VOLUME 2, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 NOVEMBER 2014
Full coverage on page 34. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Thousands Honor Firefighter Kevin Bell Please see page 34
-Southern New England Edition-
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 3
In this issue... 4-Alarmer in New Haven A New Haven 150-year-old tavern is a total loss. See story page 8
WIllimantic 2-Alarm Fire A house fire in Willimantic requires mutual aid from surrounding departments. See story page 13
Lincoln Auto Fire Doused Lincoln Engine 24 handles a Route 146 car fire. See story page 18
4 Injured in Carver MVA
Two extricated, one medevac’d and three transported. See story page 22
Providence’s Farrell Awarded Former Providence Chief George Farrell gets Liberty Mutual Firemark Award.
See story page 28
Abington’s Fogg Made Captain
A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GABE BALSAMO, DICK BARTLETT, ALAN BRACKETT, MARIE BRENNAN, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, DAVID CINQ-MARS, ROGER CONANT, KEVIN CZARZASTY, TIM DELANEY, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, MATT GASKINS, TIM GORMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, KEN LABELLE, ROB LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, KEN LEGER, MIKE MCGONEGAL, CHARLIE MCGRATH, KEITH MURATORI, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., REG PATCHELL, JIM PERUTA, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, LARRY RILEY, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, NICK STEHN, CHRIS STEINES, PHIL SULLIVAN, RICK SUSI, PAT TRAVERS, STEPHEN WALSH COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Captain Brian Fogg is sworn in as Abington’s newest captain. See story page 35
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . .pages 36 & 37 Industry News
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Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 39
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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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Page 4, Fire News, November 2014
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Ebola: Are you Prepared? At the beginning of October, I sat through my fire departments Bloodbourne Pathogens Refresher Class. The yearly class, if taught correctly, is designed to make you think about the procedures that are in place to keep you safe from disease when you respond on your ambulance. Oh, you don't respond on the ambulance? How about the motor vehicle accident that you have to extricate a seriously injured occupant? Keep in mind that at any moment, you can find yourself in the middle of chaos. Has your department addressed the protocol that will be used for the latest disease - known as Ebola? I am sure the city of Frisco, Texas, didn't expect to find themselves in the middle of a firestorm of media coverage that questioned every aspect of how the call was handled. The call resulted in a deputy being hospitalized as a precaution, the CareNow facility was closed and its employees were checked for symptoms of the disease. Hopefully your department has reviewed procedures to handle unknown diseases and has reminded everyone of your protocols. Is the glass half empty or half full? I have listened to numerous press conferences on Ebola. Truthfully, I will make sure I follow what I was taught in all of my classes. Follow procedures like not raising your hands above your shoulders to avoid touching your face with a gloved hand. Take time to properly decon the ambulance and yourself before you go back into service. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Checklist for Ebola Preparedness. Download the checklist at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/ems-checklist-ebola-preparedness.pdf. The CDC website also has a comprehensive article on the Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-11 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for Management of Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Virus Disease in the United States. In the end, our health system is well aware of this disease. It is up to you to follow protocols that are designed to keep you safe. According to the Center for Disease Control, EMS personnel who develop sudden onset of fever, intense weakness or muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or any signs of hemorrhage after an unprotected exposure (i.e., not wearing recommended PPE at the time of patient contact or through direct contact to blood or body fluids) to a patient with suspected or confirmed Ebola should: Not report to work or immediately stop working and isolate themselves; Notify your supervisor, who should notify local and state health departments; Contact occupational health/supervisor for assessment and access to postexposure management services; and Comply with work exclusions until you are deemed no longer infectious to others. I encourage you to download the CDC articles and checklist. Read it, discuss it and follow it! - Dennis
Firehouse Kitchen By Firefighter Ray About a half hour drive from the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, is the beautiful suburb of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. I had the pleasure of cooking with two of Longmeadow’s bravest, Firefighter Carl Zinack and Firefighter Andy Mark. Unlike most of the firefighters I meet on Firehouse Kitchen, who greet me with a smile, Firefighter Zinack looked at me with a straight face and said, “Who are you? What are you doing here? What the heck is Firehouse Kitchen?” The film crew and I looked at each other in disbelief. We just drove four hours from New York to cook with these Massachusetts fireman. Were we at the wrong house? No, this was just another joke by a fireman. Firefighter Zinack went from straight face to a big smile and a laugh and said, “I’m just messing with you guys. The kitchen is ready and it's time for us Longmeadow firemen to become TV stars.” The dish that the two firemen put together was called Sunshine Chicken and it was delicious. In the firehouse, chicken is a common staple for all meals because it is inexpensive and easy to make for a large group of hungry firefighters. We welcome any and all recipes for preparing chicken to keep it fresh and different from meal to meal. One important fact about the recipe, said Firefighter Zinack, is that it can be stopped in the middle of cooking in case of a call and reheats nicely if interrupted during mealtime, something that frequently happens in the firehouse. The meal was accompanied by a side of baked carrots, red potatoes and asparagus and followed by strawberries over angel cake for dessert. This firehouse was one of three different firehouses in the Massachusetts area that I visited and cooked at. Their love for the fire department, the brotherhood of the crews and the camaraderie in the kitchen reminded me of my days in the FDNY. If you ever have the chance to visit the Longmeadow area, stop in and say Firefighter Ray sent you! To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to get your firehouse on Firehouse Kitchen, visit Firehousekitchenshow.com or friend us on Facebook at Firehouse Kitchen.
Sunshine Chicken 3 lbs Chicken Breast 1/2 cup Orange Juice 1/2 cup Lemon Juice 2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes Teaspoon of crushed red pepper Teaspoon of oregano Tablespoon of crushed garlic Thinly slice chicken breast. Combine juices in a gallon size freezer bag. Add all other ingredients. Add chicken. Let marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor. Grill to your liking.
Side Dish Sliced carrots, red peppers and asparagus - put on pan with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast on 375 for about 1/2 hour or until tender.
Dessert Mix one cup of strawberries with a 1/4 cup of sugar. Let sit for 1/2 hour. Sugar will draw moisture from strawberries creating a syrup. Pour over a angel cake, top it with whipped cream and enjoy.
Page 6, Fire News, November 2014
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5-Alarmer in W. Roxbury
On September 10, 2014, Boston firefighters responded to the West The building sustained extensive damage. Fire Commissioner/Chief Roxbury section of the city for a five-alarm fire in a large vacant of Department Joseph Finn responded and assumed overall com- Fire News photos by Bill Noonan and Stephen Walsh commercial building, which was formerly a pharmaceutical lab. mand.
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6-Alarmer in E. Boston
Recently, firefighters responded to a six-alarm fire in East Boston. The dwellings involved were in the rear of dwellings on Sumner and Webster Streets. Access to the fire was difficult and hampered the effort of the firefighters. It was also the first fire for the new Fire Commissioner Joe Finn. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Fire News, November 2014, Page 7
Dumpster Fires in West Haven
On August 10, 2014, West Haven firefighters arrived to find two dumpsters on fire at the Helping Hands Warehouse, with extension to the loading dock and the building. Companies made an aggressive attack and then forced entry and knocked down the extension. Truck companies opened up topside and forced an overhead door to the rear. The structure was being used to house donated items for the thrift store. The cause of the fire was deemed suspicious and investigated. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Page 8, Fire News, November 2014
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4-Alarmer in New Haven
On August 25, 2014, New Haven firefighters received a 911 call and an AFA, from Delaney’s Tap Room, reporting smoke in the basement. Responding firefighters found a two-story frame, residentialover-commercial with fire showing on the outside, extending up the siding. Live wires were also arcing nearby. Firefighters attempted to make an interior attack, but were thwarted by the catacomb like basement of the nearly 150-year-old building, the heavy smoke and
electrically charged premises. Battalion Chief Gould pulled members from the building and transmitted the second alarm. The fire eventually went to four alarms. Parts of the building collapsed helping firefighters gain the upper hand. The establishment was a total loss. Multiple firefighters were transported with various injuries from the blaze. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda, Keith Muratori and Sean M. Freiman
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 9
Sworn In and First Fire Six Hours Later
On September 10, 2014, Manchester (CT) Fire Department held a swearing in ceremony for new Chief of Department David Billings. Six hours later they had a fatal fire on Chestnut Street. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the front of the apartment with fire involving the rear porches. The front door was blocked and,
when the members made entry in the rear, ammunition started going off causing them to back out. The State Police bomb squad was brought in to take care of the ammunition before members were able to fully overhaul the apartment. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley and Sean M. Freiman
Page 10, Fire News, November 2014
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5 FFs Injured at Boston 9-Alarmer
On September 3, 2014, Boston firefighters responded to a ninealarm — the highest alarm level in Boston — fire in the Allston/Brighton section of the city. The fire was in a three-story brick, occupied, multiple dwelling on a very narrow dead end street. The fire went to nine alarms very quickly, and the Incident Commander was Fire Commissioner/ Chief of Department Joseph Finn. Five firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries. The fire was reported to have started on the rear porch on the first floor. - Fire News photos by Owen Carrigan and Tim Gorman
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Tanker Shuttle for Hebron Blaze
Fire News, November 2014, Page 11
3-Alarmer in Chelsea
Hebron (CT) firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire September 20, 2014, on Jaggar Lane. The house was located about 1000 feet off the street. Many mutual aid departments responded to assist in a tanker shuttle. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
On September 19, 2014, firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire in Chelsea on Clarke Avenue. (Above): Chelsea FF Jimmy Ruiz calling for more line at a three-alarm fire. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
Great Barrington House Fire
Mixed-Use Blaze in Fitchburg
On July 8, 2014, Great Barrington firefighters responded to a garage fire on Maple Street in the Village of Housatonic. Crews were greeted with a well-involved attached garage that was starting to spread to the 1-1/2 story home. An aggressive attack was made and the fire was stopped. Mutual aid was called for on the first alarm for an RIT crew from Lenox, and cover companies from Stockbridge and Sheffield. Due to the high outdoor temps and humidity, additional relief crews were brought to the scene from Stockbridge and Lee. Southern Berkshire Ambulance and the County Ambulance Paramedics kept a close eye on firefighters for signs of injury or heat related illness. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
On August 5, 2014, a fire heavily damaged a mixed-use building on Summer Street in Fitchburg. The fire was spotted by a police officer who radioed it in. Engines 1, 4, Tower Ladder 3 and Rescue 3 were on the box under the command of Deputy Chief Dave Rousseau. On arrival firefighters had heavy fire condition out the front of the two-story building. It appeared the fire began on the first floor and spread. A second alarm was quickly struck bringing an engine and ladder from the City of Leominster to the fire. It took about 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Page 12, Fire News, November 2014
Fatality at N. Attleboro 2-Alarmer
North Attleboro (MA) Fire Department worked a stubborn twoalarm house fire on Peterson Street on September 18, 2014. A male was found deceased on the first floor. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
Careless Smoking in Fall River
Fall River firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire in a residence over a commercial building on Central Street. The fire was discovered by an off-duty firefighter and was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
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Norwich Building Fire
Norwich firefighters made an aggressive interior attack with a large handline and held an active fire inside the Salvation Army building from spreading. Other outlying Norwich departments were on standby for the time it took to extinguish the fire. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
3-Alarmer in Gardner
On September 10, 2014, Gardner (MA) firefighters were dispatched to a three-alarm blaze at the former S. Bent and Brothers on Mill Street. The fire in the old furniture company office building started in what was the loading area. Fire Lt. Craig Osowski said the first arriving firefighters found flames coming out of all five loading docks and it was shooting through the roof. Second and third alarms were called to bring off-duty firefighters and area departments to assist. The fire was contained mostly to the loading area and was burning from the outside about 20 to 25 feet into the building. The biggest challenge to firefighters was getting equipment past large cement blocks placed in the way to prevent illegal dumping. A loader and fire truck had to be used to move the blocks. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 13
2-Alarmer in Willimantic
On July 31, 2014 Willimantic (CT) firefighters responded to a twoalarm fire on Jackson Street. Mutual aid from area departments assisted at the scene and covered. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley and Robert Ladd
Page 14, Fire News, November 2014
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Porch Fire in Fire Guts Central Falls Oxford Dwelling
Lincoln (RI) Lieutenant Adam Pontbriant opens up at a fire on Cross Street in Central Falls on August 11, 2014. Companies had fire on a porch with extension to the structure. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
On September 23, 2014, Oxford firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on Conlin Road near the Oxford/Charlton town line in a two-story wood-frame dwelling with an attached garage. Wires were down in the driveway, and the home was located outside the hydrant district, so mutual aid tankers were needed. The house was unoccupied and had been the scene of a previous fire in May. The owners were still working out issues with their insurance company from that fire, and had not been able to move back in before this fire, which took over an hour to bring under control. Assisting Oxford firefighters at the scene were Auburn, Sutton, Leicester and Douglas. Webster covered for Oxford. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Quick Knockdown in Brockton
Shed Fire in Plymouth
On September 29, 2014, the Brockton Fire Department responded to a fire on Walnut Street. Squad-A arrived to find smoke showing from a 2-1/2 story, occupied, multiple dwelling. Companies found a basement fire that spread up the walls and into the cock loft area of the building. The fire was quickly knocked down, after companies opened up the walls and found the cause of the smoke. Squad-A, Engine-3, Engine-4 and Ladder-1 worked on the scene, while Car-56 had command. Due to Tower-1 being browned out due to budget issues, East Bridgewater Tower-1 was brought to Brockton Station-1 for coverage. This was the first fire for the new Car-56 vehicle, a 2014 Chevrolet Suburban command vehicle. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
In August 2014 Plymouth firefighters responded to a shed fire. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Page 16, Fire News, November 2014
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Bridgeport 4-Alarmer
On September 11, 2014, Bridgeport Fire was dispatched for a fire in a one-story, block-and-a-half long heavy timber factory building. The building houses a perfume recycling business and a roofing contractor. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire through the roof with multiple fire ball explosions which would bring almost all of Bridgeport’s resources, multiple mutual aid companies and a response of the county regional hazmat task force. There were 55,000 gallons of chemicals stored in drums which was being burned off, and
this along with run-off from the suppression efforts was finding its way into Long Island Sound. The fire threatened multiple multi-family dwellings on the opposite side of the street, melting the vinyl siding on many. The main fire building was a total loss and crews remained on scene for days wetting down the rubble. The Coast Guard and CT DEEP closed fishing in and around the area until the extent of the contamination could be determined. - Fire News photos by Kevin Czarzasty, Keith Muratori and Sean M. Freiman
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 17
Bridgeport Factory Fire
On August 19, 2014, Bridgeport Fire Department units noticed heavy black smoke in the sky coming from the city's east side. Soon after, a box was struck for heavy fire in the vacant Remington Arms Buildings at the corner of Helen and Barnum. Due to the fact that these buildings have been the scene of several previous fires, as well as decades of neglect, firefighters were not allowed to enter the fivestory buildings. The fire spread aggressively throughout the mill
style heavy timber construction as it had many times before. This ended up being the start of a very busy day for the Bridgeport Fire Department who would remain on scene throughout the night into the next day. As if the factory fire was not enough, fire units battled four more structure fires that day, two of which were at the same time as the main fire. - Fire News photos by Keith Muratori and Doc Johnson
Good Stop on Sultry Night
Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on North Beacon Street on September 2, 2014. Members made a nice stop on a very hot and humid night. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley and Sean M. Freiman
Page 18, Fire News, November 2014
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Auto Fire Doused in Lincoln
Cardboard Fire in Worcester
Lincoln (RI) Engine 24 made quick work of an auto fire on Route 146 on August 23, 2014. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
On August 9, 2014, Worcester Engine 2 responded to a fire on Kansas Street. Firefighters arrived to find bales of cardboard against a shipping container on fire. A full first-alarm response was summoned and the adjacent exposures were protected. Water supply in the area was initially low. Engine 5 set in at the hydrant with soft suction — an old school operation of the WFD. Chief Thomas was in command and additional engines grabbed hydrants on an adjacent street. - Fire News photo by Paul LaRochelle, Jr.
Mobile Home Fire in Occum
Brush Fire on Whitman/Hans Town Line
Occum, Taftville and Baltic firefighters made quick work of a mobile home fire on Nashua Street in the Occum section of Norwich. Quick and efficient ventilation, along with an interior attack, quickly brought the fire under control. The Norwich FMO investigated the cause of the fire. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
On September 4, 2014, the Whitman Fire Department responded to the area of the Hanson town line on Plymouth Street (Route-58) for a reported brush fire. Whitman Car-3 and Engine-2 responded. Companies arrived to find an area of brush burning into the wooded area near Rye Hill Street in Whitman, and Litchfield Terrace in Hanson. Whitman Forest Fire-1 was requested, along with brush units from Hanson, and the DCR State Forestry Patrol. Over an acre of brush was burning. Crews utilized access through a house on Plymouth Street that had a path leading to the fire location. The Massachusetts State Police helicopter Air-4 was overhead assisting with size estimates of the fire, and direction of travel. Crews worked for over an hour to knock down the fire, in an area that is not known for brush fire activity. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 19
2 Mistakes = Plane Crash in Watertown
The pilot of a Cessna 172 mistook fields in Watertown for the Waterbury Airport — about five miles to the east. After safely landing, the pilot attempted to take off but a wing clipped a tree causing him to nose into trees and the hedgerow between the fields. The plane sustained damage and a minor fuel leak had to be handled by the Watertown fire crews. The pilot, who walked away with minor injuries, was evaluated by AMR and Watertown Fire’s E-Car. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Gas Investigation in East Bridgewater
On August 15, 2014, the East Bridgewater Fire Department responded to the CVS Pharmacy on Bedford Street, directly across from their headquarters, for an inside odor of gas. Companies arrived to find a strange odor in the building. The rooftop units were inspected but nothing was found. There were no readings of natural gas inside the building. The odor was later traced to a malfunctioning printer. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Annual Hose Testing in Leominster
Leominster firefighters recently completed their annual hose testing in front of the firehouse. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Page 22, Fire News, November 2014
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Dog Rescued in Manchester On August 19, 2014, Manchester Engine 1 members responded to a dog and possible child in the storm drain system at City View and Round Hill Road. On arrival there was no child but there was a dog. Members monitored the air quality and one member descended into the storm drain to assist the dog in getting out while the other members rigged a rope rescue system. It was a happy ending for the dog’s owner. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Need a Bigger Boat? Great White in Duxbury
Duxbury Deputy Chief on Duxbury Beach after a 15-foot great white shark was sighted off the beach. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
4 Injured in Carver MVA
Recently, Carver Companies 1 and 3 responded to an MVA rollover with entrapment. Carver Fire Chief Weston had companies use hydraulic tools to extricate two people. One patient was flown to a level one trauma center by Boston Med-Flight. The landing zone was at Ocean Spray Cranberry and was secured by Engine 1 and Brush Breaker 28. Four people were transported to local hospitals. - Fire News photos by Tyler Reardon
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 23
MVA in Bozrah
Bozrah Fire was dispatched to Fitchville Road and Elaine Street, for a reported two-car MVA with serious injuries. Crews found two vehicles with heavy side damage and one injured patient. The patient was treated by EMS and the scene was secured. Bozrah Fire/EMS crews loaded the patient in the ambulance for a BLS transport to WW Backus Hospital. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
MVA Victim Medevac’d in Lunenburg In Lunenburg on August 6, 2014, a single-car motor vehicle crash seriously injured a 30-year-old male driver. The driver swerved over the yellow line and hit a telephone pole head-on, ending up in a small ditch. The driver was unconscious and trapped for about 35 minutes. Once extricated, he was medevac’d by Boston Med-flight from an LZ at Lunenburg High School and transported to UMass Trauma Center in Worcester. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Worcester MVA On August 10, 2014, Worcester firefighters responded to an accident with rollover. The victims were trapped for a short period of time, as police officers were removing them upon arrival of fire companies. Multiple victims were transported to area hospitals. - Fire News photo by Paul LaRochelle, Jr.
Stafford Street MVA Leicester MA firefighters responded to a mid-afternoon one car MVA on Stafford Street. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Page 24, Fire News, November 2014
We Prefer Yogurt in a Cup
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Fatal MVA in Duxbury
On August 14, 2014, a tractor trailer tipped over while rounding a sharp curve on the Route 25/8 connector southbound in Bridgeport (CT). The accident occurred around noon, causing traffic delays on nearby Interstate 95. Three heavy-duty wreckers operated to right the rig. It was carrying a cargo of yogurt. Three engines, two trucks and the hazmat unit operated for two and a half hours. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Duxbury firefighters responded to a fatal MVA car fire with entrapment. Route 3 was shut down because of the accident. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Trash Crash in Voluntown
Sandwich FFs Respond to MVA
Voluntown (CT) firefighters responded to an MVA involving a trash hauler that rolled over and crashed on a sharp corner carrying a full load of trash. - Fire News photo by Rob Dillon
Sandwich Fire Department received several 911 calls reporting an MVA with injuries at Quaker Meeting House Road and Route 6A. Several vehicles were involved in the head-on collision. One person suffered injuries and was transported to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Peter Pozerski
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 25
Dudley FD Hosts Rural Water Supply Class
On September 13 and 14, 2014, the Dudley Fire Department sponsored a Rural Water Supply Class which was taught by instructors from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. The open-enrollment class consisted of members of several departments, but the bulk of the students came from the ranks of the Dudley and Webster Fire Departments. Much was learned during the fast-paced class, which consisted of classroom instruction on Saturday and hands on application of those lessons learned on Sunday. On Sunday, fire apparatus gathered at Memorial Beach to practice drafting, establishing fill sites, tanker relays, as well as drafting out of multiple portable ponds. Dudley Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski was very pleased with the turnout, as well as the enthusiasm of those who attended. - Fire News photos by Alan Brackett
Page 26, Fire News, November 2014
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Moving Water Dive Drill in Duxbury On September 26, 2014, the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team conducted a moving water dive drill in Bluefish River off of Washington Street in Duxbury. Tenders worked off the shoreline, while divers were dropped in the moving water from small inflatable boats — one boat belonging to the Hanson Fire Department, the other to the Duxbury Fire Department. The divers and tenders worked a sweeping pattern of searching in approximately two knots of current. A profiler documented the progress of the search from shore. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
PCTRT Technical Rescue Training in Whitman On August 26, 2014, the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team held a training drill at the Whitman Fire Department Training Tower on Essex Street. Members of the team were lowered out of the third floor window of the drill tower and obtained a piece of machinery from a crew working on the second floor. The member would then breach and break a piece of concrete slab lower down the tower. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
National Grid Awareness Demo On September 19, 2014, the National Grid electric company came to the Whitman Fire Department to hold a demo to raise awareness of electrical hazards for Whitman's public safety departments. The live electricity demo trailer has a generator that powers common electrical equipment. The National Grid crew explained the different levels of electricity in the lines, and dramatically explained and showed the dangers. The demos included an aluminum ladder against a primary line, a gloved hand against an energized fence, and the dangers of walking over an electrified area of the ground. Crews were also shown the dangers of improperly wired portable generators used when the power is out. Many of the jury-rigged hook-ups for the generators put first responders and electrical workers at risk. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 27
Arlington Water Rescue Drill
Recently, Arlington (MA) firefighters participated in a water rescue drill on Spy Pond. Here, they remove Arlington Marine 1 from the pond at the drill’s conclusion. - Fire News photos by Owen Carrigan
Page 28, Fire News, November 2014
RIFCF’s George Farrell Honored
George Farrell, retired Providence Fire Chief and current Chairman of the Rhode Island Fire Chief’s Foundation and Honor Flight Boards, was presented with the Liberty Mutual Insurance Firemark Award for his dedication and service to the community. - Submitted by Chief Kenneth A. Finlay
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Good Deeds in Leominster
Leominster firefighters and police officers came out to help eightyear-old Olivia Lambert by buying her homemade lemonade. Officer Jose Algarin had spotted Olivia and stopped by for a glass before inviting all police personnel to come join him. Then he turned to the firefighters. Olivia, who is awaiting test results to specify her level of autism, has been out selling homemade lemonade in front of her home to raise money for a therapy dog. According to her mother, Debra, she is now friends with half of the City of Leominster. Firefighters and police officers have been driving by and paying her as much as $20 a cup; a local owner of a car wash gave her $100. Olivia is so grateful to all that have come by and she keeps on with her stand every weekend. (Left to right): Ladder 1 firefighters Eric Smith, Rob Griffin, and Robert Penning with Olivia. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 29
Brockton Firefighters MDA Softball Tournament
On September 13, 2014, the Brockton Firefighters IAFF Local #144 held a charity softball tournament to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A total of $5,800 was raised. The event was based out of the Campanelli Stadium, home of minor league baseball team the Brockton Rox. The double elimination tournament featured many area fire departments, such as Bridgewater, Newton, Hanson and Whitman, as well as two teams from Brockton Fire, a team from Brockton Police and a team from the Brockton DPW. Nine teams participated in all. The tournament was part of the family fun day where children had their faces painted, tried their hand at pitching and hitting, and exercising in a bounce house. The event was cut short by heavy rain and at the time of the cancellation, there was only one team that had not lost a game. The winners of the tournament was determined to be the Brockton DPW team. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Page 30, Fire News, November 2014
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New 9/11 Memorial in Beverly On September 18, 2014, the Box 52 Association was privileged to hold its monthly meeting at the Massachusetts Urban Search and Rescue Task Force training facility in Beverly (MA). Members were shown the 9/11 Memorial being built by the members of the team. The steel is a portion of the World Trade Center and the bricks, which are being placed by hand, are in the shape of the Pentagon. When the memorial is completed, there will be a portion dedicated to Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Since no federal money can be used, all of the labor is being donated by members of the task force and the cost is being covered by donations from the members and other interested parties. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Last Run for Beliveau East Hartford (CT) Captain Ken Beliveau (fourth from left), working the last shift of his 35-year career with the department. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Fall Victim Thanks First Responders On August 6, 2014, John La Stella hobbled into the Leominster Fire Department headquarters on Church Street on crutches to thank the firefighters and Med-Star Paramedics who helped rescue him after a fall. The last time most of the firefighters saw him, La Stella was flat on his back after falling from a roof and tumbling down an embankment while working at a commercial building. La Stella said that because of their quick work, his doctors credited them with saving the feeling in his legs; doctors say he should make a 95-
Steve Favulli Retires On August 13, 2014 Worcester firefighter Steve Favulli wrapped up a 32 year career with the Worcester Fire Department. Steve is also President of the Worcester Box 4 Canteen. He was awarded the key to the city by counselor Kate Toomey at a recent retirement celebration. - Fire New photo by Paul Shea
percent recovery. La Stella said after the accident, he had an employee measure the fall. He tumbled about 18 feet to the ground and then another 12 feet down a steep embankment, bouncing off rocks and old construction debris. (Left to right): Chief of Department Robert Sideleau III , Mayor Dean Mazerella, John LaStella and FF Travis Vallee. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
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Worcester Fire Graduation
Instructors of the Worcester Fire recruit class. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Probationary FF Walsh being pinned by his father.
Four generations of O’Connells that are, or have been, Worcester firefighters.
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 33
Whitman Fire vs. Police in Annual Softball Game For the second year in a row, the Whitman Police and Fire Departments have faced off for a fun filled softball game at the Hanson AA field in Hanson (MA). Following a six inning scrimmage to dust off the cobwebs, the police and firefighters battled it out during a nine inning game. The event was highly attended by both friends and family. The players’ children spent time playing on the
Charlton Fire Department Recieves Grant On August 1, 2014, State Senator Elizabeth Warren visited Charlton Fire Department to announce a $893,000 grant, which will be used to replace an aging Mack Baker aerial scope that originally saw duty in New York City. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
field, hanging on the bench, or jumping around in a bouncy house. As in the previous year, the Whitman firefighters took an early commanding lead, and never looked back. For the second year in a row, the Whitman Fire team took home the coveted trophy. - Fire News photo by Timothy Travers
Page 34, Fire News, November 2014
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Cover Story
Hartford FD Mourns Loss of Firefighter Kevin Bell
- Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley
On Monday, October 13, 2014 thousands of firefighters and members of the community honored Hartford firefighter Kevin Bell, 48 who answered his last alarm on October 7, 2014 while fighting a fire on Blue Hills Avenue. In 2008 Kevin began his career as a Hartford Fire recruit. After graduating from the Training Academy he was assigned to Engine Co. 11. In May of 2012 he was assigned to Engine Co. 14, and then in May 2013 he was assigned to Engine Co. 16.
Firefighter Kevin L. Bell Memorial T-shirts
are available for sale at Local 760 offices /1 Linden Place, Hartford, CT 06106 and the Hartford Public Safety Complex/253 High Street, Hartford, CT 06103 Only $20.00 per shirt and all proceeds will benefit the Kevin L. Bell Memorial Family Fund Any questions please contact: Local 760 at 860-296-3523 or Special Services Unit at 860-757-4520
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2014, Page 35
Abington’s Captain Brian Fogg Sworn-In
On September 8, 2014, the Town of Abington officially swore in its newest Fire Captain, Brian Fogg, at a Board of Selectmen’s meeting at the Town Hall. Abington Fire Chief John Nuttall gave a brief speech prior to the swearing-in, lauding Fogg on his achievements as a firefighter/paramedic, and his leadership thus far as a captain. Captain Fogg had his badge pinned on by his wife Andrea, while their two daughters, Aspen and Abigail observed. The event was
well attended by nearly the entire Abington Fire Department, retired department members, several firefighters from area departments, as well as family and friends. Captain Fogg started his career in Abington when he was appointed as a firefighter/paramedic in October 2004. Captain Fogg has been working as the Captain of Group-1 since the retirement of Captain Dave Farrell in June 2014. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Piping at the Muster
On September 6, 2014, the Connecticut Firefighters Pipe and Drums performed at the Engine 260 Muster. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Page 36, Fire News, November 2014
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Up Close & Personal
Duxbury cadet/interns getting to work with the hose line. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon Boston firefighters after a recent six-alarm fire in the rear of some dwellings on Sumner and Webster Streets. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
East Hartford (CT) Station 3 members. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Whitman firefighter at Fill-The-Boot for MDA event. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers Boston Sparks members Paul Boudreau and Billy Hodges. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Boston Sparks A-10 President Paul Boudreau and legendary Boston Fire Photographer Bill Noonan at Boston's five-alarm fire on September 10, 2014. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
Crew from Everett Engine 2 and Ladder 1 at a recent three-alarmer in Chelsea. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
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Fire News, November 2014, Page 37
Up Close & Personal
Bridgeport firefighters at a recent four-alarm fire. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Firefighters from Lee Fire Department at a Great Barrington fire. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Manchester Engine 1 members and a greatful pooch after a the dog was rescued from a storm drain. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Fire Commissioner Joe Finn and Local 718 President, Firefighter Richie Paris. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Members of the Manchester and Glastonbury Fire Departments (CT) after an overhaul of a woods fire on September 13, 2014. -Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
On September 16, 2014, the Whitman Fire Department held pump training for Groups 1 and 4. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Page 38, Fire News, November 2014
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NYSAFC ANNOUNCES COMPANY OFFICERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING (COLT) NYSAFC is pleased to The demands on today’s fire announce the following dates officers of all ranks are constantand locations for its upcoming ly increasing. Traditional trainCOLT series: Westchester ing is not enough for today’s fire County (December 5-6, 2014, service leader. Rye Brook, NY), the Capital The New York State District (February 6-7, 2015, Association of Fire Chiefs Albany, NY), and Monroe (NYSAFC) recognizes that leadCounty (April 10-11, 2015, ership development is necessary Rochester, NY). now to protect the future of the Each COLT program will fire service. It is also crucial for feature the following lectures chief officers to support those and instructors: “Striking the individuals performing the dayBalance Between Tradition & to-day operations of the fire Progress,” with Chief Mark J. department, as sharpening the McLees (Syracuse Fire leadership skills of your line Department); “Leadership officers will enhance the overall Safety for the 21st Century,” strength of your team. with Deputy Chief Paul C. Melfi To meet the need for this crit(City of Olean Fire ical training, NYSAFC offers Battalion Chief John J. Salka (FDNY) Department); and “Five Alarm the Company Officers Leadership,” with Battalion Chief John J. Leadership Training (COLT) program in Salka (FDNY). locations throughout New York State. Registration for COLT is $175 per person (for NYSAFC members) For the COLT program, NYSAFC has brought together a slate of instructors, nationally renowned experts in company officer leader- and $200 per person for non-members. Both pre-registration and onship both on and off the fireground, for an energizing learning expe- site registration will be available for all sites. For complete program details and to download a pre-registration rience. form, visit www.nysfirechiefs.com.
FIRE SOAPS ASSISTS FDNY WITH MRSA OUTBREAK AT TRAINING ACADEMY New York - Since the closing of the FDNY’s Training Academy in August due to the outbreak of MRSA, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners cleaned and completely decontaminated all of the personal protective ensembles used by the more than 300 probationary firefighters. The disinfection of the gear was achieved with the use of a proprietary EPA Registered fabric sanitizer developed by Defensive Solutions Corp. Fire Soaps™ Fabric Sanitizer has been proven to eliminate 99.9% of infectious bacteria while eliminating odor-causing bacteria. The active ingredients create a residual treatment, also known as a Zone of Inhibition, that continues to kill bacteria and protects against cross contamination from both Gram Negative bacteria and Gram Positive bacteria. Fire Soaps™ Fabric Sanitizer is a naturally plant derived didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride manufactured from 91% naturally bio-renewable plant derived feedstock. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting all of the gear utilized by the current training class, Defensive Solutions Corp. provided the Training Academy with other products from their Fire Soaps™ catalogue to combat the spread of MRSA and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Fire Soaps™ Anti-Bacterial Hand Soaps Fire Soaps™ Hand Sanitizer, FDA compliant and confirmed to reduce Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) in as little as 15 seconds. Fire Soaps™ Hard Surface Disinfectant, EPA Registered, hospital grade anti-bacterial that is also virucidal and fungicidal.
All of the products are alcohol-free, kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria and when used properly are proven to significantly reduce the chance of cross contamination from: MRSA, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Trichophytonmentagrophytes, Influenza A Virus, E. Coli, HIV-1, Hepatitis B, and Salmonella.
About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners & Fire Soaps
Since its inception in 2004, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners has been committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest possible maintenance and care programs available. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is fully NFPA 1851 compliant and third party verified by Intertek. Minerva has taken the lead in developing Defensive Solutions Corp. and Fire Soaps, its’ complete line of detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants to protect fire fighters and EMS personnel from the perils of MRSA and cross-contamination.
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2014, Page 39
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Terry Farrell FireFighters Fund “Surplus Equipment Program” has assisted fire departments throughout upper New York State with much needed turnout gear, hoses, tools and even several vehicles. All of this is possible through the generous support of Long Island Fire Departments. We now need the help of volunteers to assist us with • Equipment deliveries • Drive our vehicles in parades • Man our booths at Fire Dept. tournaments, festivals & functions • Assist with the collection of gear from donating department No one is paid in our organization but the feeling of helping firefighters who receive our donations and assistance and the gratitude they show to us is payment enough. To Volunteer of for more information about our fund please go to our website terryfarrellfund.org. Or email terryfund@terryfund.org Thank You, Brian Farrell
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