20080619 A message from your local fire department

A message from your local fire department

June 19, 2008 Fire is serious business

20080209 Westminster Fire Department Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

Westminster Fire Department Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

From our Frontpage, Josh Evans Author:

Westminster Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

February 09, 2008-On the early morning of February 9, 2008 at 4:15 a.m., the Westminster Fire Department was alerted for an apartment fire at 352 Colonial Ave with possibly 1 civilian trapped. Upon arrival, Firefighters found a 2 story duplex with heavy smoke showing. As the crew from Engine 32 began to setup their attack line, members of the crew could hear the victim screaming inside. The crew quickly went to work and encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions in the basement of the dwelling. The pipeman of 32's crew found the victim lying next to a dryer in the basement, unconscious. Reese's engine crew quicky came to assist with removing the victim and quickly transferred him over to the medic crew that was standing by. Tower 3's crew quickly laddered the building and Truck 2's crew performed vertical ventilation by cutting a hole in the roof. As more units arrived from Pleasent Valley and New Windsor, they extended more hoselines into the building, knocking fire on the first and second floors.

Approximately 30 minutes into the incident a second alarm was requested by the Incident Commander. After about 1 hour, the fire was deemed under control. The fire was contained to the intial dwelling with smoke and water damage to the adjoining structure. The Red Cross also responded out to assist the 2 families who were displaced. At this time it is estimated that approximately 150,000 dollars in damage was done.

2 Civilians were treated at scene. One was transported for unknown injuries to Carroll Hospital Center and the gentleman who was rescued from the basement apartment was flown to the Burn Center at Bayview Hospital in Baltimore, Md. The patient was in critical condition but did regain consciousness before being loaded into the helicopter. Also one Westminster Firefighter did suffer minor burns to his wrist.

The Westminster Fire Department would like to thank all companies who assisted on the fire. They were Reese, Pleasent Valley, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Hampstead, Manchester, Gamber, Lineboro, Sykesville, Taneytown, and Winfield. We would also like to thank Lineboro and Sykesville for filling in our station. We apologize if we missed any stations.

We would also like to recognize the Westminster crews for their valiant effort on the 2 alarm fire. Engine 32's crew was Engineer Kevin Shiloh, Firefighter/Officer Bryan Van Fossen, Firefighter Todd Whitson, Firefighter Brendan Stevens, and Firefighter Ryan Groft. Tower 3's crew was Engineer Mike Glass, Lieutenant Kevin Utz (Incident Commander), and Firefighter Jeff Ausherman. Chief Jeff Alexander and PIO's Bob Cumberland and Robin Stansbury were also on scene. Also, a great job done by Paramedics Sarah Webster, Patricia Neal, Scott Clendaniel, and EMT Megan Riecke.

A JOB WELL DONE BY ALL!

20071113 WBAL: Goodwin Gone As Baltimore Fire Chief

WBAL: Goodwin Gone As Baltimore Fire Chief

Goodwin Gone As Baltimore Fire Chief

BALTIMORE FIRE CHIEF WILLIAM GOODWIN RESIGNS. LISTEN TO WBAL RADIO FOR CONTINUING DEVELOPMENTS. UPDATES AVAILABLE ON DEMAND AT http://wbal.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

WBAL Radio

Baltimore's Fire Chief William Goodwin Jr. will step down December 31, bookending a tough year that included the death of a fire department recruit during a training exercise.

Goodwin, a 32-year veteran of the department who has been fire chief since February 2002, submitted his resignation to Mayor Dixon during a meeting Tuesday, said the mayor's spokesman, Anthony McCarthy.

Dixon did not ask Goodwin to step down, but "the mayor was not surprised that the chief decided to retire," McCarthy said.

[…]

The mayor will conduct a national search for his successor, McCarthy said.

[…]

Dixon had expressed lukewarm support for Goodwin since the February training exercise that killed recruit Racheal Wilson, 29, whose foot became trapped during a live burn in a vacant rowhouse.

Dixon fired the head of the department's training academy and suspended two lieutenants after Wilson's death. A state agency cited the department for "intentionally" and "knowingly" violating safety rules, and an independent investigation concluded that 50 safety standards were violated, including setting several fires when only one was allowed.

The two unions that represent city firefighters had called for Goodwin to resign, accusing him of failing to accept responsibility for Wilson's death and hurting department morale.

"We're elated," said Richard G. Schluderberg, president of the union…

[…]

Said Stephen Fugate, president of the fire officers' union…

[…]

Mayor Dixon Accepts Resignation of Fire Chief William Goodwin

Baltimore, MD (November 13, 2007) – Mayor Sheila Dixon has accepted the resignation of Baltimore City Fire Chief William Goodwin. Chief Goodwin informed the Mayor in a meeting this afternoon of his decision to retire in late-December after 32 years with the department. Goodwin became Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department in 2002 after having served in every rank in the department.

"Chief Goodwin has served the City of Baltimore and the Fire Department with distinction. On behalf of the citizens I want to thank him for his years of sacrifice and commitment over an extraordinarily long and successful career," said Mayor Dixon. "The last year has been difficult for the department and Chief Goodwin has provided the steady and consistent hand that was needed."

Mayor Dixon will immediately begin a national search for a new chief.

To read the entire WBAL article click here: Goodwin Gone As Baltimore Fire Chief

LISTEN TO WBAL RADIO FOR CONTINUING DEVELOPMENTS. UPDATES AVAILABLE ON DEMAND AT http://wbal.com

20071007 The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department Open House

The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department Open House

Sunday, October 7, 2007

According to The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department web site, the department:

“… will host (an) Annual Fire Prevention Open House, Sunday October 7, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm.

“Come and enjoy fire engine rides, a "Sesame Street" fire prevention puppet show, Auto extrication and fire demonstrations, and tours of the firehouse. Some of our newest equipment will be on display, including our new Engine 124 and all-terrain rescue ATV.

“Any questions, please call Fire Prevention Lieutenant Christine Flanagan at 410-795-9311.”

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20070619 The past week has taken an horrific toll on public safely personnel

The past week has taken an horrific toll on public safely personnel.

June 19^th, 2007

In Charleston, “nine firefighters (were) killed in massive blaze.” ... We agree with Charles County Café - - It’s horrible.

“Nine firefighters died Monday night in a fire that destroyed the Sofa Super Store in West Ashley.”

And we all wonder “Why don’t the newscasters cry…” and agree with HoCo Hayduke who is “in full agreement with David Keelan that this is terrible news:"

A Howard County police officer died early this morning from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a car he tried to pull over for speeding Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Howard police said Pfc. Scott Wheeler, a 6 1/2-year veteran, was working a speed enforcement detail on Route 32 near U.S. 1 when he and two other officers tried to stop a Nissan Sentra about 2 p.m. Police said the car's driver was suspected of speeding.

And even us open and transparent government fanatics agree with Mr. HoCo Hayduke’s last paragraph:

“Wheeler's death follows a few weeks of ego-fueled, voyeuristic stories and "because we can" public information requests and disclosures from the Examiner about government salaries…”

Read the rest here: “Why don’t the newscasters cry…”

Keep the police officer’s and firefighters’ families and loved ones in your prayers and place in our hearts for the dangerous work they do everyday – so that we may remain safe.

_____

References, further reading and Hat Tips:

“Horrible” posted by June 19, 2007 richardgwhite in Charles County Café: National News. “Nine firefighters killed in massive blaze” - Noah Haglund | Charleston.net | The Post and Courier

“Why don’t the newscasters cry…” posted June 18^th, 2007 in HoCo Hayduke… “After a week of arguments, I am in full agreement with David Keelan that this is terrible news.”

City mourns 9 firefighters killed in warehouse blaze - Myrtle Beach Sun News

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19710402 Mt. Airy Fire Dept.: Now's The Time To Rid Property Of Fire Hazards

19710402 Mt. Airy Fire Dept.: Now's The Time To Rid Property Of Fire Hazards

35 years ago: Mount Airy Fire Department: Now's The Time To Rid Property Of Fire Hazards

Community Reporter, April 2, 1971.

Spring into action against fire hazards now that Spring Clean-Up time is here, is the advice of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company. Trash and rubbish are breeding places for fires.

The following is a four-point program for spring clean-up action:

1. Clean out stacks of newspapers and magazines; discard old clothing, mattresses, furniture, lamp shades, draperies, etc., that clutter up the attic, basement and closets.

2. Do the same clean up job in your home workshop. Get rid of shavings, oily rags, old paint, etc.

3. Get after the trash in the garage and remove the dead grass and brush around and near the house.

4. Have your furnace, chimneys and stoves inspected and cleaned now. Don't wait until fall when you may get caught by the first cold snap. A little "elbow grease" now may save a lot of grief later.

And if you have to burn trash, etc., watch it closely so it will not get out of control.

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