Skip to content

Archives for line-of-duty

See all posts in the network tagged with line-of-duty

LODD – New Jersey

1 comment

Unwitnessed Arrest Delayed Treatment

BRUCE TURCOTTE, 58, FIREFIGHTER AND FORMER CHIEF of the Hopelawn, New Jersey, Volunteer Fire Department passed away Thursday on the scene of a fatal house fire in Woodbridge.  It was later determined that he had a heart attack while operating a pumper and died at the scene.

Star-Ledger file photo

The citizen who found him related her story to the Woodbridge Patch:

She parked her car a distance away, and saw firefighters scurrying to and fro, aiming fire hoses at the thick black clouds of smoke that obliterated the house from view.

That was when Sweeney passed one of the fire engines that, she thought, for a moment had a mannequin in the driver's seat. "That's strange. It's not real. The color is so odd," she thought for a moment.

"I almost wanted to touch him to see if he was real," she said, but in a second that thought fled as she worked her way to some of the firemen whose sole attention was on battling the blaze in front of them.

Sweeney pointed to the engine, hidden behind an ambulance whose EMS workers were treating some firefighters overcome by the smoke. "There's a man in there. He looks unconscious," she said.

The firemen looked at one another and in seconds, they had located Turcotte, dragged his body from the cab of the fire engine, and were furiously working to revive him.

Sweeney stepped back and watched in horror.

"They didn't know [that he was injured.] You couldn't see him from where they were fighting the fire. The ambulance blocked it. You had to be where I was," she said.

Star-Ledger

During the fire a body was discovered in the basement.  Neighbors identified him as the former resident who had been evicted in November by a foreclosure notice.  They believe he had been surreptitiously living in the house since then.

The Star-Ledger has more details HERE.
The Woodbridge Patch has MORE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 20, 2012 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , , ,

LODD – Germany

No comments

Responding to Firehouse

A PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER IN UPAHL, Germany, died early Satuday morning from a vehicle collision while responding to his firehouse.  The alarm was dispatched at 2:30 am for a monitored alarm in a coffee roasting firm in an industrial park.

The firefighter who has not yet been publicly identified, was traveling in his personal car en route to the fire station when he met head-on with the fire engine that was responding to the alarm.

Feurwehr News

The crash killed the firefighter who was dead before he was extricated by another fire company.  Two firefighters in the firetruck were injured and had to be transported.

photo:  Ostsee-Zeitung / KES

There is no further information yet, but this report will be updated later when more is learned.

Update:  It has been disclosed that the victim was 27 yrs. old.

Feuerwehr News has the early REPORT.

Thanks to Christian Lewalter of FWNetz

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 14, 2012 • Filed under: current events, Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty • Tagged: ,

LODD – Italy

No comments

Vehicle Accident Inside Firehouse

Updated:  Photos from Wednesday funeral added.  Scroll down.

A PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER IN CUGLIERI, Italy, suffered fatal injuries in his firehouse Sunday.  Luca Pinna, 38, was getting ready to perform some routine maintenance on one of the station's three engines when the truck suddenly began rolling and crushed him against the wall.  Pinna was quickly freed by his colleaues and transported by helicopter to the hospital, but the injuries were too severe and he died soon after.

FF Pinna is transferred from an ambulance
to the waiting helicopter.  (La Nuova photo)

Pinna was married and the father of a 3-yr.-old child.  The investigation has begun seeking the reason for the truck's unplanned movement.

La Nuova has the STORY.

Update:  FF Pinna's funeral was held on Wednesday.  These photos are from L'Unione Sarda:

* * *

* * *

* * *

* * *

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 9, 2012 • Filed under: current events, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: , , ,

LODD – South Carolina

No comments

Collapsed at the Pump Panel

DAVID CRENSHAW, A LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER firefighter and former fire chief died suddenly Monday morning at the scene of an auto wreck in Anderson County, South Carolina.

Crenshaw had driven a Pendleton Fire Department engine to the crash scene at 6:30 am Eastern and was found collapsed at the pump panel, apparently unwitnessed.  He was transported already in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at the hospital.  The coroner stated that initial findings indicate a probable heart attack.

Mourning members immediately began gathering at the firehouse.  (WYFF-TV photo)

He had been a member of the PFD for 50+ years and served as their fire chief for 21 of them.  He was a retired deputy sheriff who also served one term as County Sheriff from 2004 to 2008.  He had just recently been elected to the Pendleton Town Council. 

WYFF-TV has the early REPORT.
The Anderson Independent Mail has MORE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 9, 2012 • Filed under: current events, Fire-ology, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: , , ,

LODD – Florida

No comments

During Training Exercise

A POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA, FIREFIGHTER died Friday afternoon after falling from an aerial ladder during a training exercise.

Channel 10 News photo

William Elliott, 50, was at the top of the fully-extended ladder, about 90 ft. above the ground, when he inexplicably fell off and plunged to the ground dying instantly.  The fire company was holding an afternoon drill with the aerial and a second firefighter who was midway up the ladder witnessed Elliott's fall.  Firefighter Elliott had been on the job since 1989.

The Broward County Sheriff department is conducting the investigation of the accident.

WSVN-TV posted this video report from the scene:

 

The Sun Sentinel has the full story and more details HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 6, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

LODD x 6 – Chile

No comments

Wildfire Runover

A CREW OF TEN WILDFIRE FF's WERE overun at a fire Thursday  that is believed to be purposely set.  Of the ten, six perished as they all huddled together after being surrounded.  The London Telegraph explains:

The 10 firefighters, private contractors for forestry company Mininco, were trapped by a blaze raging in a mountainside forest in the Araucania region. A helicopter succeeded in pulling the four injured to safety.

"The fire suddenly surrounded them because of the wind, they drew closer together, one against another, and saw the fire pass above them," local governor Miguel Mellado told Canal 13 television.

For more than a week firefighting teams have been tackling a series of blazes in Araucania and the neighbouring Biobio region, rural areas located some 500 to 700 kilometres (310-435 miles) south of the Chilean capital Santiago.

"We have reliable information that makes us presume there is criminal intent behind these fires," President Pinera said. "I believe that we ought to combat not only the fires, but also the criminals behind the fires." The president, who pledged his government would do everything possible to find those responsible, evoked anti-terror laws that could allow for tougher punishments.

Rescue crews remove two of the victims.  (Andrade / Reuters photo)

So far, nearly 50 fires have started in the woodlands along the Pacific coast, fueled by unusually dry conditions during a drought and whipped up by El Nino winds.

Firefighter Nation has MORE.

The Telegraph has also posted some raw video from the fire line:

 

BBC News image

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

Posted by on January 6, 2012 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Fires, forestry, Line of Duty, Videos, Wildland

Updated: LODD – B.C., Canada

3 comments

Small Farming Community

Updated:  Photo and additional information posted.

A POST-FIRE EXPLOSION RIPPED THROUGH an industrial building in Enderby, British Columbia, Thursday morning killing a volunteer firefighter and injuring another one.  The victim has been identified by the B.C. coroner as 29-year-old Daniel Botkin, one of 24 paid-on-call members of the Enderby and District Fire Department.  The Vancouver Sun reports:

At around 4 a.m. this morning, firefighters were called to Sperlich Log Construction — a log home building business on the north edge of the small community, situated about 30 kilometres north of Vernon.

Botkin was killed when an explosion ripped through a burning shed near where the original fire erupted in a building that was under construction, according to RCMP.

A recent photo of Daniel Botkin and his bride.

Up until the explosion, "everyone felt they had [the fire] pretty well under control,” said Vernon RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk. He said police were on hand to deal with traffic in the area while firefighters fought the blaze, but “firefighters told [police] officers they could leave."

The blast blew the roof and walls off of the building.  CBC News photo.

The explosion occurred a little more than an hour after arrival and when the fire was knocked down.  The second victim was treated for his injuries on the scene and was not transported according to one report.  treated for non-life threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

Investigation is just beginning into the cause of the initial fire and what brought on the subsequent explosion.

Update:  The Canadian Press is reporting:

Posts on social media websites say Mr. Botkin was married just two months ago and had recently been elected to the position of captain and training officer with the local volunteer fire department

"(He was) pretty well respected in the community," said Mr. Botkin's cousin, Glenn Botkin, who lives in Oliver, B.C. "He had just gotten a promotion in there. He was a very hard-working, clean-cut kid."

Dan Botkin was married in October, said his cousin.

 The Globe & Mail adds:

At the Enderby fire hall, a firefighter who identified himself as Shane was shaken by Mr. Botkin’s death. "He was a really good guy," the firefighter said in a phone interview.

Mr. Botkin had been volunteering with the Enderby Fire Department for around five years and had plans to go "up North" to pursue work as a firefighter, Shane said. While volunteering, Mr. Botkin had also worked at a number of local businesses in recent years, he added.

The Vancouver Sun has this REPORT.
Enderby and District Fire Department WEBPAGE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 29, 2011 • Filed under: explosion, fire, Fires, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , ,

LODD – Ontario

No comments

Truck Crash While Responding

A NIPISSING TOWNSHIP (Ontario) VFD FIREFIGHTER died Wednesday morning when the fire engine he was driving went off the road and rolled over, trapping him in the wreckage.

Firefighter Paul Nelson, 21, of Callander was the only passenger in the truck that was responding to a working house fire.  Ontario police say that the road conditions at the time were icy and covered with snow slush.

The North Bay Nugget reports:

Nipissing Township Mayor Pat Haufe said the 21-year-old joined the fire department little more than a year ago. He said Nelson was eager to get involved and was a member of the community's fire committee.

Haufe said the township's thoughts and prayers are with Nelson's family. He said the tragedy has had a devastating and shocking impact on the entire community, particularly Nelson's fellow firefighters.

Nelson, who was alone in the pumper truck, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, about 35 kilometres west of Powassan. A portion of the highway was closed for most of the day.

The investigation into the cause of him leaving the roadway is still ongoing.  The structure fire that had four FD's on the scene was a vacant house.

Hat tip:  Mark D.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 28, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , ,

“Everyone Goes Home…”

No comments

Released Wednesday Morning

THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION released their anticipated video to the public this morning.  It was produced in cooperation with the Chicago Fire Department and was embargoed for two weeks until all the personnel at the Chicago Fire Department and the families of their fallen members had the opportunity to view it first.  After watching it you will understand why.

It is being released with the hope that many of you will encourage your local politicians and civic leaders to also take the 38 minutes needed to view it.  It carries a lot of impact and is a remarkable report.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 28, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Fire-ology, Line of Duty, public relations, safety, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Paramedic Dies During Canyon Rescue

No comments

Helicopter Rescue Goes Awry

AN AUSTRALIAN PARAMEDIC WAS KILLED ON CHRISTMAS EVE during a rescue attempt of two "canyoners" who were trapped at the foot of a cataract in New South Wales.  Michael "Mick" Wilson, 41, was lowered on a helicopter cable to the stricken hikers and had successfully lifted one of them into the helicopter.  He had been lowered back down for the second victim and had him attached to his person as the helicopter began winching them up.  For a reason not yet known, the pair were slammed against the canyon wall just as the ascension began.  The pilot immediately lowered them the few feet back to ground and cut the cable.  Wilson was fatally injured in the incident.

Several additional helicopter rescue teams were then dispatched to the scene and four more rescuers were ready to go down to retrieve the victims, but the weather was too treacherous to immediately bring them back up.  Paramedic Wilson and the surviving victim had to be left together on the ledge overnight until daylight and better weather conditions returned.  Wilson died during the time they were waiting.

At 7am Christmas morning the rescuers were able to bring the two victims back to the ground above.

Rescuers prepare the body of their colleague to be lifted up
to the helicopter.  (Ten News image)

Mr. Wilson was a member of the highly-skilled Special Casualty Access Team and had received many commendations for his heroic rescues.

The Daily Telegraph reported:

An experienced paramedic of more than 15 years, his death has rocked the NSW Ambulance Service and left his wife of 16 years Kellie and their children Eliza, 14, Grace 12, and Hugo, 5, facing a life without him.

"We are so proud to have loved him and to have been loved by him," Mrs Wilson said outside the home the family shared. There are many people out there that owe their lives to my beautiful husband.

"His death has left an immeasurable void. He would come home from work and tell me the stories of his day and as a family we would gather around and listen to the extraordinary things he had done.

"Michael was an amazing clinician and he saved countless, countless lives. They take their work very seriously and they work very hard to mitigate risk but I was also aware that Michael did what he did because he truly wanted to help others."

According to The Australian,

It is the first time in 30 years a NSW paramedic has been killed on duty. A team of investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been set up, but indications are the probe could take up to 12 months to complete.

The team will interview the helicopter crew, retrieve flight data, inspect the helicopter and gather operational and training records from the operator.  Police will also interview the two canyoners.

Ten News prepared this video report that includes footage of the final rescue:

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 26, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Line of Duty, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , ,

LODD – Massachusetts – Updated

No comments

Three-Alarm Fire

Updated:  Videos and additional information added.  Scroll down.

A PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS, FIREFIGHTER perished Friday afternoon at a 3-alarm fire in a wood-frame apartment building.

Boston Herald

Firefighter James Rice, 46, collapsed inside the fire building from what is initially believed to be "toxic fumes," but no firm cause has been determined.  The fire was dispatched at 1:25 pm Eastern and just a few minutes after the FF's went to work in the building, the call for a firefighter down was made.

FF James Rice

The Boston Globe reports:

At an evening press conference, a somber (Fire Chief Steven) Padson said the cause of Rice’s death is the subject of an intense investigation by multiple agencies. He said no firm explanation has been established for the fatal incident.  However, he added that Rice "did take in some toxic fumes and he did succumb.’’

Padson said the fatal incident happened when Rice was somewhere between the first and second floors of the three-story building at 5 Hancock St. The chief said he did not know if Rice had exhausted his air supply.

He said Rice was provided emergency medical assistance by firefighters and emergency medical technicians at the scene. However, Rice was later pronounced dead at the North Shore Medical Center in Salem.

The fire was brought under control in 90 minutes.  At least 13 people were living in the 6-unit building.  The state fire marshal is on location and the investigation into the cause is ongoing tonight.

Update:  WBZ-TV covered the fire chief's press conference in this video report:

 

WHDH-TV reports:

One woman spoke to 7News about watching firefighters bring James Rice from the building. She said the firefighters performed CPR on Rice. The woman said she cried as she watched.

Another woman said she not only lived in the neighborhood but was familiar with Rice because he often held fire safety classes at the area schools. She said she had seen him last week giving fire safety tips in her son’s class.

The woman described Rice as a great person, that he loved his job, loved his family and always had a smile on his face.

WHDH-TV also filed this video report:

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 23, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Line of Duty, Videos

Firefighter Davies Funeral Schedule

Comments Off

Posted by Local 1009

WORCESTER FIREFIGHTERS IAFF LOCAL 1009 has posted the announced schedule for the funeral honoring Firefighter Jon Davies who died in the line of duty on December 8:

Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 sadly reports the L.O.D.D. of FF Jon Davies, Rescue 1. FF Davies perished while operating at a multiple alarm fire at 49 Arlington St. FF Davies was a 17 year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department and leaves behind his mother, brother, sister , three sons and a fiance.

An account has been set up for the children at the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union. Contributions can be made out to: The Jon Davies Children’s Fund, 34 Glennie Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Calling Hours:

Wednesday December 14 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mercadante Funeral Home
370 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA

Funeral:

Thursday December 15 10:00 am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
24 Mulberry St
Worcester, MA

Local 1009 WEBSITE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 10, 2011 • Filed under: current events, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , ,

LODD – Massachusetts

Comments Off

Firefighters Buried in Wall Collapse

Note:  WCVB-TV is running a live-thread with continual updates HERE.

A WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, FIREFIGHTER has perished in a fire this morning (Thursday) and a second FF is hospitalized following a wall collapse at a triple-decker fire.  The fire was dispatched around 4 am and went to three alarms.

WHDH-TV

Several firefighters were inside the house conducting primary searches with the building full ablaze, when part of the rear wall of the building suddenly collapsed.  The two firefighters were inside and buried in the debris.  RIT was immediately instituted and the two men were located quickly, but it took a few minutes to free them.  CPR was begun right away on the unnamed firefighter but he was unable to survive.

FossilMedic was posting the dramatic, live time-line Tweets this morning and you can follow the FD's activities during the fire and the collapse rescue efforts HERE.

When the FD units began arriving on the scene they had reports that as many an 12 residents could still be inside, so a full search and rescue effort was begun.  After the initial search, a resident said that  a friend was still inside.  So more FF's went back into the fire building to look for him and that is when the collapse occurred.

WHDH-TV Ch. 7 posted this video report:

 

One resident is still unaccounted for and crews are searching the rubble for any remains.

Boston Herald

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette has MORE.

STATter911 has additional videos HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on December 8, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Fires, Line of Duty, Videos • Tagged: ,

Worcester firefighters trapped in collapse of residential building. UPDATED. Incident timeline as tweeted by @Boston_FF_L29.

Comments Off

As tweeted by @Boston_FF_L29

UPDATE (6:33 am):

Pictures tweeted by @ProvFireVideos

Sad morning.

Incident timeline by @BOSTON_FF_L29

BOSTON & Needham, Ma., USA Boston Ma.Firefighter (L29). Tweeting Local, National Fire News & MY Opinions, NOT those of L29, L718 or Boston Fire. For Wx tweets follow me @L29_SNEWeather

BOSTON_FF_L29 Normally I would have gone to sleep, but this fire seemed different from the start…and got worse by the minute (7:15)

Pictures posted by Matthew Gregoire, Providence Fire Videos, @ProvFireVideos

Thanks to James for catching our headline typo.

STATter911 with additional video and media reports

Fox 25: Worcester firefighter dies in blaze (live helicopter feed ended)

ABC 5: Massive Blaze Destroys Apartment House

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on December 8, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Twitter, Urban Commander • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LODD in Belgium

Comments Off

FF Struck at Accident Scene on Highway

A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FROM DEERLIJK, Belgium, was killed Saturday morning when he was struck by a car speeding through an accident scene.  Around 3:30 am an accident involving two cars blocked traffic lanes on the E-17 highway.   A "signalling" unit from the Deerlijk FD was dispatched to set out signage to direct traffic around the crash.  While Firefighter Wouter Vancraeynest, age 34, was setting out warning signs, a third car drove through the scene knocking the signs around and crashing into one of the cars from the first wreck.  The passengers in the third car had minor injuries from that second collision.

De Standaard / Speleers

Within moments a fourth car came speeding into the crash zone, striking and killing FF Vancraeynest before crashing into the previous wreckage and starting a fire.  The two passengers in that car also perished in the wreck.

"Wouter was also professional firefighter in Ghent, and brought that experience to our Corps, that was really an added value," sais Commander Claude Coucke of the fire brigade of Deerlijk.  "The Corps is heartbroken by the death of their colleague."

De Standaard has the STORY.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: health & safety, Line of Duty • Tagged: ,

Firetruck Crash Kills FF in France

Comments Off

En Route to Training Academy

A FIREFIGHTER DRIVING A PUMPER to a training academy on Saturday morning was killed in a head-on crash.  Lieutenant Frederic Jacob, 41, was alone and driving the truck to the class when the fire engine crashed head-on with a tractor trailer on a 2-lane highway near the town of Verosvres.

Lt. Frederic Jacob

The horrific crash completely demolished the entire front end of the firetruck and killed Lt. Jacob immediately. 

Le Journal

The tractor cab of the transport truck was mostly demolished as well and the driver is in critical condition.

Le Journal

The police investigation is still continuing and there has been no announcement of what caused the collision.

Le Journal

Lt. Jacob was the commanding officer of the Gueugnon Fire Station and leaves a family of 2 children.

Creusot has the STORY.
Le Journal has a 20-image photo gallery HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on October 22, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , ,

Morning Lineup – October 16

Comments Off

Sunday Morning – NFFF Observances Conclude

A little later this morning the Memorial Service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, will be conducted and will conclude the week-long series of activities that lead up to this magnificent and touching display of honor and the 89 recognized LODD's from 2010 will be added to the memorial.  The touching presentations to the survivors of these recently-honored heroes are a major part of the service.

The Memorial Service will be live-streamed here on Firegeezer beginning at 9:30 am Eastern time.  The program usually runs about 2-½ hours.  You can watch the entire service by coming here anytime from 9:30 on and clicking on the video player.

One of the unique aspects of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation that maintains the memorial and operates year-round to keep the program functioning, is the Survivors Network operation.  These dedicated volunteers make themselves available immediately following an LODD to assist the local fire department and especially the stricken families.  Most of these volunteers are surviving family members themselves and know best how to support and assist the grieved survivors of the recent incident.

Besides their stand-by work during the year, a large number of the Survivors come to Emmitsburg every October for the Memorial Service and they spend the week escorting the families of the fallen firefighters that are being honored that year.  Their comfort and guidance are immeasurably valuable in helping the visitors through the week.  This video report from the NFFF gives a good insight on how they help during the Memorial week:

 

Please take the time to visit the NFFF's main website HERE and read more about the many ways they reach out and help the families and co-workers along with the affected department managers when one of these tragedies occurs.

We'd better get this equipment checked out now.  It's only a short while before the Memorial Service begins and we want to be back in the day room in time to watch it.  I'll make sure there's plenty of coffee.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on October 16, 2011 • Filed under: Line of Duty, morning lineup • Tagged:

A different Fire EMS blogger meet-and-greet

Comments Off

PGFD 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in Greenbelt, Maryland

You will read about it later, but this photograph from a Prince George's County Fire Department press release shows Iron Firemen, Backstep Firefighter and The Fire Critic waiting in line.

It looks like Captain Wines is carrying more than a fire company of members with him!

Lieutenant Fleitz and former Hyattsville VFD Lieutenant Carey are right behind the captain.

The proceeds from this event will go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Great support from "doze guys."  Click on the press release to see additional pictures, including a special one of Captain Wines.

I cannot wait to read their posts. 

Press Release

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on September 11, 2011 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, News, Urban Commander • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shock … followed by purposeful action

Comments Off

A brilliant and terrible Tuesday morning

Fourteen months into retirement I am teaching a Fire Officer II class at the Reagan National Airport fire station. The classroom is also their kitchen. The kitchen has a television.

The acting battalion chief steps in, apologizes for the interruption, and turns the television on. 

Good Morning America (ABC) is covering the breaking news of a plane that has hit the World Trade Center.

As the news camera focuses on the entry hole, many of the experienced air-crash-rescue guys are speculating on what type of plane hit the tower and the issues facing FDNY.

After a dozen minutes I try to restart the class. Agree to leave the television on with the sound turned down. I get one or two sentences out when we see the second plane hitting the tower.

Class over!

You do not need a Formal Announcement to Mobilize

As FDNY Firefighter James Hanlon (Ladder 1) points out in the opening of the Naudet Brothers documentary 9|11:

… there were days we would go to the Trade Center five times in a single shift. My point is, we knew those towers as well as anybody. But nobody, nobody, expected September 11th.

When the civilian editors of Fire-Rescue Magazine and Journal of EMS were vetting my article, Attack on the Pentagon: The Initial Fire and EMS Response (April 2002 issue), they struggled with the concept that hundreds of emergency responders initiated action without receiving a formal notification.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire Department never expected a 757 to be used as an assault weapon against the Pentagon. When the second plane struck in New York, the dozen off-duty members attending the Fire Officer class joined the 16 on-duty members preparing for the unknown.

They were not alone.

Most of the senior staff and urban search and rescue commanders in my department started purposeful action when they heard of the second plane in New York City. The information came through radio and television, informal digital networks and word-of-mouth.

Rapidly deploying 72 USAR members and 75 tons of equipment

It takes dedicated action by dozens of staff, support and non-USAR firefighters to make a deployment happen.

A point of pride is the ability to assemble the team well within the response deadline for domestic and international response. A deployment represents an administrative five alarm event.

A small role I had while assigned as a company officer at the Fire and Rescue Academy was to respond from home to get the facility unlocked on evenings, weekends and holidays. The Academy, with six classrooms and a large training bay, is the point of staging and assembly for the team.

Far from high tech. The tasks included moving apparatus out of the bay, properly configuring the "quad" – a large space with movable walls to create smaller class spaces, and powering up the facility.

Have to do Something

Ten years ago I also had a part-time job as a civilian Fire Instructor III at the Fire and Rescue Academy.

American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon shortly after I left the airport.

I was stunned. What could I do? No fire gear in the car, not in uniform, my "retired" fire department ID card did not provide KardKey access to headquarters or communications.

Headed for the Academy. Maybe they are assembling a fire crew with Engine 407.  I was at the Academy in 1982 when we loaded up a Suburban with EMS gear and responded in near-blizzard conditions to the Air Florida 90 crash at the 14th Street bridge.

Not this time. All of the on-duty uniformed staff are away, either responding to the Pentagon or the anticipated USAR deployment. None of the remaining staff experienced a USAR deployment. 

I looked up in time to see the South Tower collapse on live TV. 

Purposeful Action – Setting the Academy for USAR deployment

No more wondering what to do.

Without asking for authorization, started moving academy apparatus out of the high bay building and up the hill. Configured the quad. Tried to set up the communications equipment, but no one had the key to the cabinet.

Before the 11 am official federal mobilization notice, the academy was ready …

… and I was on my way home, satisfied that I did something worthwhile in reaction to the unthinkable.

An Inherent Orientation to Action

Emergency service folks are hard-wired to take action.

To validate the impact of our Citizen CPR program we tried to identify the background of every person who performed CPR prior to the arrival of the department. More than half of the citizen responders were off-duty or former police, fire, ems and health care staff. 

The same orientation that motivated Jeff Simpson, a Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad volunteer EMT who was near the World Trade Center. 

From the National EMS Memorial:

"I have no doubt whatsoever that, while I was stricken with disbelief and inaction, Jeff was figuring how he could help.

It was clear in the few minutes we were in the plaza that thousands of people had and would continue to be injured. There were many police, fire and EMS squads arriving at the scene and it was toward these and the injured that Jeff was headed the last time I saw him.

Frankly, there was no other reason for him to go towards the World Trade Center. His hotel, work site and safety were in the opposite direction.

With the second plane hitting the tower, Jeff would have been thinking about the increased number of casualties. I believe Jeff was caught in the collapse of the towers.

I do not know if he was inside the towers or working at one of the triage stations that had been set up close to the towers. In either case, he was doing what he was trained to do and spent his final hours helping the victims," stated Joseph T. Finnegan.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Earlier 9/11 essays:

2011: Remembering 41 EMS responders who died at WTC, including a hero from Prince William County, Virginia

2010: A Terrible and Brilliant Blue Sky Morning

2008: Reprint "The Anger Never Dies"

Posted by on September 11, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, aircraft, Command & Leadership, commentary, communications, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, Rescues, Response times, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, Training & Development, Urban Commander • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Remembering Their Own

1 comment

A Tribute To Their Own LODD's

THE GADSDEN, ALABAMA, FIRE DEPARTMENT held a special ceremony Wednesday honoring the memory and sacrifices of the six firefighters of their department who had died in the line of duty during the lifespan of the department, three of them at one fire.

The ceremony was held at the Central Fire Station and was begun with a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace" followed by an entrance by the Honor Guard and presentation of floral wreaths at the markers that are placed by the fire station.

Gadsden Times

Special honors are given to the three firefighters who all died at the same incident thirty-five years ago on August 31, 1976.  The Gadsden Times tell us:

They were killed Aug. 31, 1976, in an explosion and fire at a service station on U.S. Highway 278, caused when a fuel tanker caught fire while fuel was being off-loaded to an above-ground storage tank.  Gadsden Fire Chief Stephen Carroll said the day the three firefighters died was the most tragic event in the fire department's history.

He said they not only were firefighters, but were fathers, brothers, sons and friends of people in the city.  Carroll said none of the men honored woke up thinking they were going to be heroes that day, and give their lives for the city and their fellow man.

 The ceremony also honored Assistant Chief Curtis Benefield, who died in 1958 of a heart attack after responding to a fire; Cmdr. Clyde D. Jacobs Sr., who died in 1980 after he was injured in a house fire; and Cmdr. Gerald R. Smith, who died in 1989 of a heart attack after a fire.

The Gadsden Times has more details in the full STORY HERE and a 10-image photo gallery HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on September 1, 2011 • Filed under: current events, Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, News • Tagged:

LODD – Belgium

Comments Off

 

Exterior Wall Collapse

RTL

A major fire broke out Monday evening in Mélin, Belgium, in an old theater building that was being used as storage. During the operation, a wall collapsed on three firefighters. Two men were injured in the fire slightly, but another firefighter, Nicolas Tordoir, 23, was fatally injured.

"We decided not to attack the fire from inside because it was felt that it was too dangerous and we tried to control the fire from outside, and unfortunately, the accident happened" said Serge Lauwerier, fire Commander Jodoigne, to Gilles Clarens for RTL-TVI.

RTL

After pulling him out of the rubble, the emergency services were unable to revive him. Despite the terrible news, they still continued to fight against the flames: "It's terrible, but unfortunately we have to finish our work because the fire is there and should be shut down, we have no choice ", said Commander Lauwerier. "We must be aware of the mood of the firefighters, who knew that one of their colleagues was seriously injured, who learned here then he died there, they should continue to try to control the fire" adds Jean-Paul Wahl, Mayor of Jodoigne.

RTL tv news has the STORY.

RTL also filed these two videos:

 

*  *  *

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on August 31, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Line of Duty, Videos • Tagged: ,

LODD in Germany

Comments Off

Responding to Working House Fire

A vacant house fire in Borschemich, Germany, on Monday had a tragic consequence when a special-unit firetruck responding to the blaze rolled over, killing the 33-year-old passenger and seriously injuring the driver, age 56.

Wiebold TV

The firetruck from the Erkelenze Feuerwehr was an air unit with SCBA's and refilling equipment along with related special tools.

Weibold TV

The fire alarm was dispatched at 5:25 pm Monday for the house fire and the first units on the scene had fire showing. That triggered the special-call for the air unit. While en route with lights and siren on the country road, the truck ran off onto the right shoulder and then overcorrected causing the truck to flip over and land in the field on the other side of the roadway.

Wiebold TV

The house fire is initially considered to be an arson. Police believe that there may be some witnesses in the neighborhood who saw a car drive away from the premises just before the fire.

RP-Online

RP-Online has the STORY.

Article provided by Christian Lewalter of FWNetz.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on August 23, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Line of Duty, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus

LODD – Dallas, Texas

1 comment

Sunday Afternoon Apartment Fire

DALLAS, TEXAS, FIRE LIEUTENANT TODD KRODLE, 41, perished Sunday afternoon after falling through the roof of a garden apartment building that was on fire.

The 3-alarm fire began around 4:15 pm Central in a first-floor unit and spread through the 2-story building.  Lt. Krodle was working on the roof ventilating when he fell through into the fire.  He was very quickly pulled out by firefighters, injured and badly burned, and taken to the hospital where he died later Sunday evening.

All of his colleagues at his fire station were immediately taken off duty.

Allen Gardner, who lives in the neighborhood, put it this way:
"The emotional strain you could see in their faces," he said. "It's not a big scale fire,
but still, anything that they go to they take it as seriously as possible."
(Dallas Morning News photo)

Lt. Krodle was in the DFD for 17 years and leaves a wife and two daughters surviving him.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the Dallas City Council and the entire City of Dallas workforce, we express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and fellow firefighters of this courageous and dedicated firefighter. We must never lose sight that fire service is an extremely dangerous business and this brave man died doing the dangerous job he loved; protecting our citizens and our properties and making our neighborhoods safer for all of us."

The early determination of cause was a malfunctioning electrical appliance.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on August 14, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , , ,

Asheville LODD Controversy Over Standpipe Arises

2 comments

Standpipe Failure Led to Delayed Fire Flow

A SERIOUS FAILURE IN GETTING WATER to the fire in Asheville, North Carolina, on Thursday that killed a fire captain and injured eleven others is coming to light.  Radio transmissions during the event disclose that the standpipe failed for some reason to carry the water to the hose lines connected to the interior valves.  The first water that was eventually applied to the fire was more than twenty minutes into the operation and came from a hand line that was elevated to the fire floor by an aerial ladder.

Citizen-Times

The Asheville Citizen-Times is breaking the story after culling through the dispatch tapes and interviews, writing in part:

Firefighters repeatedly made references to a lack of water, even as they reached the fourth floor and made their way toward flames one floor above.

"We got no water. No water," a firefighter on the fourth floor says about 13 minutes into the recording.

* * * * *

The fire scene commander, at about eight minutes into the incident, confirms from the water supply crew that water is flowing to the standpipe connection outside the building.

"Just let me know when you get water on the fire, please," he says to a crew inside.

Five minutes later, Rescue 301 — Bowen's crew — breaks in. The crew was on the fourth floor.

"There is a lot of heat in here," a firefighter says. "We believe the fire is above us. We need to get some water in that standpipe so we can purge the lines."

"There should be water to the standpipe," the commander replies. "The valve needs to be opened to the standpipe."

"The valve is open," the firefighter says. "We are in the north standpipe. We got no water. No water."

After the truck crew broke through the windows to make entry into the fire floor, the onrush of fresh air brought the fire up and introduced new challenges to the firefighters.

Read the entire (and upsetting) report from the Citizen-Times HERE.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT), along with ATF special agents from the Charlotte Field Division have been called in to assist in the investigation of the fire.  The building's standpipe is supposed to be inspected annually, but it is not yet known when that was last done and what the results were.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 30, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, investigations, Line of Duty • Tagged: , , ,

LODD in North Carolina

Comments Off

Another Firefighter Seriously Burned

FIRE CAPTAIN JEFFREY BOWEN, 37, OF THE ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, Fire Department Rescue 3 perished Thursday while fighting a blaze in a 5-story, unsprinklered medical office building.

The alarm was sent shortly after noon for the fire on the top floor of the Carolina Internal Medicine building.  While the fire crews were working inside, one of them sent a Mayday call over the radio for Capt. Bowen who was down.  A second call was sent for another firefighter, Jay Bettencourt, who like Capt. Bowen was doing search-and-rescue procedure on the fire floor.

Capt. Bowen was removed from the building by other firefighters, but went into cardiac arrest before they were able to get him to the hospital.  FF Bettencourt was flown to a burn unit in Augusta, Georgia, where he remains today in critical condition.

The Asheville Citizen-Times filed this video taken by a citizen who was nearby showing the fire in its early stages:

 

The full details of what went wrong have not been disclosed yet and the cause is still under investigation.

The Asheville Citizen-Times posted this video of Fire Chief Scott Burnette's press conference later in the afternoon:

 

Nine other firefighters were injured and six of them remain hospitalized today.

STATter911 has additional information on the fire and operations HERE.
FireNews.net has more details and photos HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 29, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, Videos • Tagged: , , , ,