SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Serving VOLUME 7, NO. 5
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SEPTEMBER 2019
See story on page 23. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Never Forget 9/11/2001
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Explosion Leads to 3-Alarmer in Providence On June 29, 2019, Providence (RI) firefighters responded to an explosion at the Manchester Street Power Plant. See story on page 6
Brockton 2-Alarmer Brockton (MA) crews responded for a dwelling fire with Engines 2 and 4, Ladder 2 and Squad A. See story on page 8
11 Stores Go in Natick 8-Alarm Around 0130 on July 22, 2019, Natick (MA) Box 115 was transmitted for a fire in a taxpayer. See story on page 10
Fatality at Branford Blaze One person perished as a ravenous fire tore through a mobile home on Leetes Island Road In Branford (CT). See story on page 14
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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2 Fatalities at I-84 MVA On June 3, 2019, East Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to an MVA with fire on the I-84. See story on page 19
Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
Obituaries Worcester’s John R. Kennedy Samerville POW Repatriated and Intered See stories on page 31
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30
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, September 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Can You Handle This? I was only in my department for a few days when I got on my truck and the driver of the engine turned to me and said, “Looks like we have a buyer!” At the time, I had no idea what that meant. Yes, I was nervous as I responded to my first call with “smoke showing.” That exhilaration of responding to a call where you know you are going into battle never changes. As you become seasoned, your thoughts change. With experience, a different mindset takes place, as you think about your assignment for a call. Experienced firefighters listen to the call and know exactly what they plan on doing when they get to a working fire. The same is true for our emergency medical crews. They respond in different modes, depending on the reports they receive at quarters. Any call description with the word “child” in will raise the adrenalin of the responding crew. No matter how much time you have in your department, certain phrases like “occupants within” or “overturn vehicle, occupants trapped” raises your heartrate as a first responder. No matter how experienced you get, the word “child” probably makes you nervous. In August, there were multiple mass casualty shootings in the United States. The El Paso shoot-
ing took the lives of 22 people (as of this writing) and wounded dozens more. The second shooting in Dayton, but for the almost instantaneous reaction of two police officers, still took the lives of nine people. Then there were the deaths of seven people (with 46 wounded) in Chicago over a weekend, which — because of the mass shootings — went virtually ignored. This editorial is not about the politics of guns. It is about you, the first responder who walks into battle to assist our police officers who are on scene and need our help to care for the wounded. Is your department prepared to handle a mass casualty shooting with multiple victims? Are you prepared to act automatically to save the lives of others, while caring for your own safety? Let’s face it, you cannot handle or take part in a mass shooting if you are not trained to do so. Over the past few years, I know that many of you have attended classes and a drill or two on dealing with the active shooter. You and your department are urged to sign up for Active Shooter Training. Make sure you are receiving local emergency alerts. Every month Fire News runs an ad for BNN — the Breaking News Network. As a responder, you want to know ahead of time that there may be a situation of
which you should be aware. Visit the Homeland Security website and familiarize yourself with mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident. Departments must have an attack plan with their local police department. Since the police department is typically the first leg of emergency response for active shooter situations, plan ahead by having a joint drill that has a definitive plan to care for the wounded. Kudos to the departments that have worked with local law enforcement on this topic. Kudos to the departments and ambulance corps that have trained their members to use protective vests and helmets should they enter into a hostile situation. Whether the call is for a neighborhood gun fight or a mass casualty shooting, my question to you is, “Are you prepared?” - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, September 2019
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Water Problems at New Britain Fire On June 15, 2019, the New Britain (CT) Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire on Wallace Street. The first-due engine arrived to heavy fire blowing out the front of the building. Two ladders were setup for defensive attacks. The companies eventually had to back out due to heavy fire and low water pressure situations. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta
Explosion Leads to 3-Alarmer in Providence On the morning of June 29, 2019, Providence (RI) firefighters responded to an explosion at the Manchester Street Power Plant. As first-due Engine 13 pulled out of their station, they reported heavy smoke in the distance and transmitted a second alarm. On arrival, they were met by plant personnel who informed them all workers were accounted for and that the area around the explosion was still energized and would take an extended period of time to shut down. A third alarm was struck, as well as a request for the Rhode Island Foam Task Force. The fire did not extend to the main building but firefighters remained on scene for several hours. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Ayer 4-Alarm Fire Firefighters responded to a house fire in Ayer (MA) on June 24, 2019. Firefighters battled the stubborn blaze for hours and the incident went to four alarms. - Fire News photo by David Bryce
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 7
Lowell 2-Alarmer In the early evening of June 14, 2019, the Lowell (MA) Fire Department received a telephone alarm for a fire on Tanner Street. A first-alarm response was sent for a three-story mill building being used for storage. Companies arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing and a second alarm was struck. Additional units were called above the second alarm, including mutual aid from Chelmsford. The fire was knocked down in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Sean Fesko
No Extension at Federal Hill Fire
On the afternoon of July 16, 2019, the Providence (RI) Fire Alarm office sent out a still box for a house fire in the 600 block of Atwells Avenue in an area called Federal Hill, considered the Little Italy section of the city. While en route, Engine 8 reported heavy smoke showing from the area and, moments later, Engine 14 arrived to find a fully-involved utility trailer, up against a building under construction. As Engine 14 stretched a line to extinguish the fire, arriving companies stretched additional lines to the interior but the fire had not extended. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Page 8, Fire News, September 2019
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Brockton 2-Alarmer Brockton, (MA) crews responded for a dwelling fire with Engines 2 and 4, Ladder 2 and Squad A. Engine 2 arrived to heavy smoke from a 1-1/2 story occupied building. Car 56 assumed command, and Engine 5 (RIT) and Ladder 4 were dispatched. Heavy fire soon broke through the roof and a second alarm was struck. Engine 7 responded on the second. Ladder 2 set up its tower and knocked down the heavy fire. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers
Charlton 2-Alarmer On May 8, 2019, Charlton (MA) firefighters responded to a house fire on Osgood Road. The fire went to a second alarm, bringing in mutual aid from surrounding communities and was knocked down very quickly. - Fire News photo by Ralph Harris, Jr.
Access Issues in Windsor Windsor (CT) Fire was alerted by multiple 911 calls for a structure fire. A long driveway created access issues and crews were met with heavy fire conditions upon their arrival. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Stephen Hess
Page 10, Fire News, September 2019
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Quick Stop in Hartford Recently, Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a residential structure fire. Crews made quick work of the blaze and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Lightning Strike Starts House Fire Recently, Southbridge (MA) firefighters battled a fire caused by a lightning strike on Marcy Street. The fire caused extensive damage to the home. Numerous agencies responded to assist in fighting the blaze. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
11 Stores Go in Natick 8-Alarm
Around 0130 on July 22, 2019, Natick (MA) Box 115 was transmitted for a fire in a taxpayer. Crews found a well advanced cellar fire and attempted an interior attack. A second alarm was struck as the fire advanced through the block. Five stores fronted on S. Main Street, three on Pond Street and three more on West Central Street were involved. Over the next five hours extra alarms were transmitted with the fire eventually going to eight alarms. More than 15 departments responded to assist and cover. The fire was contained around 1000 and excavators were brought in to tear the remaining parts of the building down. - Fire News photos by Bob Myers and Sean Fesko
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 11
Barn Fire in Norwich The East Great Plain Fire Department of Norwich (CT) was dispatched for a barn fire on North Wawecus Hill Road recently. Car 5 Chief Milton arrived to report a 40- x 60-foot barn well involved, and requested area tankers to the rural neighborhood, along with Yantic for manpower and engine support. After an hour of water shuttles to support the drop tank operation, the fire was placed under control, but not before the building and its contents were destroyed. The Norwich FMO was investigating. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
FF Injured at Manchester Fire On July 4, 2019, firefighters responded to a fire on Hollister Street in Manchester (CT). Crews arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear. Mutual aid was requested and assisted at the scene. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for a shoulder injury. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Page 12, Fire News, September 2019
Residents Displaced in New Haven
New Haven (CT) firefighters were toned out for smoke coming from the rear of a dwelling on the corner of Howe and George Streets. Firefighters arrived to find smoke on the second and third floors. Crews found fire running the walls on the three side. The cause of the fire was a discarded cigarette on the outside of the building. No one was hurt and several civilians were displaced. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA
Total Loss in Springfield
Recently, Springfield (MA) firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Citgo gas station on Boston Road. First-due crews arrived to find heavy fire throughout. Crews used 2-1/2 inch lines to knock down the blaze. The building was a complete loss. - Fire News photo by John DeForest
Man Rescued from Abington 2-Alarmer
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Lightning Strike 2-Alarmer in Reading
Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in Reading (MA) recently as a result of a lightning strike. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Alford Home a Loss
On July 14, 2019, the Alford (MA) Fire Department responded to a house fire on Rowe Road. On arrival, the split-level ranch was well involved. Mutual aid was requested from Egremont, Sheffield, Great Barrington, Richmond, W. Stockbridge (all of MA), and Austerliz (NY). Firefighters battled the flames in temps of the upper 80s, requiring multiple rehab visits. One firefighter was transported by Southern Berkshire Ambulance to Fairview Hospital for a heat related illness. The occupants escaped unharmed and the community is rallying around the young family who lost nearly everything. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Granby Hampered by Hydrant Lack Around 2145 hours on June 18, 2019, the Abington (MA) Fire Department responded to the area of Plymouth Street (Route 58) for a house fire. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from an occupied, two-story, wood framed dwelling. As firefighters approached the scene, they were informed of a resident still inside. Companies immediately struck a second alarm. An unconscious, 57year old male resident was pulled from the vicinity of the fire by a neighbor and Abington Police officers. Firefighters quickly rushed the patient to an awaiting ambulance. Boston MedFlight was unavailable due to weather. The fire was knocked down quickly and was contained to the second floor and attic of the home. The cause was determined to have been electrical in nature. Mutual aid came from Whitman, Rockland, Holbrook, Weymouth, East Bridgewater, Norwell and Hanson. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
On July 10, 2019, Granby (CT) dispatch started taking calls for reported smoke in the area of Lost Acres Road. Officers were first on scene and found heavy fire in a wooden cabin. Mutual aid was quickly started due to daytime manpower shortage and the lack of hydrants. - Fire News photo by Stephen Hess
Page 14, Fire News, September 2019
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All Out at Lincoln Car Fire 1 Injured at Hartford Fire
Firefighters from Lincoln (RI) Stations 2 and 3 responded to I-295 southbound for an auto fire on July 1, 2019. Engine 2 arrived to find a well-involved sedan. The occupant safely evacuated as companies arrived. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Quick Stop in Wolcott
Wolcott (CT) firefighters responded to fire on Wolcott Road on June 22, 2019. Crews arrived to fire coming from a 1-1/2 story house. The fire was quickly knocked down and there were no injuries. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
On June 10, 2019 Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a fire on Roosevelt Street in the city’s South End. Crews were notified that people were jumping out of the building. The first-due unit reported smoke and fire showing. Companies quickly extinguished the blaze and attended to a person who jumped from the building. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CTFPA
Fatality at Branford Blaze One person perished as a ravenous fire tore through a mobile home on Leetes Island Road In Branford (CT) on July 24, 2019. Radiant heat caused considerable damage to an adjacent residence. Branford firefighters were assisted by a RIT from Guilford. - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson
Bedford Street Smoker
Bridgeport 2-Alarmer
On July 28, 2019, firefighters responded to Bedford Street on a still alarm. Firefighters had smoke showing from the boiler room of a large mill complex. It appeared there was a malfunction in the fire pump or back-up generator producing a heavy smoke condition. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Bridgeport (CT) firefighters battled a roaring second-alarm fire in a vacant dwelling on the Fourth of July, 2019. Multiple calls sent firefighters to Hanover Street for the fire. Crews arrived to heavy fire coming from the home and made a strong push, but the heavy fire load was well advanced and crews soon had to back out of the dwelling and go defensive. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Leominster Motorcycle Down On July 7, 2019, Leominster (MA) firefighters responded to a motorcyclist down who was run over by a car. His injuries were severe and he was airlifted to the trauma center in Worcester by Lifeflight Helicopter. Pictured is Lieutenant Michael Marino putting down drying agent. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Stamford Pickup into House ‌ and Then Some On June 28, 2019, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched to Seaside Avenue for a report of a car into a home. Engine 4 found a pickup that had crashed into a car and then went through the porch of a home and into another vehicle. There was no entrapment and firefighters worked to secure the structure. - Fire News photo PuckStopperPhotography.com
Page 18, Fire News, September 2019
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Car in the Water in Rockland On July 2, 2019, the Rockland (MA) Fire Department responded to Market Street at Reed’s Pond for a report of a vehicle in the water. Companies arrived to find a car completely submerged. Witnesses reported that a man had pushed the vehicle into the pond and then walked away. A limited response of the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Dive Team was called in to search the vehicle for any possible victims and to assist with the car recovery. Divers entered the water and found no one inside. The vehicle was removed. The person who reportedly pushed the vehicle into the water was later found on Plain Street by police, where he was transported to a local medical facility for a mental health evaluation. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Taftville MVA Recently, the Taftville (CT) Fire Department responded to an MVA involving three cars. Crews secured all involved vehicles. Occupants were transported to area hospitals for minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Fatality at Dudley MVA Recently, Dudley firefighters and paramedics responded to a two-car head-on collision on Southbridge Road (Route 131) in the area of Mill Road. First responders arrived to two cars with heavy front end damage on the Quinebaug River bridge. The two drivers were pinned in their respective cars. An ambulance was requested from Southbridge, and a New England Life Flight medevac was requested to a nearby LZ. One extrication required a simple door pop while the other required extensive disentanglement. The 68-yearold male driver was transported by the Southbridge Ambulance, while the 22year-old male was transported to the LZ. Later in the day it was revealed that the young driver passed away. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
Car in Water … Driver Out Recently, Middleborough (MA) firefighters responded to a reported vehicle into water on Carver Street. The driver was selfextricated upon crews’ arrival. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 19
2 Fatalities at I-84 MVA On June 3, 2019, East Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to an MVA with fire on the Interstate 84. Crews arrived to find three tractor trailers and a school bus well involved. There were two fatalities and the highway was closed by police for almost 14 hours for an accident investigation. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Over the Bridge ‌ Again The bridge on Auburn Street in Cherry Valley (MA) must have some strong gravitational push, as numerous cars have gone off it into the stream below over the years. This time, the operator received only minor injuries. and the street was closed for a short time while crews mitigated the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
5 Injured at Fall River MVA On the afternoon of July 16, 2019, the Fall River (MA) Fire Department responded to an MVA in which five people, including three infants, were transported to local hospitals after their vehicle stuck a pole and rolled over. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Page 20, Fire News, September 2019
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Up Close & Personal Woonsocket (RI) Firefighter Candidate Randy Vanhaneth packs up the cross lay at a recent auto fire on Bernon Street. - Fire News photo by Ken Labelle Firefighters from UCONN Fire-Rescue. Captain Paul Burton, Lieutenant Rob Babcock, and Firefighters John Ailes, John Gawlah and Joe Graweline. - Fire News photo by Michael Brinius
Charlton (MA) Firefighter Ben Romano operating at a recent motor vehicle extrication training. - Fire News photo by Ralph Harris, Jr.
A Bridgeport (CT) firefighter drenched in sweat walks back to his rig after battling a second alarm vacant dwelling fire on Hanover Street on July 4, 2019. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Firefighters from the Mashpee (MA) Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
William Whalen, Jr., of Concord (MA) Engine 4 retired on July 12, 2019, after 47 years in the fire service. His sons, William Whalen III (left) of Cambridge Engine 8 and Brian Whalen (right) of Acton Engine 21, coming off his last shift. - Fire News photo by Shaun Shattuck
(Left to right): Springfield (MA) Firefighters Glen Carpenter and Lloyd Smith, and Lieutenant Kelly Jones after a recent alarm. - Fire News photo by John Deforest
Michael Brinius with Randy Mantooth. -Submitted by Michael R. Brinius
Hartford firefighters responded to a twoalarm fire in the city’s North End. Aggressive firefighting kept the fire in check. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta; CTFPA
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Deck Collapse in Haddam
Three patients were transported to area hospitals following a deck collapse on a home located on Little Meadow Road in Haddam (CT) on June 17, 2019. Haddam Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the scene for a reported entrapment under a deck. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered three people near a collapsed deck, all alert. Another woman and her toddler son also had fallen from the deck but were uninjured. The deck was located on the front of a three-story gable-roofed home. A wooden support beam had collapsed and the deck broke free from the home’s third story. Also responding were crews from Haddam Ambulance and Hunters Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
Underwater Search Comes Up Empty
The Harvard (MA) Fire Department received a call for a person possibly missing in the waters of Bare Hill Pond recently. The District 8 Dive Team was activated. A witness said an older male was swimming and then moments later couldn’t be seen. Divers from the District 8 Dive team arrived on scene. Divers spent over two hours doing an extensive search, which came up empty. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Page 22, Fire News, September 2019
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Training
Drilling in Providence Firefighters from Providence (RI) Ladder 2 outside the firehouse doing some drilling. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Newington Extrication Drill Recently, firefighters from Newington (CT) drilled on vehicle extrication. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta
Suffield Hones Their Skills On June 17, 2019, members of the Suffield (CT) Fire Department spent some time in the Connecticut Fire Academy Class A burn building, honing their skills on search and rescue and fire attack. Firefighters were tasked with finding and removing a victim in the building while coordinating the fire attack with ventilation. - Fire News photo by Jennifer Tilsch-Nardi Golden, SFD Staff Photographer
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 23
Cover Story
Johnston Firefighters Battle Fire on Finne Road
Johnston (RI) firefighters received calls for a dwelling fire on Finne Road on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019. First-arriving apparatus found a fully involved two-story dwelling on a dead-end street, with the nearest hydrant 300-feet away. Companies worked to establish a water supply as the first-in companies dumped their water tanks on the fire. The friction loss was too great to adequately supply water into the scene. Rural mutual aid companies were called in to
assist with a tanker shuttle. Luckily, Smithfield fire companies stretched a LDH feed through the woods to an industrial complex on the Charlie side of the property. The fire was quickly knocked down once the water supply was established. The fire was reported to be caused by the homeowner working on his motorcycle’s gas tank in the garage. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Page 24, Fire News, September 2019
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CSFA Gets Donation On June 19, 2019, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association was honored and presented with a donation at the Hartford Yard Goats Game. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta; CTFPA
Fall River Firefighters Memorial On June 9, 2019, firefighters gathered at the Firefighters Memorial located in Kennedy Park, Fall River (MA). - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Circus Fire Remembrance Ceremony The Hartford (CT) Circus Fire Remembrance Ceremony was held on July 6, 2019. It has been 75 years since the fire, and the Hartford Fire Department held the ceremony on the site of the fire on Barbour Street where the memorial is. On hand were speakers who survived the fire, along with Engine 7’s former rig that was first-due that day. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Whitman Appoints New Deputy and Lieutenant On July 9, 2019, a swearing-in ceremony was held for newly appointed Whitman (MA) Deputy Chief Alfred Cunningham and Lieutenant Nicholas Grasso at the Whitman Town Hall. In front of friends, family and members, the two took the oath of their new office. Deputy Chief Cunningham started his career as a call-firefighter in 1995, and was appointed to a full-time firefighter in 1998. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2009 and was the shift commander of Group-4. Deputy Chief Cunningham holds a degree from Columbia Southern University and certifications as Fire Officer I/II, a fire instructor and paramedic. Cunningham is also the department’s fire training officer. He will become the shift commander of Group-2 until the position becomes an administrative position in the near future.
Lieutenant Nicholas Grasso joined the Whitman Fire Department in 2000 as a call-firefighter and was appointed as a full-time firefighter in 2004. Lieutenant Grasso holds a degree from Columbia Southern University and certifications as Fire Officer I/II and a paramedic. He will be assigned as the shift commander of Group-4. Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno stated, “Both Deputy Chief Cunningham and Lieutenant Grasso stood out as exemplary candidates during the promotion process, and are very deserving of their respective promotions,” adding, “I am confident they will continue to serve our department and the Whitman community well, and I congratulate both of them on this next step in their respective careers with the Whitman Fire Department.” - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 25
Annual Pepperell Parade Recently, multiple area departments participated in the annual parade for Pepperell (MA). - Fire News photo by Shaun Sshattuck
Living Safely for Older Adults About 15 adults at the Orange (CT) Senior Center listened raptly as an Orange firefighter told them they were twice as likely as the general population to be killed or injured by fire, and then discussed ways to avoid becoming part of those statistics. Doug Fenichel, a firefighter with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, was joined by James Vincent, Deputy Fire Marshal of the Orange Fire Marshall’s Office. In a program called “Retire Fire,” the pair covered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, cooking and home fire sprinklers. - Fire News photo submitted by Doug Fenichel
Page 26, Fire News, September 2019
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Fitchburg 4th of July Parade Firefighters gathered for the 4th of July parade in Fitchburg (MA). - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
The Enfield 4th of July Parade The Enfield (CT) Fourth of July parade. - Fire News photo by Michael Brinius
13th Annual Brockton Pipes & Drums 5K Race On June 30, 2019, the 13th Annual Brockton (MA) Firefighters Pipes and Drums 5k road race was held. Proceeds from the race help support the band. Many of the newly appointed Brockton firefighters ran the race as well. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Fall River Apparatus Show On June 23, 2019, the Fall River (MA) Fire Museum held its 11th annual fire truck show. Several antique and modern apparatus were on display, some static, some pumping and flowing water from master streams. Hundreds of adults and children enjoyed the show and were able to tour a fire safety house and participate in a firefighter challenge event for children. Heavy Rescue 1 arrived and performed a mock extrication to the delight of the attendees who also were able to witness a chainsaw carving of the World Trade Center with the banner “Never Forget.� - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 27
Water Wars! Suffield (CT) Fire Department’s Monday night drill was cross-familiarization of company apparatus and had teams scrambling to correctly hook up to hydrants on opposite ends of the parking lot, then get as close as possible to soak the other team first. The goal was for team building, problem solving and communication with a healthy dose of competition. - Fire News photo by Jennifer Tilsch-Nardi
MA Fire Academy Graduating Class S-11
On June 21, 2019, 24 career firefighters from 12 Massachusetts fire departments graduated from Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Springfield. Their class was designated Class S-11. “Today is an exciting day to see these recruits complete their training,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
Upon successful completion of the program all students have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. - Fire News photos by Alan Brackett
Southbridge Memorial Day Ceremony Southbridge (MA) firefighters held a service honoring their own on Memorial Day at an annual ceremony in Oakridge Cemetery. - Fire News photo by Ralph Harris, Jr.
Page 28, Fire News, September 2019
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Quincy Firefighters Memorial The 90th Annual Quincy (MA) Firefighter Memorial was held on June 9, 2019, at Mount Wollaston Cemetery. Firefighters and citizens took time to remember Quincy firefighters lost in previous years. There was a re-dedication ceremony and blessing of their new bronze memorial statue, which was recently installed. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Chief Davis Calls it a Career in Leominster On July 13, 2019, Leominster (MA) Deputy Chief Jeffrey Davis (C-2) retired after 33 years of dedicated service with the city. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Recruits Begin FF I at Litchfield Twenty new recruits finished their Firefighter I course at Litchfield (CT) County Fire School. All recruits must complete all the Firefighter I evolutions which included hazmat ops, search and rescue, hose operations, ladder drills, etc. The course takes three months and includes approximately 213 hours over two-nights-a-week and every other weekend. This is the second class to complete the course at Litchfield County Regional Fire School, formerly called the Burrville Fire School. Congratulations to this class. - Fire News photo by Matt Cohen
Duxbury Annual 4th of July Parade The Duxbury (MA) Fire Department held its annual July 4th parade for the community. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
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Fire News, September 2019, Page 29
HANNOVER FAIRS USA TO LAUNCH INTERSCHUTZ USA FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY EVENT TO DEBUT IN PHILADELPHIA Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the US subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe - one of the world’s largest and most active organizers of capital goods trade shows - announced that it will debut INTERSCHUTZ USA focused on the North American firefighting equipment and safety industry. INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place October 13 to 17, 2020, in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. INTERSCHUTZ is the world’s largest trade show for fire and rescue services, taking place every five years in Hannover, Germany. The new five-day event will incorporate a global view of firefighting equipment and tactics. INTERSCHUTZ USA will respect the traditions of the US fire service and will demonstrate firefighter safety solutions that incorporate current and emerging strategies and technologies in the US, as well as introduce what other industry experts and visionaries are doing globally. “The US fire service has tremendous respect for the INTERSCHUTZ brand and its size and scope. Many of the industry representatives we have been meeting with are incredibly enthusiastic about the launch of the show in America,” said Larry Turner, president and CEO of HFUSA. INTERSCHUTZ USA will meet the needs of a 21st century fire service, highlighting the latest in technology, strategy and operations, and firefighter safety and effectiveness. “We have a great opportunity with INTERSCHUTZ USA, not to modernize an existing event with the challenges that brings - but to build an event for current and future firefighting leadership,” added Turner. INTERSCHUTZ USA will target US-based fire and EMS personnel and will offer the industry a new experience complete with social events, family events and participation from the Philadelphia Fire
Department. Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and exhibitors will showcase the advances and leadership in fire service technology and tactics from Philadelphia, across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. “The members of the Philadelphia Fire Department couldn’t be more excited to welcome the world to Philadelphia by hosting INTERSCHUTZ USA with our partners in the region, allowing us to showcase the city and the field of emergency response. Since 1736, the Philadelphia Fire Department has been dedicated to safety, innovation and best practices, and we look forward to INTERSCHUTZ USA and all it has to offer in October 2020,” said Adam Thiel, fire commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department and director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. “Local 22 IAFF is ecstatic to have such a renowned event like INTERSCHUTZ with its diverse exhibitors come to Philadelphia with INTERSCHUTZ USA. Philadelphia is the city where the fire fighting traditions were established over 275 years ago,” said Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22 IAFF, Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union. “Philadelphia has a proud history of firefighting innovation led by Ben Franklin who organized the country’s first Union Fire Company in 1736,” said Kavin Schieferdecker, senior vice president of the convention division at Philadelphia’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are so pleased and honored that INTERSCHUTZ has selected Philadelphia to host their first US-based trade show and look forward to building long-term relationships with Hannover Fairs USA.” For further information, please contact Ed Nichols at enichols@interschutzusa.com or 773-796-4250.
NFFF NATIONAL MEMORIAL WEEKEND Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. This year’s Memorial Weekend will be held October 5 and 6, 2019, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend includes specialized activities for family members and culminates with a Memorial Service on Sunday morning. Thousands attend the programs and services each year. On Saturday evening, October 5, the families of the fallen gather for a Candlelight Service while landmarks across the country participate in “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.” This nation-wide landmark lighting event honors firefighters who died in the line of duty. Last year, some of the most iconic buildings and bridges, as well as over 100 fire departments across the country, participated in honoring our fallen. They included: One World Trade Center in New York City, the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas, the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, and the Willis Tower in Chicago. Lightings of buildings and fire department in red during the Candlelight Service on October 5, or any time during that week, would be an additional symbol of support and comfort to the families whose loved ones are being remembered. If you have any questions or would like more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, please contact Donna Clark at dclark@firehero.org.
Page 30, Fire News, September 2019
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Obituaries
Fire News, September 2019, Page 31
Worcester’s John R. Kennedy
Sadly, Worcester (MA) firefighters laid one of their own to rest on July 25, 2019. Lieutenant John R. Kennedy passed away on July 20, 2019, within 24 hours of working his 24-hour shift. (Right): his son, Sean holding his father’s helmet. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
POW Repatriated and Interred in Somerville Army Sergeant George Schipani, who was born and raised in Somerville (MA), died in a POW camp in Korea during the Korean Conflict. After his remains were located, he was returned to Somerville for repatriation and burial. He was buried with full military honors in the Somerville Military Veterans Cemetery on June 22, 2019. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan