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Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973 JULY 2019
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 3
In this issue... West Haven Commercial 3-Alarm A passing American Medical Response ambulance saw smoke and fire coming from a commercial building on Elm St. in West Haven (CT). See story on page 9
Cohasset 4-Alarmer On April 4, 2019, the Cohasset (MA) Fire Department responded to a building fire on South Main Street. See story on page 16
Tough Fight at North Reading Storage Blaze North Reading (MA) Fire Department personnel were alerted for a shed fire behind the Park Colony Condos on Main See story on page 17 Street.
1 Burned in Somers Total Loss Crews arrived to find a 1-1/2 story wood frame fully involved on Hampden Road in Somers (CT) on April 18, 2019. See story on page 20
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 CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, Graphic Artists: GREG JONES, LYNN SEDLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALAN BRACKETT, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, KEVIN CZARZASTY, JOHN DEFOREST, TIM DELANEY, ROB DILLON, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, JIM FORTIN, JR., SEAN FREIMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, RICK KULMANN, KEN LABELLE, ROBERT LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, PAUL LAROCHELLE, JR., KEN LEGER, KEITH MURATORI, BOB MYERS, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., CHRIS PALMER, JIM PERUTA, PETER POZERSKI, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, DICK SCIALABBA, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, RICK SUSI, JON TENCA, PAT TRAVERS, DEVON WHALEN, KEVIN WHITE COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Obituary Quinebaug’s William Gendreau
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Whitman’s DC Feeney to Retire Deputy Chief Joe Feeney is retiring following a 32-year career with the department. See story on page 39
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 29-31 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 40 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 41 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 42
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, July 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The Perfect Time to Hone Skills I would like to take a moment to thank all of our responders who have been honored for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Fire News was proud to have attended many department installation and award dinners that honored responders for high points, training awards, CPR saves, rescues and years of service. As I write my editorial, the Fire Department of the City of New York is preparing to honor their members who have performed above and beyond the call of duty by saving lives. We will talk more about that in our next edition. Are you one of your department’s newer members? Have you given thought to your dedication to your Oath of Service? Would you be able to put your life on the line to protect the lives of others? In your mind you are probably saying “Yes!” But what can you do to make sure you are ready to perform flawlessly at your next serious call? If you are given a rope and asked to tie it off, could you do it without hesitation? Or would you stare at the rope and guess at what to do? Officers set up great company drills throughout the year. Once a month, an evolu-
tion and skills are reviewed. Can you really learn a skill by doing it once a month? I say, No! Watch your next yearly bailout recertification drill. Are your members able to tie off, make it to the window, and then bailout without thought? When a room is ready to flash, you have seconds to perform a maneuver flawlessly. When you are searching a smokefilled room without a search rope and your vibra alert goes off do you know what to do? What happens if you are searching a room that you closed the door on and cannot find the door to leave the room? Maybe inside the room the door was totally smooth and blended into the wall. Do you have to give a Mayday signal, or could you calmly radio to someone out in the hall and ask them to open the door on the first room to the right of the staircase? Every situation requires thought about emergency procedures. Your thought process is developed by constantly drilling and talking with members to gain ideas on what to do. Critiquing after every call is a must! Constant practice is necessary to gain experience on skills that keep you safe. It is the responder’s obligation to familiar-
ize themselves with the skills taught to them. The next time you walk into the firehouse to kill time, eat your lunch or check the bulletin board, practice or do one thing that could save your life. Try this. Keep a six-foot rope in your living room. When a commercial comes on, nonchalantly pick up the rope and make as many knots as you can until your show resumes. If you do this with dedication, your knot skills will improve. Oh, one more thing, know what the knot is used for and where you will use that knot. Enjoy summer honing your skills as a first responder. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, July 2019
East Hartford House Fire
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East Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a residential structure fire recently. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Michael R. Brinius and Patrick Dooley
Pawtucket Mattress Fire
On the afternoon of April 28, 2019, Pawtucket (RI) Fire was dispatched to Park Street for a reported mattress on fire up against the side of a structure. While en route, Engine 4 reported a heavy smoke condition in the distance. Upon arrival crews had heavy fire showing from the bravo side of the 2-1/2 story six-family structure. A second alarm was ordered and mutual aid was dispatched from Providence to the scene, as well as other cities and towns for station coverage. - Fire News photo by Chris Palmer
Killingworth House Uninhabitable
At 0314 on April 8, 2019, the Killingworth (CT) firefighters were dispatched for a structure fire on Route 148. Mutual aid came from Durham, North Madison and Madison Hose. Crews encountered fire in a 2-1/2 story home with exposure to a detached garage. Killingworth Engine 3 was followed by Durham Engine 4 and Killingworth Tanker 2. Engine 3 deployed a five-inch supply line from approximately 1500-feet away. Water for the fire was sourced from a pond on Route 148 and shuttled by tanker trucks from Killingworth, Durham, Madison, North Madison, Haddam, Clinton, and Deep River. The home suffered significant damage and is uninhabitable. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
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Good Stop in Lawrence Firefighters in Lawrence (MA) battled a fast moving three-alarm fire just before 1600 in a large, 2-1/2 story vacant dwelling on Brookfield Street on April 19, 2019. The home was the scene of a previous fire during the Merrimack Valley gas explosions of September 2018 and had since been abandoned. When Ladder 4 with Captain Blanchard reported a well involved structure and recommended a second alarm, which Deputy Kevin Loughlin called, bringing the remaining Lawrence companies. Firefighters went straight to defensive operation with a heavy volume of fire showing throughout the second floor extending into the attic. A third alarm was transmitted after reports the fire had extended to one of the exposures. Firefighters from Lowell, Dracut, Methuen, North Andover, Andover and Haverhill began arriving and multiple lines were run. Ladder pipes were set up from both Ladders 4 and 5 to augment the big handlines already operating. After firefighters had knocked down the heaviest of the fire in the original fire building and stopped any extension, a small fire was discovered across the street started by an ember from the original fire. Firefighters extinguished that exterior fire with minimal extension into the walls on the second floor. The original fire building was a total loss and was torn down several days later. Several homes surrounding the building sustained damage of varying degrees. The fire was deemed to be suspicious. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
South Windham 4-Alarm Mill Blaze Around 0200, South Windham (CT) and mutual aid were dispatched to Machine Shop Hill Road, for a building fire. Units arrived to a 200- x 400-foot, single-story mill building fully involved. Engine 101 from Willimantic went straight to deck gun operations. A three-story exposure had some extension into the third floor, which crews knocked down with a tower ladder. Four aerials, multiple master streams and handlines were placed in service. Over the ensuing two hours, the fire went to a fourth alarm. While the main body of fire was knocked down in about two hours, several departments operated till late in the day hitting hot spots. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Douse the Fire, Raise Some Money Auburn (MA) firefighters were called to the Chester Tuttle Post 279 of the American Legion on Bancroft Street on March 15, 2019, for a kitchen fire. The establishment was open for their well-attended Friday fish fry. An off-duty firefighter helped evacuate everyone. Crews arrived to smoke showing from the building. Crews encountered heavy fire in the attic. The fire would go to three alarms, bringing in crews from all over southern Worcester County. Since the fire, Auburn Fire Rescue held a motorcycle ride to raise money and presented the American Legion with a check for $5,600. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 9
West Haven Commercial 3-Alarm
An American Medical Response ambulance passing by on I-95 saw smoke and fire coming from a commercial building on Elm Street in West Haven (CT) on May 3, 2019. The building contained an auto repair shop and a car wash. Heavy fire was venting from the overhead door upon arrival. Engine Company 21 dumped their monitor
in an attempt to quickly darken down the heavy volume of fire. This effort had no effect on the fire. Additional alarms were transmitted, bringing all city resources to the scene. Three ladder pipes, two multiversals and multiple handlines worked for two hours to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
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Quincy 5-Alarmer Firefighters battled a stubborn five-alarm fire in Quincy (MA) on March 12, 2019. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Strong Firewall Stops Condo Fire from Extending Norwalk (CT) firefighters were dispatched on March 27, 2019, to the Rowayton Woods area for a chimney fire. First arriving companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire coming from the C side of a condo unit. Firefighters entered the unit to find that the fire started around the fireplace and had extended up the chimney into the attic and through the roof. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire within the walls of the unit as well as the attic. A strong firewall stopped the fire from entering into the adjoining units of the apartment building. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Waltham Fire Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire on Adams Street in Waltham (MA). - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Page 12, Fire News, July 2019
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Wolcott Car Fire
Winthrop 2-Alarm
On May 4, 2019, Wolcott (CT) firefighters responded to a fully involved car fire on Southington Mountain at Route 322 and Apple Hill Road. The occupant was treated by EMS for minor burns. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in Winthrop (MA). - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
House Goes, Exposure Saved in New Marlborough
In the early morning of March 15, 2019, New Marlborough (MA) Fire and Rescue was toned for a structure fire on Norfolk Road. On arrival, the house was fully involved and efforts were concentrated on saving a northern exposure, a former church converted into a home (which was damaged, but still stands). Mutual aid was called from around the region. - Fire News photo provided
County Street Porch Fire
Shortly after 0200 on May 26, 2019, firefighters responded to a fire in a single-family home on County Street for an exterior porch fire spreading to the house. Firefighters made a quick knockdown. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Leominster Gas Station Burns
At about 1000 on March 7, 2019, a fire broke out in a local garage/gas station on Main Street in Leominster (MA). The fire started in a vehicle the employees were working on. Something popped and within minutes the entire service bay was on fire. It took two alarms, a lot of water and about an hour for crews to eventually tame the inferno. The entire building was destroyed and needed to be torn down. Only one minor injury was reported. The fire went to two alarms. - Fire News photo by Robert Allen
Quick Knockdown in Worcester
Worcester (MA) firefighters responded to a structure fire on February 9, 2019, on Upsala Street. Crews made quick work of the fire, knocking it down without further incident. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Pittsfield 2-Alarmer
Firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on May 23, 2019, in Pittsfield (MA). - Fire News photo by Devon Whalen
Fire News, July 2019, Page 13
Whitman, Abington Line Brush Fire
Around 1445 hours on March 25, 2019, the Whitman (MA) Fire Department was notified of a brush fire in the area of high-tension power lines near the Brockton line on Temple Street. Simultaneously, the Abington Fire Department received similar calls. Each town responded with an engine and a brush truck. Companies found a large area of brush burning, and difficult access due to locked gates and swampy land. Whitman's brush unit gained access to the power lines, and the engine secured a water supply on Coholan Drive. Engine companies from Brockton and Holbrook also assisted. The Whitman engine driver was able to keep the fire away from a shed by stretching a handline. No other structures were involved. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Page 14, Fire News, July 2019
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Hamden House Fire On April 19, 2019, the Hamden (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Grafton Road for a house fire. First companies arrived to heavy smoke showing from the attic of a 1-1/2 story wood frame. There were three people home at the time of the fire and all escaped unharmed. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Car Fires in Leominster Leominster (MA) Fire battled a few car fires in April 2019. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
New Haven Mosque Fire Arson An aggressive attack by New Haven (CT) firefighters prevented the destruction of the Diyanet Mosque on Middletown Avenue on May 12, 2019. Crews arrived to a large three-story mosque completely enveloped by thick black smoke with flames visible on the first and second floors. The battalion chief ordered a defensive attack and requested a second alarm. The bulk of the fire, which apparently started near the building’s main entrance, was extinguished shortly. New Haven Chief John Alston said that the New Haven Fire Investigation Unit and the Connecticut State Police determined that the blaze was deliberately set. A $2,500 reward leading to the arrest of those responsible has been offered. - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson
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2-State Response to Douglas Apartment Blaze
On March 27, 2019, Douglas (MA) firefighters responded to a fire in a very large three-story apartment building located on Depot Street. Douglas Police reported heavy smoke showing. Firefighters arrived to find a moderate fire condition in a first-floor apartment of a seven-apartment building, with the fire rapidly extending to the upper floors. A second and then third alarm was struck for addi-
tional resources. Fourteen departments from two states and a Field Communications Unit from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services responded. A rapid change in the smoke conditions prompted command to withdraw all firefighters from the building. Fifteen to twenty residents were displaced and were being assisted by The Red Cross. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Page 16, Fire News, July 2019
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Cohasset 4-Alarmer On April 4, 2019, the Cohasset (MA) Fire Department responded to a building fire on South Main Street. Companies arrived to find a fire inside an auto repair shop, with an apartment above. A second alarm brought mutual aid to work and cover. Crews stretched multiple handlines, but the fire quickly spread through the building. A third alarm was struck, and companies turned to a defensive operation. As fire made its way through the roof, ladder pipes and large handlines were put into operation. Heavy fire vented out the roof and shortly after, the roof collapsed. The fire eventually went to four alarms, bringing mutual aid companies from around Plymouth County. The cause may have been due to sparks from a welder igniting oily rags. The building was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Providence Mattress Fire Just before 2230 of May 16, 2019, Providence (RI) Fire Alarm received a call of a house fire on Killingly Street in the city’s Hartford Section. Upon arrival, Engine 6 found a mattress fire in the basement of a 2-1/2 story structure with extension and quickly stretched a line knocking down the fire in about 10 minutes. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Chris Palmer
41 Displaced at Springfield 2-Alarmer
Springfield (MA) firefighters were called for a second-alarm fire on Belmont Avenue on April 2, 2019, in an occupied four-story brick taxpayer, Crews arrived to fire in the rear and cockloft. Crews made multiple rescues during a long evening of firefighting. At least two people were taken to the hospital and 41 people were displaced. - Fire News photos by Stephen Hess and John Deforest
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8 Displaced When Fire Extends in Hartford
On April 23, 2019, the Hartford (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Nelson Street for a structure fire. First arriving companies reported an abandoned building with heavy fire on the third floor, extending to an exposure. Four tower ladders were put in operation, along with handlines. The fire building ended up collapsing, which caused crews to go to a defensive attack. The fire displaced eight residents. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta
Tough Fight at North Reading Storage Blaze North Reading (MA) Fire Department personnel were alerted for a shed fire behind the Park Colony Condos, a multi-building condo complex on Main Street, on March 7, 2019. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke coming from a large, single-story, metal clad storage building. The interior contained more than 30 individual storage spaces which made catching up to the fire difficult. A second alarm was requested as the fire grew in intensity and firefighters were forced to go defensive. The fire was brought under control after a few hours of hard work by fire crews. Firefighters from Andover, Middleton, Reading, Lynnfield and Wakefield assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
New Haven Condo Kitchen Fire New Haven (CT) firefighters fought an apartment fire in a condo complex on Whalley Avenue. The fire started in the kitchen and was contained to the top-floor unit. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
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3 Dogs Die in Taftville Fire
The Taftville (CT) Fire Department responded to Hunters Avenue for a fire in a three-story wood frame with six units. A moderate smoke condition was noted and the building was evacuating as crews arrived. As members continued evacuations and unit searches, a handline was deployed and a search for the fire was mounted. Eventually an active fire was located in a firstfloor unit with animals inside. Three dogs were removed from the fire floor, and searches continued for more reported animals in the building. The three dogs were administered to by fire and EMS personnel on the scene, but succumbed to smoke inhalation. The fire was contained to the unit and was under investigation by the Norwich FMO. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Boston 3-Alarmer On March 19, 2019, Boston (MA) firefighters battled a three-alarm fire on Causeway Street in front of Boston Garden. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Chicopee House Fire On April 19, 2019, Chicopee (MA) crews responded to Grove Street for heavy fire in the rear of a large 2-1/2 story wood framed home. - Fire News photo by John Deforest
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East Thompson House Fire Just before noon on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2019, members of all five Thompson (CT) fire companies were alerted for a fire in a single-family dwelling on Labbe Road in East Thompson. Crews arrived to a well involved ranch, with most of the fire showing at the rear of the dwelling. The house appeared to be unoccupied at the time of the fire, but firefighters did manage to salvage some children’s toys and playpen while others were controlling the fire. The fire did get into the attic space and did significant damage. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid came from the Dudley and Webster (MA). - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Unoccupied House Goes in South Windsor On April 17, 2019 South Windsor (CT) firefighters responded to a well involved unoccupied home on Pam Road. Mutual aid was requested to the scene for RIT. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta; CT Fire Photographers Assn.
Mill Fire Stretches Resources South Killingly (CT) and mutual aid responded to Bailey Hill Road for a mill fire. This occurred while a four-alarm mill fire was ongoing at the other side of the county. Crews reported heavy fire from a four-story vacant mill complex, with several connected exposures. Crews found one of the larger exposures with heavy involvement. The fire eventually extended to several exposures. Crews had limited access to the front and rear, due to a collapse zone and road size. Several draft sites were used, two towers and two ladder pipes went into operation with several blitz fires and large handlines, but the fire outpaced firefighting efforts. Crews operated for several hours knocking down the main body of fire. This fire was at least a fourth-plus alarm and was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
1 Burned in Somers Total Loss A fire broke out in a home on Hampden Road in Somers (CT) on April 18, 2019. Crews arrived to find the 1-1/2 story wood frame fully involved. The homeowner was taken to the hospital with burns, and the home was a total loss. Crews from Hampden and East Longmeadow (MA) along with Ellington, Crystal Lake, Shaker Pines (Enfield) and Hazardville (Enfield) responded to the fire. - Fire News photo by John Deforest
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 21
Belmont 2-Alarmer
At about 0945 on April 5, 2019, the Belmont (MA) Fire Department responded to a house fire on Trapelo Road. On arrival, heavy fire was showing from the rear of a 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling. A second alarm was ordered, bringing mutual aid from Arlington, Cambridge and Watertown to the scene. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Quick Work in Stamford On the morning of March 24, 2019, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched for a house fire on Hackett Circle South. Units found heavy smoke showing from the third floor and began stretching lines as searches were underway. Crews quickly found fire in a bedroom on the top floor and quickly knocked down the fire. Seven residents had to be relocated. - Fire News photo by Bill Tenca
Tough Start, Quick Finish in Shelton
At approximately 2020 on May 27, 2019, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Canal Street for a vacant building fire. Originally it was thought to be the old Star Pin Mill Building, but ended up being a well involved out building behind that location. After dealing with difficult access issues, the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
1 House Collapses, 1 Damaged in Hull 2-Alarm
Meriden 3-Alarmer On March 27, 2019, firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze in Hull (MA) on the 1100 block of Nantasket Avenue. One house was completely destroyed and collapsed. The second home was severely damaged. Strong winds and an out-of-service hydrant made operations even more difficult. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Leicester Responds
Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire in Meriden (CT) on May 3, 2019, on East Main Street. Crews arrived to heavy fire showing. Mutual aid came from Wallingford and Berlin to the scene. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Leicester (MA) firefighters responded to a fully engulfed shed fire on May 20, 2019. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Page 24, Fire News, July 2019
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Danvers MVA Danvers (MA) crews responded to an MVA in which an elderly couple flipped their car on Route 114 in front of Honey Dew Donuts. Both occupants were extricated with non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital by Cataldo/Atlantic/Lyons Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
Pepperell MVA Crews responded to a rollover MVA on West Street which came in while Pepperell (MA) was at a separate accident on Route 119. The driver self-extricated and Townsend EMS responded. - Fire News photo by Shaun Shattuck
Head-on and Then a Rollover Firefighters responded to a head-on MVA with entrapment on South Road at Hillside Street. Firefighters were able to get the victim out before engine compartment became fully involved. Both patients were flown to the hospital with lifethreatening injuries one via Boston Medflight from Nashoba Valley Hospital to a Boston-area hospital and the other by UMass LifeFlight. An LZ was established at North Middlesex Regional High School by the Townsend (MA) Fire Department. While units were operating, another rollover came in on West Street. - Fire News photo by Shaun Shattuck
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 25
Gas Leak at Shelton MVA
On May 20, 2019, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA with rollover on the River Road between Rocky Rest Road and Constitution Boulevard South. First companies on scene found a multi-vehicle MVA with rollover, as well as a major gas leak from a gas utility box being struck. Members directed two multiversals to direct the product in a safe direction as the road was closed and local residences and businesses were evacuated for over three hours. There were no reported injuries in the crash. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Medevac at Plymouth Head-on Crews responded to a head-on MVA on Cherry Street in Plymouth (MA). One victim was medevac’d to Boston with multiple traumatic injuries. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
1 Injured in Route 3 MVA Crews responded to an MVA after a vehicle that was traveling on Route 3 crashed just after exit 9. The vehicle went off the road and rolled over onto the railroad tracks. One person was transported by ground with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
Page 26, Fire News, July 2019
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Heavily Entrapped in Andover MVA Andover (MA) firefighters were dispatched to a rollover MVA on Interstate 495 north just before exit 41, on May 13, 2019. The driver of an SUV lost control and rolled over into the median and struck a tree. The single male occupant was heavily entrapped and the extrication took over an hour. The patient was transferred to a Boston hospital by Boston MedFlight. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
3 Hurt in Wolcott MVA
Wolcott (CT) fire and EMS responded to a two-car MVA recently with three people, who were transported with minor injuries to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
Fuel Leak at MVA Duxbury (MA) Fire was dispatched to a tractor trailer MVA north of exit 11. When companies arrived they found the truck behind the guard rail with heavy damage and an extensive fuel leak with 70-plus gallons unaccounted for. The driver was transported to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 27
Planned Cooling Tower Implosions On April 27, 2019, two 500-foot tall cooling towers were imploded at a closed coal-fired plant in Somerset (MA). Fire and rescue crews were on scene in case of any incidents. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Wind Causes Top Floor Collapse No one was injured when the top floor of a three-story building in New Haven (CT) collapsed as strong winds swept through the city’s Central Business District on March 31, 2019. The building, at the intersection of State and Audubon Streets, was under construction at the time. New Haven firefighters, under the Command of Chief John Alston, responded to search and secure the scene. They also deployed a drone to further assess the extent of the damage. - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson
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Wires on Tree in Carver Carver (MA) Fire Company 3 was dispatched to the area of Cranberry Road and Kennedy Drive for wires burning on a tree branch. Crews arrived to moderate smoke pushing from the large branch and awaited Eversource. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Water Problem at Fall River Highrise On May 18, 2019, Fall River (MA) firefighters responded to an 11-story highrise for a box alarm. On arrival residents reported water coming through the ceilings in several apartments. It appeared the flow was coming from somewhere around the seventh floor. Command called for salvage covers and water vacuums to be brought in. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
HazMat Call in Kingston Crews responded to a hazardous materials incident in Kingston (MA) on Hillcrest Road. A Tier-1 HazMat was called after a family was cleaning out a residence and found chemicals that had spilled on the garage floor. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
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Training Danvers Does a Lot with a Little Danvers (MA) Fire Department trained at a live burn recently. Several different scenarios were thrown at them in different evolutions. DFD is well known for their aggressive interior attacks, and do an amazing job running only two pumpers and a truck. (Left): as the pipeman on the exterior plays a stream into the second floor for a few seconds, another attack team is running a line to the fire room inside. - Fire News photo by Glenn Preston
Training for Gas-Fed Fires in Hartford
On April 11, 2019, members of the Hartford (CT) Fire Department trained on natural gas fires. Nozzle patterns to use and fire ground safety when it comes to gas fires were covered. They also had Engine 5 and Engine 9 train on how to setup and use their deck guns in case of a gas-fed fire. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta
Duxbury Trains
Duxbury (MA) Fire training with Ladder 1 on ladder pipe operations and stretching hoses. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Page 30, Fire News, July 2019
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Training
Rural Water Supply Drill Area departments from New London County (CT) took part in a rural water supply drill in the Town of Baltic, utilizing drop tanks and tanker shuttles. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Carver Brush Breaker Drill Carver (MA) Fire held its annual Brush Breaker Drill, in the Myles Standish State Forest, along with hundreds of firefighters and multiple agencies from around southeastern Massachusetts. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Newington Drills On May 15 and May 20, 2019, the Newington (CT) Fire Department took advantage of the nice weather and did some live fire evolutions. They practiced how to properly stretch hose lines and how to raise ground ladders. The companies also practiced search and rescue. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 31
Training
2019 Tri-State Firemans Meet
The 2019 Tri-State Firemans Meet at Lake Chaubunagungamaug (also known as Webster Lake) was held on May 19, 2019. There were numerous displays, one of which was on the drone program run by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Special Operations Group. - Fire News photos by Kenneth Leger and Paul Shea
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Up Close & Personal North Reading (MA) Firefighter Sean O’Brien (left) and Captain Eric Pepper fold Old Glory properly after it washed out onto the ground during a storage building fire on March 7, 2019. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
Hanson (MA) Deputy Fire Chief Rob O’Brien. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Woonsocket (RI) Fire Department ACW Lieutenant Boisvert’s first fire on E-1. FFOP Acciaioli’s first fire of his career - Fire News photo by David Cinq Mars
The crew from Cambridge (MA) Engine 5 at a two-alarm fire in Belmont on April 5, 2019. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Springfield (MA) Engine 10 crew. (Left to right): Lieutenant Evan Cournoyer; and Firefighters Alex Rosado, Jr., and Billy Garvin. Engine 10 is 2011 Pierce Velocity PUC 1500/750/25F. - Fire News photo by John Deforest
Norwalk (CT) firefighters repack after a chimney fire with extension on Rowayton Woods Drive. - Fire News photo by PuckStopper Photography.com
Members from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department operating at a recent fire on George Street. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Future (Boston or Danvers, MA) Firefighter Jake Preston, with his father (Boston Fire/Fire News contributor) Glenn S. Preston. - Fire News photo by Sonneva Preston
Lawrence (MA) Firefighter Patrick Sweeney and Lawrence General EMS EMT Brigitte Hamel in the EMS staging area at a recent fire on Brookfield Street. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 33
Obituary
Quinebaug’s William Gendreau
William Gendreau passed away February 8, 2019, from job-related cancer. William, or ‘Willy’ as he liked to be called, began his fourdecade career in the fire department in the Town of Southbridge (MA) as an auxiliary and a call firefighter. Along the way, Willy made friends easily in the fire service. After marrying the love of his life, Justine Bodreau (a volunteer firefighter in the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department), he moved to Quinebaug (CT) where he joined the Quinebaug volunteers. Throughout his 41 years in that department he rose to the rank of Captain, and he was always one of the most involved and active members of that department. He was not a person who thought of the fire department as a social club … he immersed himself in the fire service and it became his way of life. Willy also later joined the Webster Rescue Squad where he could get
additional training and keep striving to be the best that he could. He became a diver for the rescue squad and became very proficient in extricating unfortunates out of car wrecks. As time went by, Willy became a natural leader, taking new firefighters under his wing, giving them guidance as well as support, encouragement and, most importantly, knowledge. Every firefighter that Willy has ever trained has his unmistakable mark on him. Willy was finally promoted to Lieutenant in the Webster Fire Department when the Rescue Squad was combined with the fire department. He never gave up on his fire departments, and his brothers never gave up on him. Captain William Gendreau was 59 when he died. Another good Jake gone too soon. Rest in peace, Willy. - Fire News photos by Alan Brackett
Page 34, Fire News, July 2019
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6 Orange FFs Honored for Service
Six members of the Orange (CT) Volunteer Fire Department were recently honored by the Connecticut General Assembly for their service. Together, the men have given 250 years of service to the fire department. (Left to right): Peter Daniel, 40 years; David Gagel, 40
years; Ken Mitchell, Jr., 45 years; George Geane, 25 years; Fred Palmer, 55 years; and Deputy Chief Charles Sherwood, 50 years. - Fire News photo submitted by Doug Fenichel; PIO, Orange VFD
Simsbury Preps for Inspection
CSX “First Responders” Commemorative Locomotive
Simsbury’s (CT) Tower 12 was being inspected and serviced behind the Main Station so it is ready for its annual testing to insure it meets national safety standards. The vehicle is a 2007 KME 100-foot midmount tower ladder. - Fire News photo by Kitty Vangunten
CSX released two specially painted units from its Huntington (WV) locomotive shop in April 2019. Locomotive 911 is a first responders commemorative unit, and 1776 is a salute to veterans. In keeping with CSX’s “Spirit of ” locomotive series, 911 is the “Spirit of our First Responders,” and 1776 is “Spirit of our Armed Forces.” Both units are General Electric ES44AH locomotives. The locomotives travel throughout the CSX rail network. Pictured is 911 in Worcester (MA). - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Moustaches for MDA Fundraiser
Fire News, July 2019, Page 35
CT Photogs NJ Road Trip
The Connecticut Fire Photographer’s Association recently took a road trip to the P.L. Custom and Rescue manufacturing facility in Manasquan, NJ. After touring the facility, the group visited the Asbury Park, Fair Haven and the City of Long Branch departments. The group would like to thank the members and officers of all the units for their hospitality. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
On March 30, 2019, Abington (MA) Firefighters Local 2080 hosted its annual wrap-up party for Mustache March for MDA. The fundraiser, held at Damien’s Pub in Hanson, helps raise awareness and money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Area firefighters grow mustaches through the month of March to help raise awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. To help with the judging of the mustaches, Abington Captain Jack Glynn recruited Boston25 reporter Jessica Reyes, and Brittany Paine, who is the mom of a little boy, Chayce, who is battling muscular dystrophy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been a partner of the International Association of Fire Fighters since 1954. Firefighters and police officers from Abington, Hanover, Hanson, Plympton, Whitman and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, among others, participated in raising money, which will help fund research for the cure of neuromuscular diseases, as well as support programs to help families dealing with those diseases. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Page 36, Fire News, July 2019
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Simsbury Members Complete Charity Stair Climb The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company team of Captain Todd Kelley, Lieutenant Rick Callahan, and Firefighters Ken Boudreau, Brian Tomaska and Victoria Williams, competed in the 2019 Fight for Air Climb, a fundraiser for the American Lung Association. The team was the second-place fundraising team with $7,472. Kelley was fourth in individual fundraising, with $3,275 and Boudreau was sixth with $3,124. - Fire News photo by Kitty Vangunten
2nd Graders Visit Orange FD
Fall River’s 2019 Memorial Day Parade
About 50 second graders from Orange’s (CT) Racebrook Elementary School visited Orange Fire Department Station 2 on Boston Post Road recently. They learned about fire safety, saw firefighters dressed in turn-out gear and learned what firefighters do. - Fire News photo by Doug Fenichel
Massachusetts State Firefighting Academy Career Recruit Class 272
- Fire News photo by Kenneth Leger
Touch-a-Truck in Orange Recently, Orange (CT) firefighters joined several other area agencies at a “Touch-A-Truck” event held for the students of Orange schools on May 2, 2019, at the Racebrook School in Orange. - Fire News photo by Doug Fenichel
Local firefighters graduated Massachusetts State Firefighting Academy recently. This is Career Recruit Class 272. - Fire News photo submitted by Jennifer Mieth
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 37
Filling the Boot South Windsor 2019 Memorial Day Parade
Arlington (MA) firefighters “fill the boot� during the Patriots Day Parade on April 14, 2019. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
South Windsor 2019 Memorial Day Parade in South Windsor, Connecticut. - Fire News photo by Michael Brinius
Page 38, Fire News, July 2019
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Westport Explorer Post Named NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announced that the Westport (MA) Fire Department Explorer Post 774 will receive the 2019 Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty. This national award honors a junior firefighter program or Explorer post that has demonstrated significant community impact, innovation and creativity. This is one of four annual fire service achievement awards presented by the NVFC. “We had a remarkable pool of nominees who demonstrate the meaning of excellence in the fire service, and we thank them all for their service,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “We commend the Westport Fire Department Explorer Post 774 for the remarkable impact they have made on their department, community, and the fire service. To learn more about the NVFC’s awards program go to www.nvfc.org/awards. - Submitted by Ann Marie Peckham
Shelton-Derby Memorial Day Parade The Shelton-Derby Memorial Day Parade held on May 27, 2019, is one of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the State of Connecticut. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 39
Whitman’s DC Feeney to Retire
On May 30, 2019 Whitman Deputy Chief Joseph Feeney worked his final 24-hour tour with Group 2. Firefighters from his group prepared a meal and invited his wife Sally and son Ryan to join them for dinner, which was complete with a fire helmet cake, modeled after his own helmet. Deputy Chief Joe Feeney is retiring following a 32-year career with the department. Feeney was appointed as a firefighter in Whitman in 1987 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1999. He will remain working with Lieutenant Al Cunningham, who will replace him as Deputy Fire Chief, until his official retirement date of July 7, 2019. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Page 40, Fire News, July 2019
Cover Story
Shed Fire in Duxbury
Recently, Duxbury (MA) firefighters responded to a fully engulfed large shed on a residential property. Crews arrived to a heavy fire load from the building. The structure was a complete loss. - Submitted by Rob Reardon, photos by Matt Derby
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 41
Page 42, Fire News, July 2019
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DANA SHAFFER JOINS SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT AS THE BRANDS’ NEW NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER Dana Shaffer joins Super Vac and Command Light as the brands’ new Northeast Sales Manager. He brings more than 17 years of experience in the fire equipment industry, representing brands like MSA, Lion Fire Gear, Res-Q-Jack and Hurst Jaws of Life as part of Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. Shaffer now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment, as well as Command Light’s array of scene lighting products. The Super Vacuum Manufacturing brands on-boarded Shaffer earlier in the year. With the arrival of his demo truck this April, Shaffer has hit the ground running. Shaffer also brings 20 years of fire service in the Bloomsburg, Pa., area, where he currently resides. Shaffer is experienced in auto extrication, engine operations, ladder response and heavy rescue, as well as specialized rescues, like RIT team, hazard material and low- and medium-angle rope operations. During his time volunteering with the Epsy Fire Department, he held various positions and currently is the Rescue Chief. Shaffer has a background in heavy equipment operation and repair. “Not only does Dana bring a wealth of knowledge to our team, but he’s well respected among industry peers and brings an enthusiasm that truly is contagious,” says Roger Weinmeister, President of Super Vac and Command Light. Shaffer says it’s an exciting time to join these two brands. “With Super Vac’s new DeWalt- and Milwaukee-battery powered fans, the demo requests are rolling in, and I love demos. I really enjoy rolling up my sleeves to work and train with customers. And then there’s Command Light’s tower giveaway, which kicked off at FDIC. The
giveaway encourages departments to see our products in action for a chance to win a Shadow Series tower. There’s nothing like a live demo that lets you compare truck-mounted lights to a Command Light tower. In the end, I love working with new departments and companies every day, and just these two initiatives alone have me busy doing just that.” Shaffer can be reached via email at danas@supervac.com or danas@commandlight.com, or via cell phone at 970-420-1964. To meet Super Vac and Command Lights full sales team, visit supervac.com/sales-support or commandlight.com/sales-support. For more information on Super Vac’s new battery fan, visit supervac.com/battery-powered-ppv, and for details on the light tower giveaway, check out commandlight.com/light-tower-giveaway. About Super Vac – Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, as well as smoke ejectors. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities, including the patented Smoke BlockAid for smoke mitigation. About Command Light – Command Light, of Fort Collins, CO, specializes in scene lighting for the emergency industry and features the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products.
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 43
Plympton FF, Wounded Warrior Gets New Home On April 2, 2019, a key ceremony was held by the Jared Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors for US Army Corporal and Plympton (MA) Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Skarinka. The Iraqi War veteran was severely injured back in 2004 while on his first tour of duty in Sadar City, Iraq. Cpl.Skarinka, his wife Jennifer and their two children, Noah and Julie, were welcomed by former-NFL football player Jared Allen, members of his foundation, contractors who worked to build the home, firefighters from Plympton, Hanson, Hull and Whitman, members of the community and local media before they cut a ceremonial ribbon, and received a tour of their new home. The 2900-square-foot home is specially designed with the needs of wounded warriors in mind. It features wide hallways and door openings to easily accommodate a wheelchair, and low counter tops, among other
features. The single-story house was completed with the assistance of Commodore Builders, New England Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Home Depot Foundation. The home wasn’t constructed without some difficulties. This past September, two juveniles were arrested and charged with vandalism for destroying windows at the property. Some weather related delays also occurred, in addition to delays due to the Merrimack Valley gas incident, which halted work by Columbia Gas. The home is the first one completed in Massachusetts by Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, which has been a non-profit organization since it was formed back in 2009. Jared Allen is a retired Minnesota Vikings defensive end who formed the organization following a USO tour in the Middle East. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers