Kanawha County’s Station 4 Rand and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Rand for a house fire.
See story on page 6
West Baltimore Dwelling Fire
Baltimore Fire units responded to N.Payson Street for the reported dwelling fire.
See story on page 8
Busy Afternoon for Malden and Charleston
While Malden Engine 32 was returning from a house fire, they responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate-77 north.
See story on page 10
Young Boy Suffers Head Injury
The Ocean City 911 Center responded to a call for an injured child who dove into the water at the beach.
See story on page 13
Suspicious Fire in Dupont City Area
Firefighters responded to a single-wide trailer well involved with exposure to another trailer.
See story on page 18
Photos from the Annual MSFA Convention
To close out the annual MSFA Convention a Parade in Ocean City, Maryland.
See story on page 22
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5 Hour Fight in Sissonville
On June 24, 2025 at 0803 hours, Kanawha County Stations 26 Sissonville and Station 3 Malden were alerted for a house fire on Stogdon Road in Sissonville. Crews arrived to a large twostory house well involved. Malden Engine 32 laid 800 feet of four-inch supply line due to the heat, as other units were added to the call. Crews worked for about five hours to extinguish the blaze. Units that responded: Sissonville Engine 263, Malden Engine 32, Charleston Engine 457, 420 Pinch Engine 23, Tyler Mountain Engine 232, Utility 237, KCEAA 175 and KCOEM 991.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Baltimore 7 Alarm Warehouse Fire
At 1859 hours on May 12, 2025, Box Alarm 36-1 toned out for Baltimore Engines 36, 14, 13, 52 and 30; Trucks 18 and 16; Battalion Chief 3; and Safety Officer 4 to Edmondson Avenue and N. Bentalou Street at the Wards Bakeries Building. Engine 36 split laid a supply line, entered the yard area and reported heavy fire showing from a multi-story, 150- x 100- foot, mattress warehouse. Engine 36 requested the second alarm at 1905. Battalion Chief 3 reported heavy fire in the loading dock area which extended into the building. Command requested the third alarm at 1912. Baltimore Washington International Airport Tower 43 was special called to the scene. Command ordered all companies to be in defensive posture mode. The fire eventually went to seven alarms. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
HVAC Found to be Cause of KFC Call
St. Albans Fire Department and automatic aid partners were dispatched for a possible commercial structure fire at the KFC on MacCorkle Avenue. Initial dispatch reported smoke on the roof and inside the building. Crews searched the interior and roof areas of the building, and located a faulty HVAC unit on the roof. No fire was found, and the business incurred no other damage.
- Photo courtesy of St. Albans FD
Quick Work at Brookland Fire
DC’s Bravest were able to quickly contain a house fire in the Brookland neighborhood on the morning of July 16, 2025. A box alarm assignment was dispatched at 0759 hours to 1621 Otis Street NE, a two-story detached house that was undergoing renovation. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the first floor, and a working fire dispatch was requested. A quick knockdown confined the flames to an area of the first floor, with no further extension. There were no injuries, and investigators were looking into the cause.
- Photo courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Vacant House Fire in Rand
On August 4, 2025 at 2005 hours, Kanawha Countiy’s Station 4 Rand and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Bluefield Avenue in Rand for a house fire. Portable 41 Assistant Chief Linc Symns advised shortly after dispatch of a working fire. Malden Engine 32 arrived and laid in 500 feet of four-inch supply line from a hydrant. It was determined that the structure had been vacant and was set to
be torn down, so crews control burnt it to the ground. There were no injuries and crews cleared the scene around 2215 hours. Units that responded were Rand Engine 41,42,Utility 4, Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, KCEAA 511,504,150.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
West
Baltimore Dwelling Fire
At 0709 hours on June 20, 2025, Baltimore Fire units responded to N. Payson Street for a reported dwelling fire. Engine 36 arrived to a two-story, middle-of-the-row brick dwelling with smoke showing from the second floor. Two lines were stretched for an interior fire attack. Battalion Chief 3 assumed incident command and Air Flex 1 was dispatched to the scene. Crews had fire on the first floor that extended to the second floor and was brought under control at 0722 hours.
- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Clarksburg Outbuilding Fire
At 2325 hours on Friday July 4, 2025, Company 15 West Milford, Engines 71, 51 Mt. Clare, and 121 Stonewood along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Good Hope Pike in Clarksburg. Chief 15 added Engine 231 Clarksburg to the assignment. Engine 72 staffed with two responded in three minutes followed in by Tanker 7 and Unit 75 staffed with an additional two personnel. Engines 231 and 72 arrived to find a large outbuilding fully involved approximately 20 feet away from a residence. Crews placed a 1-3/4 inch crosslay in service for fire extinguishment. Other apparatus assisted with water supply, extinguishment and overhaul. Crews operated on scene for an hour before returning home just before 0100. No injuries were reported with HCES Medic 631 on scene for standby.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Gambrills House Fire
Firefighters from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD), the Fort Meade Fire Department, the BWI Fire Rescue Department and Annapolis City Fire Department responded to the 1500 block of Sappington Drive in Gambrills for a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found fire in the basement of the residence and immediately began to extinguish the fire while searching the residence for occupants. The fire was quickly extinguished. Crews from our Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit responded to determine the cause and origin of the fire. No injuries were reported.
- Photo courtesy of AACOFD
Busy Afternoon for Malden and Charleston
On June 24, 2025 at 1300 hours, while Malden Engine 32 was returning from a house fire in Sissonville, they came upon a working vehicle fire on Interstate-77 north at milemarker 98. Metro Communications Center alerted Station 3 Malden and Station 40 Charleston. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and contained it to the engine compartment.
Sardis House Fire
At 0547 hours on April 20, 2025, Company 8 Reynoldsville, Engines 71 Nutter Fort, 41 Lumberport, and 111 Spelter along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Front Street in Sardis. Truck 7 staffed with four personnel responded in three minutes with Unit 75 staffed with an additional two personnel following. Engine 51 Mt. Clare was added to the assignment. Engine 81 arrived to a working fire in a fully-involved two-story dwelling with all occupants out. Crews placed multiple handlines in service for a defensive attack. Truck 7 arrived with Engine 82 and sent its manpower to assist with extinguishment. Engine 42 laid approx. 800 feet of supply line to a nearby hydrant. HCES 612 was on scene for standby with no injuries reported. Salem VFD Engine 91 transferred to Company 8 for the duration of the incident. After clean up, units returned home just after 0800 hours.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Collapse at Catonsville Blaze
May 25, 2025 - Catonsville, MD - Shortly after 0800 hours, Catonsville firefighters noticed smoke coming from a commercial building on Egges Lane and requested the box. Heavy smoke was showing from the Objects Found antique store which was closed at the time of the fire and found fire inside and in the roof area. A partial collapse occurred on the second floor area. The fire was brought under control at 0950 hours and one firefighter suffered a hand injury. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Extrication in 11 Minutes
On July 8, 2025 around 2100 hours, Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched to the 4800 block of Addison Road for an MVA with a person trapped. Upon arrival RE33 found one trapped with the vehicle on its side. RE33 stabilized the vehicle, cut seat belts and took the glass. RE33 then flapped the roof in order to extricate the patient who was in the driver’s seat. Total extrication time was 11 minutes.
- Courtesy of Kentland VFD
Vehicle Fire on Campbells Creek Dr.
On June 22, 2025 at 1923 hours, Kanawha County Station 3 was alerted for a vehicle fire in the area of Campbells Creek Drive. Crews arrived at the scene at 1931 hours and found a working vehicle fire. They had the fire under control in about 10 minutes. There were no injuries reported and crews cleared the scene around 2030. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33, Engine 31, Utility 3 and Hutch’s Wrecker Service.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Off-Gassing Truck Poses No Hazard
The report of a chemical truck off-gassing on Interstate-95 in Aberdeen, MD triggered a HazMat response from several Harford County emergency agencies on June 17, 2025. Units on the scene determined there was no hazardous condition and units were released.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
Malden Apartment Fire
On July 1, 2025 at 1812 hours, while conducting weekly training in the station when crews responded to an apartment fire. Engine 32 pulled out it was apparent that it was a working fire. Engine 32 advised Metro Communication to dispatch a working fire and to advise Station 5 Belle to respond with a ladder truck. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and contained the fire to a single apartment. There was an extensive overhaul and crews remained on the scene until 2030 hours. The Red Cross was called in to assist the occupants of the building. The fire appeared to have started from a vent fan in the attic; there were no injuries and three cats were saved.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Family Displaced by Fire in Salisbury
On June 12, 2025, the Wicomico County 911 Center alerted Station 16, Salisbury; Station 1 Salisbury; Station 5 Hebron and Station 74 for a structure fire on Fitzwater Street in Salisbury. Engine 16-1 saw a visible column of smoke on the west side of town. Crews arrived to find a two-story structure with smoke and fire visible from the rear of the structure. Engine 16-1 laid in from the hydrant on Fitzwater Street, while Engine 1 laid in from the hydrant on the corner of First Street. Tower 5 came up from the rear and laddered the structure. Interior crews aggressively gained control of the fire. Crews checked for extension on the outside of the home. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with the displacement of the family.
- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall
Young Boy Suffers Head Injury
At 1135 hours on June 18, 2025, the Ocean City 911 Center started taking calls for an injured child who dove into the water at the beach and struck their head on the ocean floor. Medics arrived at 27th street and the beach and began patient care. MSP Trooper-4 was requested to respond. Ocean City Tower 1 responded to Jolly Rogers Amusement Park to secure an LZ. Ocean City medics treated and then transported the patient to the LZ. Maryland State Police Trooper-4 responded and ended up flying the patient to Hopkins Pediatrics in Baltimore for treatment. - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Fire Contained to Area 3 Camper
On August 5, 2025 at 0201 hours Kanawha County’s Stations 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand, Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Gap View Drive in Area 3 for a structure fire. Engine 32 arrived and advised of a camper well involved with major exposure issues to a vehicle and another trailer. Rand Engine 42 laid in 400 feet of fourinch supply line. Crews made an aggressive attack on the fire, containing the fire to the camper. Crews worked for about two hours to
Car Fire Extends in Rutledge Area
On June 9, 2025 at 0948 hours, crews from Pinch, Malden, WVANG and Chesapeake responded to Pleasantville Lane in the Rutledge Area for a vehicle fire that had extended into a home. Crews worked for about three hours to contain the blaze, there were no injuries reported.
- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VF
completely extinguish the blaze. The fire was being considered accidental in nature; the occupant of the camper was using candles for light inside the camper. There were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32,Engine 31, Rand Engine 42,Engine 43, Belle Engine 53, KCEAA 152
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Spark’ Scott, Malden VFD
Basement Fully Involved on Arrival
Kanawha and Putnam County fire departments, Nitro, Saint Albans WV Fire, West Side VFD, Teays Valley Fire Department, Institute Fire Rescue, Poca Community VFD, Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority and Nitro Police responded to an early morning fire on 40th Street in Nitro. On arrival, Nitro Fire officials found the house’s basement fully involved with flames coming out of the first-floor windows. The house was unoccupied at the time of the blaze. It took 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. Extensive interior damage occurred.
- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD
Kitchen Fire at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
A fire in the kitchen of Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital drew a working fire dispatch early Thursday morning, July 10th. A box alarm was dispatched on Alabama Avenue SE. Firefighters encountered a sprinkler activation along with heavy smoke conditions in the kitchen area. The size of the kitchen combined with the smoke led to an initial delay in finding the seat of the fire. An additional truck, air unit and fire investigators were requested, followed by a working fire dispatch. Rescue Squad 3 utilized a search rope due to the area involved, and the fire was finally located in a large commercial dishwasher. Once the fire was extinguished, ventilation became a major challenge due to the size and complexity of the structure. There were no injuries. All staff and patients were either sheltered in place or evacuated where necessary.
- Photos courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Vehicle Fire Kept from Extending to House
On June 27, 2025 at 1344 hours, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was dispatched to Jones Ridge Road for a vehicle fire with exposure to a house. Rescue Engine 33 had Station 4 Rand added to the call due to the exposure issue. Rescue Engine 33 arrived and quickly contained the fire to the vehicle. Crews were on scene for about 45 minutes and there were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Engine 32 and Rand Engine 42.
- Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Residential Fire in St. Albans
On July 23, 2025 just after 2300 hours, St. Albans Fire Department (SAFD) and automatic aid departments responded to a residential structure fire in the eastern area of the City of St. Albans. SAFD Engine 952 arrived to smoke and flames visible from the rear of a two-story residence. The heaviest fire damage was contained to the first-floor-rear laundry area, but extension into the crawlspace and ceilings of the first floor of the main structure was located. No injuries were reported. Cause of the fire was under investigation by Fire Marshal 906. - Photos courtesy of Saint Albans FD
Baltimore City Fire on Bryant Ave.
On July 19, 2025, Baltimore firefighters responded to Bryant Avenue for the report of smoke in a home. Crews arrived to nothing showing but, upon investigation, firefighters found a haze in the basement. Truck companies worked to open up trying to find the source of the smoke condition and were able to find an outlet on fire which was quickly extinguished.
- Fire News photos by Jon Tenca / Puck Stopper Photography
Sissonville 1-Car MVA
Sissonville Fire crews operated at the scene of a singlevehicle MVA in the area of Sundance Lane and Sissonville Drive.
- Photos courtesy of Sissonville FD
Suspicious Fire in Dupont City Area
On July 6, 2025 at 2211 hours, Kanawha Counties Station 5 Belle), Station 3 Malden, Station 6 Cedar Grove were alerted for a trailer fire on Holbrook Court in Dupont City Area 5. Malden Engine 32 arrived to a single-wide trailer well involved with exposure to another trailer. Belle Engine 52 caught the hydrant at 33rd Street and laid in 600 feet of five-inch, as crews worked for about 90 minutes to extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries reported and the fire was considered suspicious and was turned over to the WVSFMO. Units that responded: Belle Engine 51,Engine 52, Utility 57, Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, Cedar Grove Engine 62, Utility 67, KCEAA 156, KCSD 59 and 70, and KCOEM 991.
- Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Ocean City Cottage Fire
On June 17, 2025 around 1215 hours, the Ocean City Fire Department, along with Berlin and Ocean Pines fire companies, were alerted for a house fire on Route 50 just outside of the city. Crews could see a large plume of smoke miles away. Command arrived to find a small cottage-type structure with fire on three sides. Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes. Fire police had to shut down one lane of eastbound traffic along Route 50 during the alarm.
- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle MVA
Fire and EMS units from the Level Volunteer Fire Company in Havre de Grace were on the scene of a multi-vehicle MVA on Churchville Road near Calvary Road on July 28, 2025. Multiple civilians were reported to be injured. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
Quiet Dell I-79 Rollover
At 1420 hours, Nutter Fort Fire Department responded for an MVA with injuries on the Interstate 79 southbound entrance ramp from Buckhannon Pike in Quiet Dell. On arrival, crews found a commercial roll off dumpster truck on its side with negative entrapment. Anmoore Ambulances 15 and 17 transported two patients to UHC. - Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Apartment Fire in Baltimore
June 8, 2025 - Baltimore, MDAt 1132 hours, Box Alarm 4061 sent Crews to Wakefield Road for a house fire. Responding companies advised of a kitchen fire and an animal was trapped. Truck 12 arrived to a three-story occupied, apartment building with smoke showing. One line was stretched and made a quick knock down on a fire in the kitchen of a terrace level apartment with no extension. Battalion Chief 5 had incident command.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
1 Person Transported In AutoPedestrian Accident
Monongah Fire Rescue was alerted for an auto versus pedestrian accident in the 1500 block of Locust Avenue. Units arrived and assisted with patient care and packaging along with traffic control. One patient was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital by Marion County Rescue Squad. - Photo courtesy of Monongah FR
Ocean City Public Safety Expo 2025; Announces IFR LZ Capability
The Ocean City Fire Department proudly hosted a successful Public Safety Expo, welcoming community members and visitors to an engaging afternoon filled with live demonstrations, equipment displays, and family-friendly activities. Attendees had the opportunity to explore fire engines, ambulances, police vehicles, bomb squad gear, and personal watercraft (PWC), while meeting the dedicated first responders who serve the Ocean City community. The event highlighted the importance of public safety
partnerships and offered valuable insight into the daily work of fire, EMS, and law enforcement professionals.
A major milestone during the Expo was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ocean City’s new IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Landing Zone — the first non-hospital, non-airport based IFR zone in the State of Maryland. This FAA-approved site, designated 7MD6, will significantly enhance emergency response capabilities by allowing Maryland State Police
Aviation to land during inclement weather. The Ocean City Fire Department extends its gratitude to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager’s Office, Maryland State Police Aviation Command, and the Recreation and Parks Department for their partnership in bringing this lifesaving resource to the resort community.
- Story by Ryan Whittington, Ocean City FD PIO; photos by Wayne Barrall
Photos from the Annual MSFA Convention
To close out the annual MSFA Convention a Parade was held on June 18, 2025, down Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
State Fire Marshal Bust Illegal Fireworks Sellers in 2 Counties
Charleston, West Virginia – In the past six weeks, two incidents of illegal storage and sales of consumer grade fireworks have been found in two counties. In Chapmanville, a man selling fireworks without a permit was cited by a member of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal Office and had the illegal operation shut down. Another illegal operation at a warehouse in Cabell County in late May was also discovered.
In the Logan County incident on June 28, 2025, an anonymous tip concerning a person selling fireworks at a roadside display in Chapmanville was investigated by Assistant Fire Marshal B.C. Palmer. He found a 48-year old, of Kingsport, Tennessee, selling consumer-grade fireworks and novelty products. It was determined by the WVSFMO inspector that the man did not possess the required permits and certificates issued by the WV State Fire Marshal’s Office that all fireworks vendors in the state are required to have to operate within the state. In addition, the site did not meet any of the site safety requirements required by law. The man was given four citations for general unlawful acts, transportation of fireworks, no novelty registration and no consumer fireworks registration. Harvey is set to appear before the Logan County magistrate at an unspecified time to answer the charges.
On May 22, 2025, in the Town of Barboursville,
Cabell County, other members of the agency received a tip that an illegal fireworks operation was being carried out in a warehouse in the town. Two Assistant Fire Marshals, E. A. Chapman and T. S. Chastain responded to the scene and encountered a U-Haul truck ready to offload more fireworks.
The property management of the warehouse were contacted and informed all enforcement officials that they were unaware of the operation. The structure had been leased to a company based in Kentucky. The owner of that company was cited for numerous fireworks violations, including having no permits or registration and illegal storage of fireworks.
All fireworks were seized and forfeited to the Cabell Co. Prosecutor and will be auctioned to a qualified and licensed wholesaler at a date to be determined.
As of July 1, 2025, there are 215 fireworks tents/structures registered to operate in West Virginia. The fire marshal’s office has a staff of 14 assistant fire marshals/inspectors that are required to inspect every fireworks vendor. The Licensing and Registration Division of the agency has also processed and given out permits for 63 fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations throughout the great State.
- Photos courtesy of WV State Fire Marshal
The New Foam Unit 1 is One of DC’s Bravest Latest Acquisitions
It’s a 2024 E-One Typhoon carrying 150 gallons of foam, 1000 gals water, and 500 pounds of Purple K, a powder extinguishing agent. This unit helps protect helicopter landings and takeoffs, and responds to flammable liquid fires. Thank you Mayor Muriel Bowser and City Council for provided DC’s Bravest with the necessary funding for fleet modernization.
- Photos courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Honoring a Legacy of Service: OSFM Remembers Deputy State Fire Marshal Ruxton Bramble
The Office of the State Fire Marshal commemorated the life and distinguished service of retired Deputy State Fire Marshal and Bomb Technician Ruxton Bramble, who passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 69. A devoted member of the OSFM since 1984, Bramble dedicated over 22 years to public safety before retiring in January 2007. His exemplary career earned him a Governor’s Citation Medal of Valor and four Fire Marshal Commendations for his exceptional efforts — including the disarming of 87 explosive devices over a 36-hour period.
In March, Deputy Bramble was laid to rest with full honors. During the funeral service, the OSFM Honor
Guard presented a folded Maryland flag to his family— a solemn tribute to his commitment and sacrifice. OSFM members, friends, family, and fellow public safety professionals gathered to remember a man whose courage and service left a lasting impact on the agency and the communities he served.
“At the Office of the State Fire Marshal, we pride ourselves on supporting one another throughout our careers and in retirement,” said Mowbray. “By honoring Ruxton today, we ensure that his legacy of service and dedication lives on with us.”
- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
OSFM Welcomes Deputy State Fire Marshal Deanna Pelton
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Deanna Pelton as a Deputy State Fire Marshal. On June 25, 2025, she was officially sworn in by Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray during a ceremony held at OSFM headquarters.
Pelton, a seasoned fire and explosives investigator, joined the agency through a lateral transfer from the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office. She brings more than two decades of fire service experience, beginning in 1999 as a volunteer with the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Department, where she was promoted to EMS Sergeant by age 19. She served nearly 12 years as a firefighter with the
Hagerstown Fire Department before transitioning to the Fire Marshal’s Office. In 2020, she graduated from the Washington County Police Academy, then continued her education in fire origin and cause investigations, post-blast investigations, and fire safety and life code inspections.
Deputy Pelton will be assigned to the agency’s Western Regional Office, where she will complete an abbreviated field training period under the guidance of an experienced Field Training Officer. Her extensive background in fire and explosives investigations will allow her to quickly integrate and strengthen the region’s investigative capabilities.
- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
Remembering Costello N. Robinson
Honoring the memory of Firefighter Costello N. Robinson with a memorial helmet ceremony where he made the supreme sacrifice in 1999. At the time of his Line of Duty death, he was the oldest active firefighter in the District. Known as “The Colonel,” he was the senior wagon driver of Engine Co. 2 in Chinatown and is forever remembered for his devotion to duty, his mentorship, and boisterous laugh. Never Forget.
- Photos courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Honoring Salisbury City’s PD’s Ryan Mitchell
Family, friends and colleagues came together to pay their respects in honor of Salisbury City Police Department’s Senior Corporal Ryan Mitchell on July 2, 2025, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury. SPD Senior Corporal Mitchell served the citizens of Salisbury since joining the force in 1995. - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Nitro Gets New 100-Foot Midmount
On June 24, 2025, the Nitro Fire Department took delivery of a new Pierce 100-foot midmount ladder truck. Ladder 861 replaces a 25-year-old 75-foot ladder and features a 300-gallon tank, 2000gpm Waterous pump. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
ANNE MARIE JUDGE AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER FOR NFFF
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is honored to welcome Anne Marie Judge as its new Chief Advancement Officer. With decades of experience in fundraising, major gift strategy, campaign development, and donor engagement, Anne Marie brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
As the wife of a 32-year veteran of the Troy, New York Fire Department and a 9/11 first responder, Anne Marie’s connection to the fire service runs deep. Her personal and professional journeys converge in this role, bringing added meaning to her leadership and dedication to supporting the families and communities we serve.
Prior to joining the NFFF, Anne Marie held several senior fundraising positions and built and revitalized advancement offices for a variety of organizations, including the American University in Rome, Franklin University Switzerland, Albany Law Schools, and the Albany Symphony, delivering record-setting results and driving long term growth.
Nitro Wins Regatta Award
Station 80, Nitro Fire Department’s Ladder 861, and Utility 861 participated in the Annual Regatta Fire Truck Parade. Nitro’s new ladder truck was awarded the Regatta award, which was accepted by Captain Shinn. The Annual Regatta Parade and Festival, in Charleston (WV), has become a major summer event. After hiatus it was revived in 2022. The festival also features sternwheel steamboat races, and other activities. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS UNVEILS MOBILE MANPOWER READER: A GAME-CHANGING TOOL FOR REAL-TIME PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY
Fire Rescue Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions for fire departments nationwide, proudly announced the launch of its latest innovation: the Mobile Manpower Reader. This robust, real-time accountability tool is designed to revolutionize how fire departments track, monitor and manage personnel while on the scene.
Key Features:
• Real-Time Personnel Tracking: View who is on-scene, their status and their qualifications from any mobile device.
• Automated Accountability: Instantly update and share manpower rosters across units and command.
• Easy Integration: Works with Fire Rescue Systems’ Dispatch and Roster & Attendance modules.
• Mobile-Optimized: Designed for tablets and smartphones, providing operational agility during critical incidents.
The Mobile Manpower Reader is not just an enhancement-it’s a force multiplier. Whether for career or volunteer departments, the application is built to scale and adapt.
Fire Rescue Systems will be showcasing the Mobile Manpower Reader at upcoming industry expos and offers demos by request.
2 New Fireboats Christened
Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD) Chief Wolford held a christening ceremony for their two new fireboats. The Klas-y Lady (assigned to Station 19 Cape St. Claire) and The Miss Avalon (assigned to Station 41 Avalon Shores) along with other vessels were on hand to celebrate this historic day. These powerful new fireboats
are 56-feet long and are powered by twin 1200 horsepower engines. They are capable of reaching a top speed of 45 knots. The fire pumps can pump in excess of 8000 gallons of water per minute. We look forward to these boats responding to emergencies for many years to come.
- Photos courtesy AACOFD
Honoring Vietnam Veterans and MIAs
Each year hundreds of motorcyclists travel from California to Washington to honor Vietnam Veterans and the war’s MIAs. Along the route the group stops for overnights in various cities. On Wednesday that stop over was at Valley Park in Hurricane, WV. Creating the backdrop for the event were Hurricane Fire and
Rescue and Nitro Fire Department. The departments used their ladder trucks to deploy the American and POW flags. Just another example of local fire departments helping out their communities. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
