VOLUME 3, NO. 5
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Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 SEPTEMBER 2015
See full story on page 24. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Fire News Special Report: Detroit See coverage on page 25
-Southern New England Edition-
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 3
In this issue... Cranston Firefighter Burned in Midday Fire As Cranston FFs were exiting a burning apartment, the last firefighter out recieved burns to his neck and shoulders. See story page 7
Valley Falls FFs Tackle Heavy Fire On arrival, Valley Falls found heavy fire and smoke showing from a church converted into residential apartments. See story page 10
New Haven 2-Alarmer Dixwell Avenue house fire extended into second and third floors requiring a second alarm. See story page 16
Multiple Arsonist Charged A six-alarm fire started in a house on Grainger Street and rapidly spread to two other structures. See story page 18
The Ultimate Gift The story of Al Dreshler’s 16 years of medical woes coming to and end due to the generous donation of a kidney from RN Kerry Krasinskas. See story page 34
Baltic FD Mourns Double Loss Baltic recently lost two of its own, Past-Deputy Chief Ed Pastien and Past-Chief Alphonse Girard.
See story page 36
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 44 Industry News
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 45
Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . . . .pages 46-47
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Page 4, Fire News, September 2015
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor My head is spinning as I write my September editorial. Typically I focus in on an idea, research it, and then share my thoughts with you. When I sat down to write this editorial, my thoughts scattered and I realized that September is a month which, as first responders, we must give special thought to. It is a time to redirect our thoughts and actions. School will be reopening and our children will be heading back to class. As responders we must give extra attention to our school crossings and neighborhood streets to watch out for that kid whose mind is on getting to school on time and not on doing it safely. I know you are always cautious when responding to calls, but rethink your response to the firehouse in your personal car and driving your departments’ vehicles. Seriously take the time to slow down so that you could safely stop to avoid hitting that overzealous child who might not hear your sirens and see your lights. What? Who isn’t going to hear my sirens and see my flashing lights? I remember a lady walking out in front of a responding apparatus in Queens. The driver and the officer thought they were going to run this pedestrian over as she stepped in front of the rig. Returning to quarters, they saw the lady shopping. They stopped the rig and got out to talk to her. She shook her head in tears and said, “I’m sorry, I never saw you, I was thinking about my husband who passed away this morning and I wasn’t paying attention.” Wow, the officer felt horrible! Fortunately the driver of the rig was paying attention and was able to stop within inches of the woman. Reminder: Is your Fire Prevention Program in order? Now is the
Time to Change Seasons! time to order supplies and to review your program, updating it to grasp the attention of your community. When teachers return to school, the first thing they do is review their goals and objectives. You should do the same thing; after all you are a teacher of fire safety. Write down what you are planning to achieve with the thousands of children you will be teaching fire safety. Practice your lessons before you get up in front of the class and … dress to impress! In September, I pause to give remembrance to all responders and workers who lost their lives on 9/11. I think of the families that were broken apart by this tragic day. I will attend a memorial mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and I will work my way down to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to say a prayer at the Reflecting Pools. Finally, I thank FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard and the numerous chiefs, officers, firefighters and friends in government, who always come out to support the families that have lost a loved one. On September 11, 2015, start your day in prayer to remember the fallen responders whose lives were lost as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center. Join me and stop to give thought to those that gave all on 9/11 and to those that have passed as a result of operating at the WTC site. …Dennis
Sprinklers in New Homes: Why You Should Care Fire in the home poses one of the biggest threats to the people in your community. Nearly 2,500 people per year, on average, die in U.S. home fires. Last year, 83 percent of people who died in fires, did so in one- and two-family homes. Sixty-seven percent of all residential structural fireground firefighter deaths occurred in one- and two-family dwellings. Sprinkler advocates across the country, including the fire service, asked for a coordinated effort to encourage the use of home fire sprinklers. NFPA launched that effort through the Fire Sprinkler Initiative: Bringing Safety Home in 2009. Starting in 2006, NPFA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code require fire sprinkler protection in all new one- and two-family dwellings. Since 2009, all model safety codes require fire sprinklers in these dwellings. Model codes represent minimum standards of safety to protect the people and the responding fire force in the event of fire in the home. Amending these codes by removing
By Tim Travers the requirement results in substandard home construction. Opponents have launched an aggressive campaign to keep the requirement out of the code. Their misleading arguments have been refuted by scientific research; but they have prevailed due to their political power and influence. To overcome this powerful opposition it is imperative that firefighters understand the importance of the requirement, embrace it, and assist in engaging and providing factual information to stakeholders. Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts have organized statewide Fire Statewide Fire Sprinkler Coalitions. Home fire sprinkler systems are vastly different from commercial systems. NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes covers, "the design, installation and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems for protection against fire hazards" in these structures. They are cost effective and efficient life safety systems designed to prevent flashover and improve the
chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated. Of special interest to the fire service is the added protection that fire sprinklers provide to firefighter safety. They protect structural stability, allowing fire crews to conduct search and rescue operations and perform an offensive fire attack in a more tenable atmosphere. NFPA 13D requires only the standard operating water pressure of the domestic plumbing system. Most domestic water supply systems are able to manage the operating pressure demands of a home fire sprinkler system. Communities integrating residential fire sprinklers with water supply systems employ practical solutions that satisfy the needs of all stakeholders. Opponents of the home fire sprinkler requirement claim that smoke alarms provide enough protection in the home. Fire deaths decreased consistently after the requirement of interconnected, wired smoke alarms in new construction. A plateau was reached in the early 90s and the maximum benefits of smoke alarms alone have been achieved. Sprinkler systems provide additional benefits, on top of the benefits already provided by smoke alarms. Smoke alarms and sprinkler systems work together to provide protection in the home the same way that seat belts and air bags provide protection in the event of a motor vehicle crash. continues on page 6
Page 6, Fire News, September 2015
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Camp Storage Building Burns
On June 13, 2015, the Hinsdale (MA) Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported building fire in a maintenance facility at Camp Romaca, a summer camp located on Plunkett Lake. On arrival, Chief Larry Turner encountered heavy fire on the C/D corner burning through the roof. Car 1 ordered a second alarm bringing in additional units from Dalton and Middlefield as well as a RIT unit from Cheshire. Peru covered Hinsdale’s station. The fire was under control in 30 minutes and units remained on scene for extensive overhaul. The state fire marshall and Chief Turner ruled the cause accidental due to spontaneous combustion of rags used to stain dock sections. The building was a total loss as were the contents, which included mowers, specialty tools, construction tools, equipment and 140 carved signs ready for placement on camp facilities. - Fire News story submitted by Dick Scialabba, photos by Joe Dewey and Ed Harvey
Sprinklers in New Homes: Why You Should Care continued from page 4 Opponents of residential fire sprinkler systems also like to boast that newer homes are safer homes, and that the fire and death problem is limited to older homes. Statistically, the only fire safety issue that is relevant to the age of the home is outdated electrical wiring. Beyond that, age of the home has little-to-nothing to do with fire safety. A fire at two-o'clock in the morning is equally deadly in a newer or older home. In fact, new methods of construction negatively impact occupant and firefighter life safety under fire conditions. In 2008, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conducted a study to identify the danger to firefighters created by engineered lumber. Its findings also point to the failure of lightweight engineered wood systems used in floors and roofs when exposed to fire. These structures are prone to catastrophic collapse as early as six minutes from the onset of fire. Lightweight floor assemblies and roof trusses are not the only danger to firefighters found in new homes. Passive protection of these assemblies will not solve the problem. The synthetic construction of today's home furnishings also add to the increased risk by providing a greater fuel load. Larger homes, open spaces, void spaces, and changing building materials contribute to faster fire propagation, shorter time to flashover, rapid changes in fire dynamics, shorter escape time and shorter time to col-
lapse. Fire sprinklers can offset these increased dangers and create a safer fire environment for occupants and responding fire crews. An NFPA study conducted in 2013 found that the cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.35 per square sprinklered foot (SF) for new construction. To put the cost of a sprinkler system into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades, granite countertops, paving a stone driveway, or a
whirlpool bath. The Fire Protection Research Foundation released the Incentives for the Use of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in U.S. Communities report revealing that typical incentives offered by communities may offset up to one-third of the cost of home fire sprinkler systems. In addition to the life safety benefits provided by home fire sprinklers, they reduce average
direct property loss by 69 percent, per home fire. Home fire sprinklers also protect the environment, reducing carbon emissions by up to 98 percent. Water conservation is another benefit of home fire sprinklers. Sprinklers flowing for 10 minutes require up to 90-percent less water than water used by firefighter extinguishing methods. Water infrastructure demand is reduced at least 47 percent when the homes within a community are protected by fire sprinkler systems. Home fire sprinkler requirements are not intended to replace the fire service. Adopting these requirements has allowed the fire service to keep up with growth, and to continue to provide an appropriate level of service, which many times translate into savings for a community. Most importantly, it reduces community risk and protects new housing stock for generations to come. NFPA has developed a free PowerPoint presentation highlighting the threats of lightweight construction methods and firefighter safety. For additional information, to request the free presentation, and to access reports cited here and other resources, please visit the home Fire Sprinkler Initiative: Bringing Safety Home website: www.firesprinklerinitiative.org Tim Travers is a NFPA Regional Fire Sprinkler Specialist, MCVFA member, and retired fire chief - Whitman, Massachusetts, Fire-Rescue. Photos by Underwriters Laboratories.
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Cranston Firefighter Burned in Midday Fire
On June 10, 2015, Cranston firefighters responded to Florida Avenue for a house fire with reports of people trapped. Engine 3 was first to arrive and found heavy fire showing from the front windows of the top floor of an occupied three-decker. Members of the Cranston Police Department were on scene telling firefighters that a woman might still be on the top floor. Engine 3 stretched up to the third floor and was joined by members of Ladder 3, Engine 2 and Special Hazards. As crews began their searches, conditions rapidly deteriorated and personnel were ordered out. Before everyone could get through the one door to escape, the remainder of the
apartment flashed over. The last firefighter out received burns to his neck and shoulders and was transported to RIH. Defensive operations were begun and the heavy fire was pushed back. Crews once again entered the house and performed extensive overhaul operations. The woman reported to be trapped on the third floor was not at home at the time of the fire. In addition to the burned firefighter, two other firefighters were transported to RIH with injuries. All of the injured members were released from the hospital and have since returned to work. - Fire News photos by Tom Carmody and Ken LaBelle
On August 3, 2015, Engine 6 arrived to a wall of fire at a Paul Street address. A mid-sized SUV caught fire in a carport and extended to exposure B and D. Exposure B was a single, story wood frame ranch and Exposure D was a 1-1/2 story wood framed residence with a lightweight-construction addition to the rear. Exposure B’s Delta side wall was fully involved with extension to the attic and Exposure B’s Bravo side wall was also fully involved with heavy extension into the second floor and attic of both the main house and addition.
A second alarm was struck due to the heavy fire conditions. Live power lines were also down on the ground hampering the attack. Windy conditions also fanned the fire in Exposure B’s attic. Heavy fire destroyed the trussed roof addition section of the house. Several exterior lines and two ladder pipes brought the fire under control in about two hours. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle and Tim Delaney
Page 8, Fire News, September 2015
Providence 2-Alarmer
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On the afternoon of July 13, 2015, the Providence Fire Department received numerous calls for a house fire on Portland Street with people possibly trapped. First to arrive, Engine 3, reported heavy fire showing from what appeared to be a vacant three-decker. An extra engine and truck were immediately requested and, shortly after, a full second alarm was struck. Firefighters attempted an interior attack but as conditions worsened, Division 1 ordered an evacuation. Tower Ladder 1 and Ladder 5 went to work with their ladder pipes and knocked down the heavy fire. Companies were allowed back inside to overhaul and perform secondary searches. No one was found inside and the cause of the fire was under investigation. One firefighter was injured. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Suspicious Blaze in Lawrence On July 20, 2015, Lawrence Fire Alarm received calls for a building fire at a salvage yard on Marston Street. Companies arrived to find a single-story, brick, commercial building fully involved inside a fenced property. Firefighters took a defensive posture from the start to bring the fire under control. This is the second suspicious fire on the property in the past year. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
Fireworks Cause House Fire Illegal fireworks were to blame for an early evening structure fire, which badly damaged a home on Norway Street in Oakville (CT) on July 3, 2015. The small fire, which started in the bushes in front of the home, quickly extended up the vinyl siding and into the second floor and attic space. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Page 10, Fire News, September 2015
Valley Falls FFs Tackle Heavy Fire
On June 8, 2015, tones went out in Cumberland (RI) reporting a building fire on Broad Street. On arrival, Valley Falls found heavy fire and smoke showing from a church converted into residential apartments. As crews stretched lines inside, they found an advanced quickly spreading fire. Mutual aid was requested from Lincoln, Central Falls, Pawtucket and others. Companies were able to perform searches before the fire began to show through the roof and
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the incident commander ordered all interior companies out. Ladder pipes were set up and operated, as well as several lines and deck guns. Once the heavy fire was knocked down, crews were allowed to return inside and extinguish any remaining pockets of fire. Everyone exited safely. - Fire News photos by Tom Carmody and Tim Delaney
Bloomfield 3-Alarm
Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire in Bloomfield on Jerome Avenue. The fire was in the walls of a three-story medical office building. Mutual aid plus task force activations were required. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley and Sean Freiman
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 11
Tough, Long, 3-Alarmer in Hartford
On the evening of July 27, 2015, Hartford firefighters were dispatched to a building fire on Park Street in the city’s Frog Hollow neighborhood. Arriving units found smoke showing from an apartment building on the corner with commercial occupants on the first floor. Firefighters had difficulty finding the seat of the fire and opening up the well-secured building. The second and third alarms
were transmitted and out-of-town companies were brought in to cover empty firehouses. The fire continued to spread though the building for many hours ,and many units remained on the scene to well after sun up. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, Patrick Dooley and Sean Freiman
Page 12, Fire News, September 2015
East Lyme Fire and Collapse
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Flanders Fire was dispatched on July 1, 2015, to Cardinal Road, for a reported house fire, which occurred at the end of severe storm. First due found the fire was well advanced before arrival and was venting from the roof. Companies worked for several hours to bring the fire under control, during which time the second floor collapsed into the basement. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
1 FF, Civilian Injured in Arlington Blaze Early on July 12, 2015, the Arlington (MA) Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire on Belton Street. Heavy fire was showing from the rear of the house on arrival. The occupants were evacuated, and while firefighters were aggressively attacking the fire, the rear porch collapsed, injuring a firefighter. Second and
Quick Work in Melrose A quick second alarm was struck by Captain Gibson (Ladder 1) for heavy smoke showing in a three-story, brick apartment complex. A very aggressive and fast attack by Melrose and mutual aid companies resulted in a quick knock down. One occupant was evaluated and all companies were back in service within a few hours. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
third alarms were sounded by the Incident Commander, Deputy Fire Chief Steven Porciello, bringing firefighters from Belmont, Cambridge, Medford, Somerville and Winchester. The injured firefighter and one resident were transported to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
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West Haven House Fire
On July 30, 2015, West Haven firefighters were dispatched to a report of a kitchen fire. First arriving companies found smoke showing from a two-story, wood frame dwelling. Multiple lines were stretched along with topside ventilation as the fire quickly spread to the second floor and attic. All searches proved negative and the fire was brought under control in about a half hour. One firefighter was treated at the scene for exhaustion. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Fire News, September 2015, Page 13
Good Job in Clinton 4-Alarm
On August 3, 2015, a fast moving blaze in a three-story row house on Green Street with 24 apartments went up in flames in the late afternoon. Chief of Department John McLaughlin stated that due to the hustle of four firefighters, the fire was contained to only a few apartments. The first engine out the door with four firefighters on duty were able to stretch a 2-1/2 inch line on arrival knocking down the flames. The fire quickly rose to four alarms bringing offduty firefighters and call men with mutual aid from other towns to the scene. The biggest challenge was the process of searching the 24 units to make sure everyone was out. Chief McLaughlin praised this first-due crew with knocking down the fire along and getting a hydrant in place before any out-of-town companies arrived. Mutual aid was provided by Lancaster, Leominster, West Boylston, Sterling and Devens. The City of Fitchburg and the Town of Hudson covered. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Page 14, Fire News, September 2015
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Charlton Winery Ravaged by Fire On the evening of August 2, 2015, Charlton firefighters responded to a fire in a historic winery located on Old Worcester Road. The fire occurred in the Obadiah McIntyre Winery building, at the Charlton Farms & Winery. Eventually, five alarms were struck. Charlton Fire Chief Charles E. Cloutier, Jr., stated that supplying water to the location of the fire proved challenging. Water tankers from the Charlton and numerous mutual aid companies trucked in copious amounts of water to the scene, but it was too little too late. The fire fed on alcohol in the barn, sped through the large two-story building and consumed everything. At the height of the fire, firefighters from Leicester, Webster, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Spencer and Quinebaug (CT) assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Fatality at Ridgefield Condo Fire Recently, the Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department responded to a working fire in a condominium unit in the Casagmo complex. An elderly woman was trapped upstairs. Firefighters made a dramatic rescue above the fire without benefit of a hose line. The victim had no pulse or respiration, but was revived by RFD paramedics and transported to the hospital with a pulse and breathing. Unfortunately, the victim died four days later. - Fire News photo by Kevin B. Tappe
Quick Work in Coventry In what has been a tumultuous year for the Anthony and Central Coventry Fire Departments, the firefighters have held their heads high and continue to provide the highest level of service to Coventry residents. On June 24, 2015, firefighters responded to Boston Road for a house fire. A police officer reported smoke showing from a house and Anthony Engine 1 confirmed it. Firefighters located a mattress fire in a rear bedroom and confined the fire to that area. No one was home at the time of the fire. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Collapse in Berlin Blaze Early on June 15, 2015, firefighters responded to a working fire on Berlin Turnpike in Berlin (CT). Companies went with an exterior attack on arrival and had the roof collapse soon after they arrived. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
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Lisbon Market Fire Firefighters from Lisbon and several other eastern Connecticut towns converged on the popular Better Val U market recently, for a working fire in the front canopy soffit area. The fire was spotted quickly by numerous customers and brought under control within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Good Knockdown in Blackstone On June 14, 2015, an early morning fire severely damaged a dwelling on Crestwood Drive. The fire appeared to have started in the rear of the dwelling near a large deck and extended to the Charlie side exterior wall and slightly into the residence. A quick attack by the first arriving Blackstone (MA) engine knocked the fire down, halting the extension inside the dwelling. There was heavy smoke damage throughout the house. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
New Haven 2-Alarmer On June 13, 2015, New Haven firefighters arrived at a Dixwell Avenue address to find heavy fire on the rear porches of a large, three-story, wood frame, which then extended into the second and third floors. A second alarm was transmitted by orders of DC Marcarelli. Firefighters aggressively opened up and quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire. Several families were displaced and one firefighter was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
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Worcester’s New Tiller Goes to Work
Worcester firefighters from L2 exit the roof after venting. The fire occurred on April 1, 2015, on Wachusetts Street. Ladder 2 was in service with their new Seagrave Tiller. - Fire News photo by Paul LaRochelle
Lightning Strike in Dorchester
Recently, Dorchester units responded to a second-alarm blaze caused by a lightning strike. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
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Playing with Matches
Recently, Waterbury units responded to an all-hands fire on Congress Avenue. As Engine 11 arrived, crews found heavy fire coming from the third floor of a three-story residence. An additional engine was added as the fire consumed the entire roof, at which point, firefighters were pulled from the structure. With the move to a ladder pipe operation the main body of fire was quickly knocked down allowing crews to reenter the building to hit hotspots. Investigators found the fire was started by a nine-year-old boy playing with matches. When the small fire got out of control he ran for home and was caught on security cameras on an adjacent building. He was not criminally charged with the fire but will be required to attend a fire safety and prevention class run by the City's Fire Investigation and Prevention Division. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Barn Fire in East Windsor On July 23, 2015, East Windsor (CT) firefighters responded to a working barn fire on Plantation Road. Exposure to 500gallon propane tanks next to the barn were problematic. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Mendon Barn Fire On June 16, 2015, a vacant barn burned to the ground in a remote area off George Street. A large smoke header was seen as companies pulled out of quarters. The barn was fully involved and soon collapsed as handlines were stretched. Tanker operations were used to shuttle in water to extinguish the smoldering timbers. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Multiple Arsonist Charged An early morning fire on May 7, 2015, went to the equivalent of six alarms worth of apparatus/manpower. The fire started in a house under construction on Grainger Street and rapidly spread to two other structures including an occupied triple decker on E. Cambridge Street Days after the fire, a 43-year-old male was arrested and charged with arson in connection to this fire. He has since been connected to several other fires in the neighborhood. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 19
Busy Day in Norwich
On July 1, 2015, Norwich Fire was dispatched to Oak Street, for a reported refrigerator fire. At the time, Norwich call was a brush fire, several companies were redirected. Car-1 companies were responding to a reported fire off in the Laurel Hill reported a working fire on the second floor of the dwelling. Crews section of the city. Second alarm companies were requested to had the fire under-control in about 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by Robert Ladd and Joe Shefer respond to the Oak Street fire. Once it was discerned that the first
Page 20, Fire News, September 2015
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Saugus 3-Alarmer Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire in Saugus on Waterwheel Lane on July 12, 2015. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
Southbury Condo Blaze Recently, a fast moving fire destroyed five condominium units in Heritage Village in the town of Southbury (CT). The complex, which is an active adult community, has over 2000 units on its 1000-acre property. The fire started on the first floor of a middle unit, quickly spreading into the common attic space to involve the five attached units. Companies made an initial interior push but, with the fire rapidly intensifying, a tower ladder, deck gun, and master stream exterior attack was taken up. The main body of fire was knocked down after about 90 minutes, but crews spent the rest of the night chasing hot spots. Southbury was assisted by Woodbury, Roxbury, Middlebury, Sandy Hook and Oxford volunteers for manpower, equipment and station coverage. Two residents were transported to a local hospital for treatment of undisclosed medical issues and 10 to 15 residents were displaced. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Seekonk House Fire Recently, an off-duty firefighter called in a fire on Arcade Avenue. The fire began in the cellar of a 11/2 story, wood frame, occupied dwelling, possibly by an overheated power strip. The fire was contained to the basement in about an hour. A cat and bird were also rescued during the fire. The cat was resuscitated by EMTs with oxygen and turned over to the animal control officer. Mutual aid companies from East Providence responded to the scene while other towns assisted with coverage. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 21
Good Save in Hartford
On July 26, 2015, the Hartford Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Vine Street in the city’s North End. While en route the dispatcher informed the responding companies they were receiving multiple calls and reports of people trapped. First arriving Engine 14 radioed smoke and fire showing. Companies removed one person by ground ladders as the fire jumped from the second to
third floor. Ladder 3 was sent to the roof and performed ventilation. Companies were on the scene for several hours extinguishing and overhauling the fire. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta and Patrick Dooley
Page 22, Fire News, September 2015
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Haddam Car Fire
On August 6, 2015, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a vehicle fire on Route 9S near Exit 8 in Haddam. The driver noticed smoke in her car and quickly pulled to the shoulder and exited. Upon arrival, Haddam firefighters found the vehicle completely engulfed. They used a 1 3/4 inch line off Haddam’s Engine 1-13 to extinguish the fire. Pictured are 1st Assistant Chief Zachary Ziezzi and Firefighter Joe Tomasso. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
South Windsor Car Fire On June 24, 2015, units responded to a car fire in South Windsor on Buckland Street. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Why There’s Mutual Aid
On August 3, 2015, mutual aid apparatus that were on a covering assignment as city companies fought a two-alarm fire elsewhere, responded to Beechwood Avenue for a reported dwelling fire. Central Falls Engine 2 arrived to find a fully involved van adjacent to a garage, fence and a three-story wood frame dwelling. A quick attack kept the fire contained to the van with slight extension to a wooden fence. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle and Tim Delaney
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Car Fire Damages Structure
On August 2, 2015, the Marlborough Fire Department was dispatched to Pleasant Street at Lincoln Street for a report of a car fire. Engine 2 arrived to find a fully involved car in close proximity to a building on Lincoln Street. A full response was requested bringing Engine 5, Tower 1, Rescue 1 and Car 2 to the scene. Crews stretched multiple handlines to bring the fire under control and cool down the exposure building. The fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jim Fortin, Jr.
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E.Great Plain Takes on Car Fire
On July 8, 2015, Norwich Fire dispatched the East Great Plain Fire Department to Salem Turnpike at the Town Fair Tire lot for a car fire. Ladder 5 and Rescue 5 arrived to find an engine compartment fire in a minivan. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Page 24, Fire News, September 2015
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Cover Story
4 Firefighters Injured in Webster 7-Alarmer
On June 25, 2015, Webster firefighters responded to an alarm for smoke coming from the rear of the Anglo Fabrics mill complex on North Street. A second alarm was struck en route. First-due Engine 1, under the command of Assistant Chief Chris Jold, immediately went to work on the heavy volume of fire in the threestory wooden structure. The fire was also threatening several other buildings. Additional alarms were struck as the fast moving fire rapidly overtook three buildings. Several Connecticut fire companies also responded to assist in establishing an adequate water supply, drafting at a nearby river, and augmented the water being supplied by the town’s hydrant system. The long and arduous fight lasted some 12 hours before the fire could be considered under control. At the height of the fire, there were some 200 firefighters from across Central Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut battling the flames. Flying firebrands from the mill ignited several roofs in the area, but firefighters quickly extinguished those fires. At one point, a structural task force from the Department of Fire Services was activated, sending much needed resources to the scene. Four firefighters were injured and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photos by Alan Brackett and Ken LaBelle
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 25
Special Report: Detroit
Fire News photographers spend the 4th of July weekend in the “Motor City”.
- Fire News photo by Sean Freiman
- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
- Fire News photo by Kevin White
- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
- Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
- Fire News photo by Paul LaRochelle
Page 26, Fire News, September 2015
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Bridgeport Extrication
MVA in Auburn
On June 8, 2015, the Bridgeport Fire Department was dispatched to the Noble Avenue at Magnolia for an MVA with possible extrication. Engine 10 was first on scene reporting a two-car MVA with extrication needed on one. Engine 10, Ladder 10, Rescue 5, Battalion 2, and Safety 1 responded. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
On July 31, 2105, Auburn (MA) firefighters responded to a headon MVA. There were minor injuries but it appeared an SUV may have rolled over and righted itself. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 27
Bloomfield T-bone
Sharper Than He Thought
On June 21, 2015, the Bloomfield Fire Department was alerted to a two-car MVA with entrapment at the intersection of Maple and Mountain Avenues. Upon arrival, crews were met with a “t-bone� accident. The driver of one vehicle required extrication, which was swiftly carried out. Local EMS transported the driver with non-life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Stephen Hess
On June 23, 2015, a driver poorly navigated a sharp turn on Douglas Pike, drove through a fence and came to rest alongside an embankment of the Branch River. Burrillville Police Officers were first on scene to attempt to stabilize the vehicle and the driver. Members from Stations 1 and 3 utilized ropes and chains to secure the vehicle from sliding further into the river. EMTs gained access once the vehicle was secured. The driver was extricated via backboard and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Page 28, Fire News, September 2015
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Duxbury MVA Duxbury firefighters transported one patient from this MVA rollover to the South Shore Hospital. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
High Speed Rollover in Thomaston
Early on August 8, 2015, Thomaston Fire and EMS were dispatched for a high speed rollover accident on Route 8 South just prior to Exit 37. Witnesses reported that the vehicle passed them at a high rate of speed before the driver lost control, rolling multiple times before coming to rest on the shoulder. Firefighters folded back the roof and opened the doors so members of Thomaston Ambulance could access the unresponsive victim. The patient was packaged and transported in critical condition to Waterbury Hospital. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Worcester Car vs. Pole On July 11, 2015, Worcester Rescue 1 was special called to the scene of an MVA to use stabilizer jacks to hold a car while the occupant was removed and transported to the hospital after striking a light pole on Pleasant Street. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Car Strikes Building in Abington On June 28, 2015, the Abington Fire Department was alerted for an MVA at the intersection of Hancock and Chestnut Streets, with a vehicle reported to have struck the Abington County Store. Abington Fire responded with A-4, Engine-3 and Engine-2. Companies arrived to find a two-car MVA. One-vehicle had collided with the store, with an approximate one-foot intrusion. The building inspector was requested to respond. Ambulance-4 transported two victims from the scene to the South Shore Hospital. The store reportedly remained open, despite damage. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Tech Rescue in Plympton
- Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Fire News, September 2015, Page 29
Fall Victim Flown From Whitman
On June 29, 2015, the Whitman Fire Department responded to Old Coach Road for a report of a person who had fallen. A-248 and Car-3 responded. Companies arrived to find a victim who had fallen from the roof level of a residential home. A-248 requested Boston MedFlight to transport the victim. The victim was transported to the LZ, where Engine-2 and police had the scene secured. The victim was flown to Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Page 30, Fire News, September 2015
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Watertown Drowning On June 14, 2015, Watertown Volunteer Fire and the Region 5 Dive Team responded to Sylvan Lake in the Oakville section. The area, which has been the scene of multiple drownings, is clearly marked as dangerous, with swimming and jumping from the rock face prohibited. First arriving police units entered the water but were unable to locate the victim. As Watertown deployed their boat and suited up divers, the Regional Dive Team arrived, setting up safety operations and preparing additional divers. Since the event was witnessed, divers had a good location for the point of entry and found the victim quickly. He was brought to shore and CPR started by waiting EMS personnel, after which he was transported to Waterbury Hospital. Though there was a quick response and recovery, the victim never regained vital signs and was pronounced dead at the hospital. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Quick Thinking Young Man Quick thinking 11-year-old Jack Ahrens spotted a man buried up to his chest in mud and alerted neighbors to call 911. Duxbury Fire Department quickly extricated the victim from the mud. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
1 Dead in Plymouth Construction Accident On June 30, 2015, the Plymouth Fire Department responded to Hedges Pond Road, for a report of a person trapped under sand, inside a front-end loader. When crews arrived they found a large front-end loader covered with an estimated 12-feet of sand with the operator trapped. While firefighters worked to access the victim, the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team was requested. Firefighters made contact with the victim, and determined he was deceased. The large pile of loose sand, approximately 200-feet high, hindered rescue efforts, as additional avalanches were a possibility. Rescue crews had difficulty removing sand from around the victim due to sand continuously coming into the cab. Tech rescue personnel worked in teams of two, tethered to ropes, to try and free the victim. Due to the amount of sand, a vacuum truck from the Town of Plymouth was requested. The Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team set up a four-to-one haul system and, while the vacuum truck removed sand, was able to hoist the victim free of the cab. Plymouth Fire Chief Edward Bailey said, “It was a combination of suffocation and trauma from the weight of all that sand that came cascading down the hill. It was almost like a snow avalanche.� The cause of the incident is under the investigation of the Plymouth Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and OSHA. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Car Rolls into Lake Cochituate The Natick Fire Department was dispatched on July 13, 2015, to the boat ramp at Cochituate State Park for a vehicle that rolled into the lake. It was unknown if anybody was inside. Engines 2 and 4, Ladder 1, Rescue 3, Ambulance 1 and Car 2 with a boat responded, as well as Natick Police. Companies arrived and found a Jeep with a boat trailer still attached approximately five feet underwater with everyone out. Once a tow truck arrived, an NFD diver entered the water to begin vehicle recovery operations. The Jeep and trailer were removed from the water. - Fire News photo by Jim Fortin, Jr.
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 31
Full Scale Exercise Operation Swift Response
Operation Swift Response was the second in a series of full-scale exercises to challenge the recently formed Statewide Technical Rescue capabilities spearheaded by the Fire Chiefs of Massachusetts in cooperation with Massachusetts Emergency Management, Department of Fire Services and the Regional Homeland Security Councils. The Commonwealth will continue to build out regional technical rescue teams that can deploy in a moment's notice and begin to assemble at an incident as quick as 20 minutes with a full team and equipment cache within the hour of any event. This mobilization exercise, Operation Swift Response, was executed on June 8 and 9, 2015. The planning for this exercise started in January 2015, and the Planning Team conducted 24, four-hour sessions, to prepare for this event. The simulated large area severe weather event was the crux of the devastation, requiring technical rescue team deployment to two geographically separate areas, simultaneously, over two days. The sites located in Plainville and Topsfield (MA) were selected by the planning team. Many local, regional and state agencies worked together cooperatively to challenge their own assets and to make the drill a success. The four core objectives for this year’s MOBEX were: 1) Deploy to two sites simultaneously for two days and provide search and rescue; 2) Demonstrate interoperability with all the fire based technical rescue teams representing the North and South Groups and the NG CERF-P soldiers; 3) Demonstrate capability to move all teams with personnel and equipment into the sites using NG Aviation; 4) Demonstrate command and control using newly formed technical rescue Incident Support Team (IST) and expanding its capability with the Multi Agency Coordination (MAC), Area Command.
On day one both sites used aviation to its fullest capability and crews had to plan mobilization of the teams, proper manifest documentation, packaging Blackhawk helicopters provided by National Guard Aviation and deploying to sites with efficiency. Once deployed they assembled a hasty search team and begin formulating plans for search and rescue while maintaining a steady force in the field and providing for rehab and rapid intervention teams. IST followed into the site with a planned delay and began to support the operation locally with all things necessary to support the teams with anywhere from 150 to 200 people operating in the field at each site, while maintaining a safe and steady flow of personnel from the landing zone. Area command was established in keeping with the NIMS National Response Plan and began to assist with resource needs between sites, as well as resources that needed to be filled by the State EOC Emergency Support Function (ESF) Desks. Area command maintained accurate situational awareness from both sites and assisted in the development of Incident Action Plans (IAP) for each operational period being developed by each site. It is safe to say that many strengths have been identified due largely to the commitment by all involved, and that areas of improvement indicated in the After Action Report will be addressed in the coming year, with a plan for the next year’s MOBEX to include newly established regional teams and a focus on a hazardous material theme. - Fire News story by Chief Kevin Nord, photos by Rob Reardon and Pat Travers
Page 32, Fire News, September 2015
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SCBA Training in Haddam
On July 20 2015, members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT) participated in a SCBA drill inside its new training facility. Firefighters donning full gear crawled up stairs, under, over and through obstacles while on air. Afterwards, members filled the air packs, cleaned the SCBA and taught newer and junior members how to store the air packs properly inside the trucks. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
RIT Training at Great Barrington Rapid Intervention Team Training was the focus, as about 20 firefighters and instructors from Rhode Island, New York, Vermont and Connecticut, gathered at the Great Barrington (MA) Fire Station. Crews were broken up into three- and four-member teams and participated in sessions that detailed the skills of an RIT member. Moving a downed firefighter was certainly a challenge. In the afternoon there was a final drill where the two crews learned much about teamwork and the huge amount of resources required to locate and rescue a downed firefighter. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Training in Medford Stoneham (MA) and Medford (MA) Auxiliary Fire Departments training at the Medford Fire Training tower. - Fire News photo by Charlie McGrath
Medevac Training in Blandford Lifestar Helicopter from Hartford (CT) Hospital recently participated in a training session with the Blandford (MA) Fire Department. It was an excellent review for the seasoned members and a great introduction to Medevac and landing zone operations for the newer members. - Fire News photo by Michelle Dawson, submitted by Ed Harvey
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 33
Providence’s Plante Retires
Congratulations to Providence (RI) Fire 1991 E-One pump. Thanks for your 35 years of Department Engine 7 Captain David Plante on his dedicated service to the City of Providence. - Fire News photos by retirement. Captain Plante worked his last shift on Ken LaBelle and Tim Delaney the city’s new Engine 7, a 2015 E-One Typhoon 1750/500/30 Foam pumper. The new rig replaced a
Page 34, Fire News, September 2015
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The Ultimate Gift
Al Deshler’s story began back in 1999, when he developed chest pains and shortness of breath while at work. Al was taken to the emergency room for a series of tests. The tests showed a condition called pericarditis, fluid around the heart. Blood work was done and exhibited signs of acute renal failure. Al was admitted to the intensive care unit where he found out there was no cure. Al would need a kidney transplant. Over the next 10 years, his condition worsened. In 2008, Al had a fistula put in his wrist to provide a pathway for the dialysis he would have to undergo. In the mean time Al was working full time for Med-Star EMS and was a call firefighter for the Town of Shirley. In April 2010 he started eight months of dialysis. Al was able to convince his physician that, since he was a Paramedic, he could do the treatments at home. Al was still working 50 to 60 hours a week and responded to 12 structure fires while being ill. His physicians frowned upon him doing this aggressive and rigorous work, but Al stated there was no way he was going to slow down and let his condition take his life over. This ultimately proved to the doctors that he could work right up to the day of a transplant. Al, who is a divorced, said one of the toughest things he had to cope with was having his daughter grow up watching him be ill. She hadn’t been born when he was first diagnosed. During this period Al was on the donor’s list to receive a kidney and always carried his phone awaiting a call for a match. Late in 2014, Al was on an EMS run and in the emergency room when a friend of his, Kerry Krasinskas, an RN, noticed Al looking tired. Al had known Kerry for about seven years. Without Al’s knowledge
Kerry, with the full support of her husband and two children, went to get tested to see if she was a match for Al. In November 2014, Kerry told Al she was a perfect match and that surgery could be initiated. After Kerry’s last two tests, Al went in for his follow-up; both passed with flying colors and January 15, 2015, was set for the transplant. On the appointed day, the two headed down to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for surgery; Kerry’s was four hours and Al’s was five. The surgery was a success. Kerry was able to return to work after five weeks with no restrictions. Al’s recovery was supposed to be six months, but he was cleared to return to work in four months. Al has gone on to become a fulltime firefighter with the Town of Shirley and is doing extremely well under the care of his doctor. Now, after 25 years, he is able to do cardio exercises, along with enjoying some types of food that he was unable to previously. Al will have to be on rejection medication for the rest of his life, however, Kerry’s kidney is doing so well for Al, his medicine dosages have been lowered three times. Al says he beat all odds with his willingness to get and stay healthy. While doing this Al has been teaching fire departments and EMS workers about his illness and how to cope with it in the field. Today Al’s focus has now shifted to a brother firefighter from Fitchburg, who was diagnosed several years ago, and was recently told he, too, will need a transplant. Al has been keeping in close touch with him and giving advice to him on what he is about to go through so his family and friends will be able to understand the process. - Fire News story and photos by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 35
Teaching the Children
Worcester’s Perkins Retires
On July 23, 2105, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT) Firefighter Jay Selmer visited Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam, as part of the library’s Summer Reading Programs for children and teens. This year’s theme (for preschool children to 6th grade) was “Every Hero Has a Story.” Jay spoke to the children about volunteer firefighting and read three books to the group including Ten Rules of Being a Superhero, Firefighters: Battling Smoke and Flames (Emergency Response), and Lego City: Fight This Fire! Haddam Firefighter Teresa Kuchyt and her son, Martin, also attended the reading. “Did you know 70 percent of all firefighters are volunteers, and only four percent are women,” Jay said. Jay joined the department in 2009 and was promoted to the rank of Firefighter in August 2010. He serves on the Fire Prevention and Education Committee and teaches area elementary school children about fire prevention and safety. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
Fire Captain Hampton S. Perkins called it a career on July 31, 2015. Captain Perkins was instrumental in the design of a new Seagrave Tiller for Ladder 2. He monitored the entire project from specifications right through delivery. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Page 36, Fire News, September 2015
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Obituary
Baltic’s Past-Deputy Chief Ed Pastien
The Baltic Fire Department gave a very fond send off to past-Deputy Chief Ed Bastien who passed away very suddenly. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Baltic’s Past-Chief Alphonse Girard
Past-Chief and active member of the Baltic Fire Department for 52 years, Alphonse ‘Hogan’ Girard was also a Marine during WWII and the USMC provided a Marine Honor Guard with a gun salute, playing of
Taps and the flag from Hogan’s coffin being express their thanks for Hogan’s public folded and presented to Assistant Chief and service as a fire fighter and a Marine. - Fire News photos by son of Hogan, Thomas Girard. Many area Reg Patchell and Joe Shefer fire chiefs and members also attended to show their respect to the Girard family to
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 37
N. Providence’s Boston Sparks Lt. Scott Annual Retires Picnic
North Providence (RI) Lieutenant Dean Scott retired in June 2015, after 27 years of dedicated service to the town. The members of C group stopped by the station to wish him well in his retirement. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
The Boston Sparks annual picnic was held at the Boston Fire Museum on June 12, 2015. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Cops ... Really? At this past EMS/Fire Department Super Show, at Nassau Coliseum, I was approached by Firefighter Charles Ransonson of Bethpage. He asked me if I could do a show at the Nassau County Fire Department Barbecue contest, called “Can you handle the fire?” The contest took place in front of Fairway Market, right outside of Mitchell Field on Long Island. All proceeds from the contest went to the Nassau County Firefighter Museum, located at Mitchell Field. When I arrived at the BBQ, Charles was the first one setting up. He brought his own trailer filled with all gadgets and doodads. There was one rule for the contest — you had to use chicken and ribs in your meal. Charles was smoking his meat and to say Charles is an expert on ribs, would be an understatement. Yet the ribs are not what wowed me with Charles’ recipe. It was his Bacon Explosion. This was one of his side dishes for the contest. It was a heart attack waiting to happen, but worth the risk! Between the different recipes that Charles was making, I ventured out to meet with the men from the other departments. Syosset and Bethpage had a little bit of a rivalry. Firefighter Frank Visilli had a lot to say about Charles. Charles had his trophies, from past contests, set up on his table. I asked if he was nervous that Bethpage might beat him. Frank replied with fireman’s wit, “I think it’s nice that he brought his bowling trophy and little league trophy, but he won’t be adding to that trophy table today.” Frank made a delicious pulled-pork sandwich out of his ribs, as well as a chicken gumbo. After I tasted his food, I said that Bethpage might be in trouble. Other departments came from East Meadow, Malverne, Westbury and Oceanside to name but a few. The contestant I was most surprised to see were from the Nassau County Police Medics. This team was led by Mike Seltzer and Mark Pollack. Their ribs were good, but come on, they’re cops! They can’t win a fire department cook-off! Yet, sure enough, when the judges read their verdict, the Nassau County Police Medics were victorious. In the closing the show, standing with the police medics, I said nice and loud, “Really? The cops?” They were great ribs! Be sure to watch the new season of Firehouse Kitchen beginning in September 2015. Be sure to check you local listings for times and channels. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com.
BACON EXPLOSION 16 Strips of raw bacon 8 Precooked Strips of bacon 4 Sweet pork sausages 2 Tablespoons of pork seasoning 1 Cup of shredded Cheddar cheese Lay eight strips of raw bacon one direction in a baking tin. Lay the remaining eight strips of raw bacon in another direction (a basket pattern). Slice open the sweet sausage and place the inside contents on top of the raw bacon. Add the pork seasoning. Then, lay the eight precooked bacon strips on top. Roll everything into a log shape. Cook in a smoker for three hours (check conversion time for conventional ovens). Eat and enjoy!
Page 38, Fire News, September 2015
Flag Day Bike Run
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Tower 25 from Taftville and Ladder 156 from the Jewett City Departments raise the flag to welcome 1000-plus motorcyclists for the annual Flag Day Bike run benefit for veterans. - Fire News photos by Joe Shefer
Police, FFs Helping the Community Leominster firefighters teamed up with police for their annual Junior Police Academy. Every summer this academy is held with the police officers developing skills for the young people’s futures. Some teens are known to have a very rough childhood/family life, so the effort is aimed at giving them some structure. Leominster firefighters showed up on their day off to show the kids what firefighters do on the job. According to one of the lead instructors, Patrolamn Michael Marrone, the kids learn an awful lot and seem to get a better idea of just what police and firefighters do. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Canaan Racing Reo Members of the Canaan (CT) Fire Company race to their 1930 Reo Speedwagon during their annual muster. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 39
Ahhh, the Good Ol’ Days
On July 18, 2015, the Spencer Firefighter’s Association held an old fashioned muster at the Spencer Fairgrounds. The muster consisted of all the old races including a water polo event. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Hermione Visits Boston Boston Marine Unit 1, John S. Damrell escorting the replica French tall ship Hermione into Boston Harbor for a visit on July 10, 2015. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Truck Show and Demo in Fall River The Fall River Fire Museum’s seventh annual fire truck show took place on June 7, 2015. Attendees were treated to antique and modern fire apparatus on display, a children’s fire safe house, fire extinguisher demonstrations, as well as demonstrations of the hydraulic rescue tools carried on Heavy Rescue 1. A chainsaw artist also carved a fire truck out of a large log. - Fire News photo by Kenneth Leger
Page 40, Fire News, September 2015
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DC Olschefskie Retires
5 for the First Time
East Hartford (CT) Deputy Chief Dave Olschefskie cutting his retirement cake. Dave retired on June 28, 2015, after 32-1/2 years on the job. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
For the first time in the company’s 85-year history, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT) has five female members. (From left): Company Photographer Olivia Drake, Probationary Member Amanda Commesso, Firefighter Kate Zarbo, EMT Member Rose Eberl and Firefighter Teresa Kuchyt. - Fire News photo courtesy of Olivia Drake
Everyone Goes Home The New Marlborough Muster team gears up for the Midnight Alarm at Fenway Park event held at their muster on August 2, 2015. The team of four had to don bunker gear at the pitcher’s mound, run to home plate and then crawl the bases back to home, because - Everyone Goes Home! - Fire News story by Ed Harvey, photo by Brittney Lane
Thanking the Families The 115th annual Firefighters Memorial Sunday took place on June 14, 2015, at the Leominster Common. This year’s speech, given by Chief of Department Rober Sideleau II, was to the families that, on any given day, can be called into action and was a thank you to all families that understand that it is the job of firefighter. Many of the recently hired firefighters were on hand with their young children. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 41
Melrose’s McVoy Given Fire Mark Award
On June 21, 2015, Melrose Firefighter Rob McVoy received the FF McVoy arrived on scene and immediately ran in the house and Liberty Mutual Fire Mark Award for his bravery and dedication to rescued a young boy. Shown here is Firefighter McVoy the fire service for an incident in which he stopped on his way home Accompanied by representatives from Liberty. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman when he saw smoke coming from a house on the side of the highway.
Cambridge Fire Department Memorial The stone at the Cambridge Firefighters Lot in Cambridge Cemetery. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Worcester Firefighters Promoted On July 1, 2015, Worcester city officials held a promotional ceremony at City Hall. Promoted were Firefighter John Gallagher to Lieutenant, and Lieutenant Mark Wyco to Captain. (Left to right): Chief Dio, Lt. Gallagher, Capt. Wyco and City Manager Augustus. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Page 42, Fire News, September 2015
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Baltic Fire Engine Company #1 Presents ‘From ‘Old Ironsides’ to the Sam Adams Brewery’ Saturday, September 26th We leave from the Norwich Parking lot at 0630 SHARP, on a tour of Boston’s Best. The USS Constitution, better known as ‘Old Ironsides,’ is our first stop. Built in the late 1700s, it is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. The ship is in dry dock for renovations, so our tour will include BOTH a topside and tour of the ship’s 218 year old hull, truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our on-your-own lunch stop will be at the famous Quincy Market Place, home to many
delicious restaurants from around the world. Close by is Durgin Park Restaurant, home of the Best Boston Baked Beans! Any tour to Boston MUST include one of the country’s oldest farmer’s market, Hay Market Square, which is just around the corner from Quincy Market Place. For many, our last stop is why they came on the tour. We’ll visit and tour the Boston Beer Company, the home of Sam Adams Brewery. We’ll see how Sam Adams Beer is brewed and
have a tasting or two. Their company store offers many of Sam Adams’s best beers for sale. Approximate return time is between 19302000. $95 per person For information and reservations, contact Reg Patchell at: Reggiepatchell@comcast.net or 860-822-6228
Flag Day Ceremony in Randolph Randolph (MA) Local 1268 firefighter on June 14, 2015. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Bald for a Cause Frank Rizzo, a firefighter with the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department, which protects the Mohegan Sun Casino and surrounding areas, poses with his son Logan after getting their heads shaved in the 6th annual Bald for a Brother cancer benefit. This year’s recipient was a Norwich Police sergeant. Hundreds of heads were shaved, and thousands of dollars collected, in another very well attended affair. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Auburn’s Otterson Retires Auburn (MA) Fire Captain, Eric Otterson retired from the Auburn Fire Department on August 2, 2015, ending a 16-year career. Eric advanced quickly through the ranks from Explorer Post in high school up to Captain. He was also instrumental in getting Auburn’s Paramedic program up and running. Eric will still be involved in the medical field, after retirement as a physician’s assistant. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 43
WTC Subway Car at Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven
The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven (CT) proudly accepted delivery of PATH Subway Car 745 on August 6, 2015. The car, which was completely intact, routinely shuttled commuters to and from the World Trade Center. It was salvaged from the PATH station directly under the WTC following the 9/11 attack. A host of local, state and New York City officials were on hand as a large flatbed truck hauled the 51-foot long car into the museum where it will be enshrined along a collection of vintage trolley cars. The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society, the FDNY Color Guard, and the FDNY Emerald Society were all in attendance for the presentation, as were contingents of firefighters from East Haven and Branford. - Fire News photos by Doc Johnson
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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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Fire News, September 2015, Page 45
P.C. RICHARDS & SONS VIP PROGRAM FOR FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS P.C. Richard & Son, America's #1 family owned and operated appliance, electronics and mattress retailer, offers an exclusive VIP Discount Program to all Fire, Rescue and EMS Personnel in the tri-state area. On display at its 66 Superstores, serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Northeast Philly, is the largest selection of televisions, home appliances, designer built-in appliances, personal electronics, and computers. Plus, P.C. Richard & Son has expanded its selection of merchandise and added several exciting new categories including mattresses, Apple products, home automation, newly expanded housewares department, health & fitness bands, and Sonos products. All of P.C. Richard & Son's employees are dedicated to providing superior service before, during and after the sale, and giving customers a wonderful and rewarding shopping experience. It starts with friendly and knowledgeable salespeople, who explain all the features of today's high-tech products, by providing next day delivery, as well as offering professional installation and a repair service by company-owned crews. Currently run by the fourth generation of the Richard family, P.C. Richard & Son is built on a 105-year tradition. To receive your VIP Discount pricing, present an official employee ID to our Showroom Manager or Assistant Manager at any store location. Contact Joe Morrone at Joe.Morrone@PCRichard.com or Todd Costello at Todd@PCRichard.com for more information.
FIREHOUSE EXPO GOING TO NASHVILLE IN 2016 Fire-Service Conference Will Have New Location after 32 Years in Baltimore Firehouse announced at July's Firehouse Expo in Baltimore that its 2016 event will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to the change in location, Firehouse Expo will move to the fall, with October dates for 2016. “It was not our original plan to be in Nashville in 2016,” said Ed Nichols, Vice President of Events, “however, circumstances required us to find a new location and Nashville made the most sense. It’s a hub to the southeastern United States, is easily reachable by air or car and offers built in entertainment opportunities to exhibitors and attendees at no additional cost in a way very few venues can offer.” Additionally, Nichols added, “The way the state has embraced the announcement and the support that has materialized so far has been impressive. This provides the platform for us to create something unique for the fire service, both regionally and nationally, consistent with what Firehouse and the Firehouse Expo brand has come to be known for.” Planning for Firehouse Expo 2016 got under way on the heels of the 2015 event, and both the city of Nashville and the Tennessee fire service are excited about the opportunity. “The Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association is excited for the opportunity to partner with Firehouse Expo. Firehouse has a long history of supporting firefighter education, training and safety, which aligns with the mission of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association and the Tennessee fire service,” says James Fountain, President of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association.
“I am elated that Firehouse has chosen Music City as its location for Firehouse Expo in 2016,” says Gary West, State Fire Marshal. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Tennessee fire service are proud to host such an elite conference and exposition. Nashville is an exciting city to visit and will provide an outstanding atmosphere for a successful conference next year.” The change in location of Firehouse Expo follows on the heels of wholesale additions and improvements to the Firehouse team in 2014 and 2015. Improvements started with the leadership additions of Group Show Manager Brian Cassell and Editor-In-Chief Timothy Sendelbach, initially envisioned to work in complement with Editor Emeritus Harvey Eisner until his unexpected death in October of 2014, and followed with substantial financial investment in the event, particularly in program content and conference development. This change in venue and time of year in some ways creates a whole new Firehouse Expo. Firehouse Expo will take place October 18-22, 2016, at the Music City Center in Nashville. Firehouse World will take place January 31 to February 4, 2016, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. For more information regarding Firehouse Expo 2016, please contact Show Manager Brian Cassell at Brian.Cassell@Firehouse.com.
Page 46, Fire News, September 2015
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Up Close & Personal
Providence Ladder 1st Lieutenant at a recent fire on Portland Street. - Fire News photo by Amanda Carmody Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. (CT) Chief Sam Baber provided a four-hour safety lesson, training and hands-on tool demonstration with Acworth Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. (N.H.) members. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
Ember is the family dog of the LaPlante family who serve with the Blandford (MA) Fire Department. Jake hangs out with Otis Firefighter Jordan Arnold. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey Members of East Granby FD at a fire in Bloomfield on July 14, 2015. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
New Britain (CT) B-shift firefighters enjoying a warm night at Station One. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Randolph (MA) Local 1268 firefighters on June 14, 2015. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Dorchester firefighters relax after a recent blaze caused by a lightning strike. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
New Haven firefighters at a recent Dixwell Avenue fire. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
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Fire News, September 2015, Page 47
Up Close & Personal Cumberland firefighter at June 29, 2015, garage fire on Forestdale Drive. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle (Left to right): Worcester District Chief Powers, Deputy Chief Gardell and Capt White. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Colchester Captain George Papp. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Leominster and Sterling firefighters take relief from working inside. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Boxford Fire Chief Brian Geiger. - Fire News photo by Tim Gorman
The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society in attendance at the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven (CT) . - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson
Lawrence firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from the building on Common Street near Broadway. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
On July 27, 2015, units responded to a three-alarm building fire in Hartford. - Fire News photo by Sean Freiman