime members of the department: District Chief Mike Coghill and Captain Phil Brewster. These two gentlemen have each dedicated more than 50 years to the volunteer fire service. Together, they represent over a century of service, sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to their communities. The success of the CCD today was built in large part by members like Mike and Phil who dedicated decades of their lives to answering the call. District Chief Mike Coghill Mike began his fire service career with German Township Fire Department in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, where his father, Bill Coghill, served as Fire Chief. Mike later joined Newburgh Fire Department in Warrick County, Indiana, before eventually making Henderson County, Kentucky, his home, where he earned his Kentucky firefighter certification as well as his Kentucky Emergency Medical Technician certification. Mike joined the Smith Mills Fire Department (SMFD), where he held numerous positions, including Fire Chief. During his time with SMFD, Mike was instrumental in acquiring several newer and updated fire apparatus, building a new fire station, and helping the department achieve a lower ISO rating. Mike also served with Cairo Fire Department as their Medical Officer and continues to serve as
a Captain and Vice President with the Henderson City/County Rescue Squad. Mike eventually joined Corydon Civil Defense Fire & Rescue, where he has held numerous positions, including District Chief. Thank you, District Chief Mike Coghill, for more than 50 years of dedicated service to the volunteer fire service! Captain Phil Brewster Captain Phil Brewster has served the Corydon Civil Defense for well over 50 years. During his many decades with the CCD, Phil has served in numerous positions, including Captain, and has responded to thousands of emergency calls. Phil was instrumental in helping make our new fire station a reality and was always one of those members working behind the scenes to make sure our apparatus and equipment were ready to respond when the next call came in. Although Phil has retired from making emer-
gency calls, his dedication to the CCD hasn’t stopped. He still comes around to support our members at meetings, trainings, fundraisers and department events. Around the firehouse, Phil is affectionately known as our department’s “Grandpa.” Several generations of our members have looked to Phil for advice, guidance, knowledge and a little bit of wisdom that can only come from spending more than a half-century in the fire service. Even in retirement, Phil’s love for the CCD continues to shine. The truth is simple: Corydon Civil Defense wouldn’t be where it is today without our Grandpa! Thank you, Captain Phil Brewster, for well over 50 years of dedication and service to the Corydon Civil Defense and our community! Please join the entire Corydon Civil Defense Fire & Rescue family in congratulating District Chief Mike Coghill and Captain Phil Brewster on their retirement. - Submitted by Bryan Coghill
Page 18, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Firefighter’s Day in Olomouc
Owensboro Chief Howard and Captain Johnston traveled to Owensboro’s Sister City of Olomouc for their regional Firefighter’s Day festivities. This was a tremendous public event that involved public safety education, honors of achievement for local responders, donations of equipment to local volunteer departments, and a very
memorable Holy Mass at their historic St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Katherine Zboril of Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions and Jenny Johnson of Airport Sorgho Fire Department were part of our local contingent who accepted the invitation for this event. - Photos courtesy Owensboro FD
3 New Apparatus for Lexington Lexington Fire Department proudly welcomed three new fire engines into our fleet. Engine 2 will serve the Eastland Drive area from Station 2. Engine 16 will respond from Station 16 “The Cave” on Man O’ War. Engine 22 will protect residents from Station 22 on Clearwater Way. These apparatuses represent more than new equipment; they are an investment in the safety of our community and the firefighters who serve it. We are grateful for the continued support of Mayor Linda Gorton, the Urban County Council, and our community as we work to provide the - Photos courtesy Lexington FD highest level of service to Lexington.
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 19
Lexington Crews Volunteer Help for Cambridge City
Nine Lexington Fire Department members traveled to Cambridge City, Indiana, to support a community still recovering from the devastating flash floods that struck in August. Led by Firefighter Jaroden Cornes, who grew up in Cambridge City, these firefighters volunteered their own time to serve more than 500 meals over two days to residents, volunteers and first responders working to rebuild their community. A special thank you to the Lexington
Fraternal Order of Firefighters for supporting this mission and to the Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department for welcoming our members like family and opening their station to our team. Service doesn’t stop at city limits. We are proud of these firefighters for extending compassion, support and a helping hand to a community - Photos courtesy Lexington FD in need.
Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2026
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KY Fire Academy Recruits Honor 9/11’s Fallen
Fire Academy of Kentucky,Class 009 recruits, along with their instructors, climbed the training tower 22 times, up and down, to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. As they climbed, dispatch recordings from that day played over the speakers. More than half of these
recruits weren’t even born when September 11 happened. They honored the firefighters, first responders, and innocent lives who never made it home. And they gave every single climb everything they had. We will never forget. - Photos courtesy Fire Academy of Kentucky
Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2026
Thank You Hydro Aluminum! A huge thank you to Hydro Aluminum for their generous donation of $10,000 to go toward the purchase and equipment for our new Ladder Truck 585. We truly appreciate their continued support of our department and the community we proudly serve. If any other businesses in our response area would like to help support this project through a donation, please contact Chief Coghill at CorydonCD@hotmail.com. Thank you again, Hydro Aluminum for your community support and generosity! - Submitted by Bryan Coghill
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 23
Georgetown at Lexington Stair Climb in Honor of 9/11 Georgetown Fire Department members participated in the stair climb at Kroger Field. The Lexington Fire Department continues this tradition to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. The Lexington FD’s annual memorial stair climb invites people to climb 1500 steps, which is the same number first responders took on that terrible day. What a great way to honor their memory. - Photos courtesy Georgetown FD
Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2026
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28 Bowling Green FFs Complete the Climb of 110 Floors
While the task may have been daunting, eight Bowling Green firefighters were there for a much larger purpose: to honor those who selflessly worked and sacrificed their lives 25 years ago. Every step was a reminder of the courage, sacrifice and brotherhood that define
the fire service. We will never forget the 343 who made the ultimate sacrifice, nor the countless others whose lives were forever changed on September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years later, we remember. We - Photos courtesy Bowling Green FD honor. We will never forget.
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 25
One Last Breakfast at Old Station 1
Frankfort Fire and EMS was honored to host their Annual Retiree years of service, dedication and for helping build the department we Breakfast, celebrating former members and sharing memories one are today. One last breakfast and a lifetime of memories. final time at Old Station 1. Thank you to all of our retirees for your - Fire News photos by Frankfort Fire & EMS
Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2026
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Tribute
Elizabethtown’s Mel Irwin
It is with a heavy heart that the Elizabethtown Fire Department a firefighter leaves behind. The memories, friendships and brotherhood built over the years remain a lasting part of our EFD family. shares the passing of retired firefighter, Mel Irwin. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mel’s family, friends, and all those Mel was a valued member of the Elizabethtown Fire Department (EFD) family, and his years of service and dedication to our department who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Rest easy, Mel. Thank you for your service. We’ve got it from here. and community will not be forgotten. While retirement may have - Photos courtesy Elizabethtown FD marked the end of his time in the firehouse, it never changes the impact
Georgetown’s Orville Cook
The Georgetown Fire Department is saddened by the loss of Chief Orville Cook. Chief Cook passed away on September 26, 2026. He was 96 years old. A native son of Georgetown, his life was a testament to service above and beyond the call. Chief Cook had a distinguished career with the
Lexington Fire Department, retiring at the rank of Major. He then served as the Chief of Georgetown Fire Department from 1996-1998, bringing his knowledge and love of service to the citizens of Georgetown. After his retirement, Chief Cook continued to visit our department, always with a smile
and words of encouragement. He was truly an inspiration to the men and women of the fire service. To Mattie, his beloved wife, and all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in God’s Peace. - Photos courtesy Georgetown FD
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Fire News, November/December 2026, Page 27
NORTHWEST OHIO VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 2027 REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOL IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 20TH AND SUNDAY, MARCH 21ST The Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen's Association (NOVFA) provides quality training to First Responders from across the Midwest. Through realistic Hands-onTraining (HOT), Seminars, and Officers Development programs, our goal is to equip First Responders with lifesaving tactics, tools for operational needs, and survival skills. To accomplish this, NOVFA brings together leaders in Fire/EMS training and education who pass on their knowledge while celebrating the traditions of the service. Our 2026 Regional Fire School was a great success, with over 750 attendees issued more than 1,000 CE credits, and
over 40 vendors on campus. The 2027 Regional Fire School is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, at the Penta Career Center in Perrysburg, OH. This year, NOVFA is again collaborating with the Northwest Ohio HazMAT Conference and the Ohio Youth Fire & EMS Training Academy to provide specialized training. For more information, please visit the Fire School website at https://www.novfafireschool.org/ or follow us on Facebook.
THE CALL FOR PAPERS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR THE 28TH ANNUAL NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ASSOCIATION (NJEPA) CONFERENCE Taking place April 12–16, 2027, in Atlantic City, NJ! NJEPA is looking for presenters to share their knowledge, experience, best practices, and innovative ideas with New Jersey’s emergency management and first responder community.Paper Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026We encourage you to submit your presentation ideas and share this opportunity with colleagues and partners who may be interested in presenting at the 2027 NJEPA Conference. We look forward to another great conference and hope to see you in Atlantic City!