More fire and EMS news from STATter911.com

Click image or click here to see video of the offending moment

Read Michael McIntyre’s Tipoff from The Cleveland Plain Dealer

See our previous coverage

It isn’t just STATter911.com. John Coleman’s wink, nod and wave to greet the brand new President of the United States has been carried and discussed at CNN, AP, Firehouse.com, FireRescue1.com and in newspapers and on TV newscasts across the country.

If the posts on this site and wusa9.com are any indication, Coleman generally seems to have the support of the public and his fellow firefighters. Despite that, John Coleman, a Cleveland Heights fire inspector, says it’s time to say goodbye to the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Michael McIntyre, who first reported the story, now apparently brings it to a close. It isn’t the pipes, the pipes, that are calling Coleman right now. It is the bad blood that has developed between Coleman and some of his band mates after the news spread around the country that the drum major was suspended for six months for acknowledging President Barack Obama during the Inaugural Parade.

Coleman told McIntyre, “There are too many bridges burned with the pipe band, too many hurt feelings on both sides. There are some of the members of the band who wouldn’t want me back.”

Here is a bit more from McIntyre’s blog:

Coleman, who as the drum major was the face of the organization, leading it in parades and often interviewed by the media. He does not play an instrument, though, an issue that some band members found unpalatable.

“I figure it’s best for the band if I leave,” he said.

Band leader Mike Engle, the pipe major, was out of town Tuesday and not available. A statement issued by the band read: “We’re sorry to see him leave. We are greatly disappointed that this issue has caused so much heartache. It’s been a disheartening few days.”

Coleman first led the band in the 1993 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s will be the first in 17 years without him in the lead.

More fire and EMS News from STATter911.com

Click here to watch the video(or here). (This is a much cleaner version of the offending wink, nod and wave than the one from YouTube. It is the entire raw video of the TV pool feed as the Cleveland group passed the reviewing stand. We even have an instant-replay slow-mo for you at the end.)

UPDATE: Coleman quits the band. Click here

Watch interview with John Coleman, suspended drum major and fire inspector with the Cleveland Heights FD

Read Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Michael McIntyre’s blog entry

Read Cleveland Plain Dealer interview with Coleman prior to the Inauguration

The Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums website and MySpace page

Watch story by WKYC-TV’s Tom Beres on the band raising money for the trip to Washington

From the AP:

An Ohio firefighter has been suspended from his role in a pipes and drums group for giving President Barack Obama a quick nod during last week’s inaugural parade in Washington D.C.

Coleman says Obama smiled and waved and that he was just acknowledging the president.

Photo by Thomas Ondrey/The Plain Dealer

Springer 911: That’s the name someone in the comments section gave this blog after our latest story about Jerry Engle. Once the mayor of Kentland, Jerry has become a bit of a mayor-at-large. The author of Probie Days was ordered to vacate the Bladensburg VFD during his own probationary period and has left a forwarding address of 6101 Roanoke Avenue. Maybe 13 will be his lucky number. To read why Jerry parted ways with Bladensburg, click here. Is PT 809 the name of the new drink of some Prince George’s County FFs? One side says absolutely not.

Arson spree arrest: In Frederick County, MD an arrest has been made in some recent arsons. We have added pictures to our earlier story. The suspect had a very, very brief connection to a local firehouse. Click here.

How did I miss that?: STATter 911 reader Steve Marshall in PA noticed something I didn’t really figure out from the bus versus ambulance video in Portugal that we ran yesterday. I was too busy focusing on the people on the sidewalk in the middle of the screen who see the bus coming toward them and scurry fast. Steve had his eyes on the guy in the blue shirt at the bottom of the screen. Watch him closely. It appears he was dumped out of the ambulance. Very lucky the bus didn’t then run over him. Click here. It is the second video on the page.

More from Wes: We have more fire photos from the late Wes Gerald that need identification. Click here to help us out.

Help from the top on volunteer’s red light ticket: An interesting story of a push to change some policy after a firefighter responding to a truck fire was pulled over while in his work vehicle. Read the story.

Shib’s law: In Illinois a new law was signed by the governor that gives firefighters the authority to close down lanes of traffic if no law enforcement is present. It also increases reckless homicide penalties when emergency personnel are the victims. The law is named for FF James “Shib” Miller killed last summer when struck by a bus on I-57. Read more.

Riled in New Hampshire: In Newington, NH some people think the local FD is to blame for a house burning down on July 16. They had hoped to find some answers to their complaints at a Board of Fire Engineers meeting scheduled for Tuesday night. The people complaining are even more upset and suspicious because that meeting was canceled. The reason given is that someone stole the posting about the meeting, which might put in question the legality of the gathering. Read more here.

Few words: Neither the fire chief of Demopolis, AL, Ron Few, or the police chief are willing to talk about the arrest of a firefighter on DUI and gun charges. Click here for the story.

Help wanted: Another look at the volunteer shortage. This time from Corpus Christi, TX. Read the story.

July 14 image of Jerry Engle. In late July Engle cut the mohawk and removed all visible piercings.

Last Saturday was Jerry Engle’s last day as a probationary member of Bladensburg VFD (Station 809) in Prince George’s County, MD. Bladensburg Chief Matt Fowler tells STATter 911, “It came to the point he was causing more problems in the organization and we had enough of it”. According to Fowler, “It wasn’t worth it anymore”.

Engle had been at Bladensburg for about three months. Prior to that he had a short stint as a volunteer at Riverdale VFD (Station 807). Engle is best known for his many years at Kentland VFD (Station 833). He wrote a book on his experiences titled Probie Days.

Engle made the news recently as part of the videos showing fireworks being used and the hazing of a new member at Kentland. In the video Engle’s backside became a launching pad for a bottle rocket.

Jerry Engle’s departure from Bladensburg is not without controversy. Engle contacted STATter 911 today saying that he was told to leave after he confronted a member he accused of urinating on food and drinks belonging to Engle and others. Chief Fowler denies that such an incident occurred.

Currently Engle is riding with Riverdale Heights VFD (Station 813).

Previous coverage of FF Engle and Kentland:

Interview about Kentland videos

Kentland chief suspended

FF Engle to the rescue

As we first reported over the weekend there is a new look for one of the more controversial firefighters in the nation, Jerry Engle. FireGeezer Bill Schumm heard me working this story while we were together at Firehouse Expo. Obviously a man with too much time on his hands, Bill used Photoshop to show us what Jerry looks like without the Mohawk and metal (bottom picture). Please send all complaints to the old guy at FireGeezer.com. I’m just the messenger on this one.

Dave needs your help: I have an update on Friday’s wreck involving Engine 26 from the DC Fire & EMS Department. What we know about the collision has inspired me to ask some general questions about driving emergency vehicles. Click here to read more.

Fire truck overturns, woman killed in KY: In Madisonville, KY a fire truck responding to a fatal motorcycle accident on Saturday ended up upside down in a ditch. The truck from the Manitou VFD had run onto the shoulder of the road and then came back onto the roadway colliding with an SUV. The woman driving the SUV was killed. One firefighter was flown out, but is in stable condition. The report says all parties were wearing seat belts. Read details.

Child’s play at fire hydrant gets serious: The Pittsburgh Fire Department had already closed the fire hydrant once on Sunday. When a security officer tried to close it a second time there was trouble. Five people were arrested and police used pepper spray. Click here for the story.

Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame: No, not in this case. The alleged culprit is a man on his way to work in Key West. Read how this lieutenant called in late for work.

Family wants to reopen suit over PASS device: In St. Louis the survivors of FF Rob Morrison settled with Survivair in 2006 in a wrongful death suit. What they didn’t know at the time was this wasn’t an isolated case and feels the company withheld this important information. Read more.

Volunteers feel slighted in CA wildfires: With firefighters from all over the world coming in to fight fire, volunteer firefighters are complaining they didn’t get the call. Read the story.

Council member’s home catches fire: A fire that damaged the home of Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman’s home early this morning is being called suspicious. Watch the story.

Taking care of their own: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at some fire service traditions as firefighters said goodbye to Maplewood’s Ryan Hummert who was gunned down last week. Read the article.

I’ve got a drunk in Kalamazoo. Actually not one, not two, but three who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel converge on the same scene: This is why FireGeezer is my hero. He finds some of the most bizarre stories. In this one an ambulance stops to help a suspected drunk driver who drove a car into ditch. The ambulance is then hit by another suspected drunk driver. The sheriff’s car that comes to investigate all of this is then hit by a third suspected drunk driver. If you had put this scene in a movie, no one would find it believable. Read the details.

Don’t forget Rich Findley’s family: A motorcycle ride/fundraiser is coming up. Click here for the details.

In the many comments on multiple forums about the recent videos from Kentland VFD, a common theme was the physical appearance of FF Jerry Engle. Engle, formerly a member of Kentland, and currently with Bladensburg VFD, arrived for our interview with a shirt on. That in itself was surprising, considering that Jerry often would go most places, including to fires, without a shirt. It was also a lot more clothing than he was wearing when the camera was rolling during the Kentland videos.

What most people wrote about were Jerry’s spiky, orange colored Mohawk haircut and the numerous piercings on his face.

At Firehouse Expo I began hearing that Jerry very recently had a makeover. Sources, and Jerry himself, later confirmed orders came down through Bladensburg’s leadership that the hairstyle was out and there would be no piercings that could be visible to the public.

FF Jerry Engle complied earlier this week.

New Engle angle: Over the last few days we have been getting many emails about former Kentland VFD firefighter and author Jerry Engle. Quite a few people sent us information about assault charges filed against Engle the day after our interview. We’ve pieced together as much as we can about that story. Click here if you haven’t seen it.

Andrew Bashoor is back home: We got a call this afternoon from West Virginia as Marc and Laura Bashoor were bringing their son Andrew home from a rehabilitation hospital, six and half weeks after a traffic accident almost took Andrew’s life. Very good news.

Marc will be in town next Thursday to emcee the retirement dinner honoring PGFD’s Chauncey Bowers and Curtis Eaby. Congratulations to my friends Chauncey and Curtis, I am sorry I am going to miss the show. There are certainly a few things I’d like to say.

Bad week for a Kentucky FD: The Hustonville VFD’s chief has resigned after a DUI arrest and now the department is being criticized for being a late arrival at a fire in sight of the fire hall. Read and watch the story.

Permanently disabled bodybuilding firefighter ordered back to work: The latest in the case of Boston FD’s Albert Arroyo.

Weekend fire inspections at a price: Eight Chicago fire inspectors are being disciplined for taking what is being described as “tips” to conduct weekend inspections of sprinkler pumps. Read and watch the story.

Now its personal: The lead sentence on one story about the shootings on a fireground in Indianapolis reads – “Friday’s shootings at a fire scene raise questions about firefighter safety”. What are the photographers who were actually shot and apparently targeted, chopped liver?

Sorry, had to vent for a second. A WISH-TV photographer and another man I have seen identified as a freelance photographer and/or fire buff were wounded. An SCBA cylinder on the back of a firefighter was also hit. A man who lived across the street is now in custody. He apparently had words with the TV photographer before the shooting. Read more.

Actress says paparazzi used fire hoax: A lot of unanswered questions in this story about Maggie Gyllenhaal and her new baby. She is claiming the photographers called in a false alarm at her West Village building so she would have to come outside with the baby. The only article I can find is in a gossip column. If it’s true, is it being investigated? Where’s Paul Harvey when we need him.

Drowning response questions, answers and 911 call: In Palm Beach County, Florida, claims from relatives and friends that firefighters didn’t do everything they could to try and save a man who had drowned in a lake. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue says otherwise. Read the story and hear the 911 call.

“Big Whiskey” burns to the ground: That’s what Clint Eastwood called the home in Tuolumne County, CA, when he stayed there during the filming of Unforgiven. Michael J. Fox was a guest when filming Back to the Future III. The large home was destroyed by fire his morning. Details and a picture, here.

Strike up the band. Not strike the band: FireGeezer Bill Schumm has the story and video from a military review in Fort Riley, KS on Thursday that didn’t go so well. The casualty list includes three musicians, two sousaphones and a parachutist. Click here to learn more.

Damned if you do and damned if you don’t: Firefighters in the UK are accused of wasting taxpayers money on a bird rescue. Read the story.

A day after our interview with FF Jerry Engle about his role on the controversial videos from Kentland VFD, assault charges were brought against Engle. The charges were filed on Tuesday by a man who lives just a few doors from the Bladensburg firehouse where Engle is currently a volunteer firefighter. It appears there is no connection between the neighbor’s claims and the recent stories involving Engle.

From conversations with Engle, police sources in Bladensburg and Prince George’s County Fire & EMS Department officials, we have pieced together a rather unusual story.

The incident that sparked the charges happened on July 2. Jerry Engle tells STATter 911 he intervened on behalf of an approximately 6-year- old child who claimed that a 69-year-old man who lives near the firehouse had committed a crime involving that child. Engle confronted the man and held him until the Bladensburg Police Department arrived.

Sorting out the details, Bladensburg police officers did not find enough evidence to warrant an arrest and let the man go.

On Tuesday, the man who Engle had detained, filed charges of 2nd degree assault and false imprisonment. Court records show a summons was issued to Engle.

There is also a “peace order” that instructs Engle he shall not abuse, contact or enter the home of the person who filed the charges. The order expires on July 22.

Other fire and police sources generally confirm Engle’s account of the incident.

When contacted, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department spokesman Mark Brady indicated no action is being taken against FF Engle:

The Fire/EMS Department reviews each charge brought against its membership and makes a decision to remove the person from public contact/emergency operations suspension based on the merits of the charges. In this particular case, the Fire/EMS Department is taking no action against Jerry Engle in relationship to criminal charges filed against him for this incident.

As for the Kentland VFD videos, where Engle had a bottle rocket launched off of his naked backside, Engle said so far there has been no disciplinary action concerning his role. FF Engle previously told us he deserved to be punished for the antics caught on tape.

See our previous coverage involving Jerry Engle

Former Kentland FF faces the camera (this time): Click here for our interview with Jerry Engle the author of a book about Kentland. Engle is also the man seen on the recently released videos doing a rather unique fireworks demonstration (beats the usual watermelon being blown up). You will also find links there to our previous coverage, including the videos, comments from Gordon Routley and STATter 911 readers.

Read this account of a fire response in Detroit: Below is the conclusion from Detroit Free Press columnist Bill McGraw after arriving well before the fire department at a burning house Monday morning.

An abandoned house on fire. Missing street signs. Slow fire response. A broken rig. Another morning in the under-served neighborhoods of Detroit.

Click here to read what’s in front of that final paragraph.

Not a battle where you will likely to win the hearts and minds of the public: In Nassau County, FL a Jacksonville Fire-Rescue captain is accused of hitting a 75-year-old man and pulling him out of his car. It is being described by police as a road-rage incident while the captain was off-duty. The physical part of the event took place in the parking lot of Nassau County Fire Station 20. Firefighters there confronted 44-year-old Michael Braddock who then drove away. Captain Braddock is now on paid administrative leave. Click here for the story and video.

Things go boom in Baltimore: A flying manhole cover left a pedestrian injured after an explosion followed by a fire that last for five hours underneath North Charles Street. Click here for the print version and here for the TV story.

Duck soup: The mystery at the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool is still ongoing as the FBI tries to find out how a bunch of ducks died. Our wildlife bureau chief (reassigned stateside after a recent international assignment) has the story of Saturday’s hazmat deployment. Check in on Vito Maggiolo’s posting on DCFD.com (scroll down).

Baltimore County 4th alarm: With so much Kentland news, we are very late on this one. Pikesville VFC’s photographer Michael Schwartzberg has some nice photos from Friday’s four-alarm warehouse fire in Baltimore County’s Woodlawn section. Click here for pictures and Michael’s account.

What’s it all about ALF(ie)?: FireGeezer has a look at American LaFrance’s decision to pull its fire truck manufacturing out of South Carolina.

FFs’ accounts from the front lines of a wildfire: The San Jose Mercury News is putting the news gathering in the hands of firefighters. From the Santa Cruz Mountains they have details of the Martin fire in the words of firefighters from Bonny Doon Fire & Rescue Company 32. Company engineer Steph Marr did the editing. Click here for the story.

Gearing up in Texas: An article on the Beaumont Fire Department making the case for new gear.

Got gear, but need bodies in Louisiana: Lafayette’s fire chief says people aren’t lining up like they used to for a job as a firefighter. Read the story.

And I’m sure no one got lost on the way to this call: In the UK at 2:00 this morning, a lap-dancing club was destroyed by fire. Pictures (of the fire only) and the story are here. The club sparked controversy when it opened just three weeks ago. The owner suspects arson. Click here for more.

Watch the 5:00 PM interview with Jerry Engle

Click here for STATter 911′s previous coverage

Jerry Engle spent more than half his life at the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department. One of the most active firefighters in the company’s history, and he claims in the U.S., Engle wrote a book on his experience called Probie Days.

Engle may have to add a few new chapters after the recent release to the news media of controversial videos involving Kentland’s firefighters.

Engle, now a member of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department, is seen on one of the videos using his bare backside as a launching pad for a bottle rocket. The video shows numerous firefighters shooting fireworks inside the fire station on Landover Road. Fireworks are illegal in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The videos were shot more than four-years-ago.

Engle tells STATter 911 he was not involved in the hazing incident seen on one tape and thought that incident was “extreme”.

According to sources, the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department has already suspended its chief and others in the videos. Officially, Kentland calls what’s on the videos “inexcusable” and will only confirm that disciplinary action has been taken.

Jerry Engle expects that Prince George’s County Fire Chief Lawrence Sedgwick will also take action against him and others seen on the videos. So far there has been no official comment from Chief Sedgwick since a statement Friday calling the antics on the videos “disturbing” and “unprofessional”.

Engle tells STATter 911, “We deserve some type of punishment.”

If you are local, watch 9NEWS NOW at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM for our interview with Firefighter Jerry Engle, the author of the book about Kentland called Probie Days. Engle, now a member of Bladensburg VFD, was seen in the videos having his bare backside used as a launching pad for fireworks.

Engle says he expects that he and others will be disciplined for their roles in the videos by Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Lawrence Sedgwick.

Read comments by Chief J. Gordon Routley about Kentland VFD

Click here for our previous coverage and to see the controversial videos

Watch interview with FF Jerry Engle seen on the fireworks video launching a bottle rocket from his backside

STATter 911 has learned the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department has taken its own action in connection with the recently broadcast videos involving hazing and the use of fireworks. Sources tell 9NEWS NOW that Kentland’s board of directors has suspended Chief Tony Kelleher and other unidentified firefighters.

Officially, a statement was issued Sunday evening by Kentland VFD that says its investigation “has lead to disciplinary actions” but does provide specifics.

Here is the entire statement:

The Kentland Volunteer Fire Department deeply regrets the actions of a select few of its members depicted in recent media coverage from videos taken circa 2003 and 2004. Their actions are inexcusable and do not represent the tradition of heroism, professionalism and dedication that the Kentland VFD strives to uphold. An investigation into the actions of each individual identified in the video and participating in unsafe behavior has been undertaken. This investigation has lead to disciplinary actions.

Watch 6:00 PM report from 9NEWS NOW

More video from Kentland tapes

Bottle rockets flying. An apparently drunk and sometimes naked man running in front of the firehouse as he is doused with a fire extinguisher. A man’s underwear pulled from his waist over his head. A wagon driver showing his bare behind as he pulls the fire engine out of the fire station. All of these are images from videos leaked to the news media in Washington, DC, showing actions of firefighters with the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department.

The videos are more than four-years-old. Still Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Lawrence Sedgwick is not happy, saying in a statement, “What I saw can briefly be described as unprofessional, disturbing and a matter that requires further attention”.

One of the videos involves the apparent hazing of a member. The man is heard saying he is drunk. There are similar statements from other volunteers about the man being targeted. One firefighter grabbed the man’s underwear giving him what is commonly called an “atomic wedgie”.

Volunteers doused the man numerous times with a fire extinguisher and a hose. At one point he is seen running naked in front of the busy firehouse on Landover Road. He is ordered to stand still as a fire engine leaving the firehouse, responding to a call, passed by on the ramp.

The man later showed off burns apparently caused by the extinguisher.

Another video shows firefighters shooting off bottle rockets on the engine room floor. Fireworks are illegal in Prince George’s County.

This same video shows a man driving the wagon out the bay door at the same time he “moons the camera”.

Seen at various times on the videos is Tony Kelleher. Kelleher is now the chief of Kentland VFD. STATter 911 was scheduled to interview Chief Kelleher, who has said he has matured since the video was taken. Just before the interview was to occur, Kelleher said he was advised not to make further statements. A promised statement from Kentland has not been received.

Chief Kelleher took over the department during a long battle last year with Prince George’s County over the assignment of an ambulance to the Kentland station. Kelleher replaced Mike Mattison who was suspended by Chief Sedgwick during the dispute. The county chief also briefly suspended Chief Kelleher.

In his statement Chief Sedgwick wrote:

Out of respect for due process of the judicial system, I will refrain from further public comment on this matter until litigation, that may or may not involve this video, has concluded. This pause in public comment does not preclude the Fire/EMS Department from proceeding with an internal investigation concerning the actions displayed on the videotape and public statements made by Kentland officials.

According to multiple career and volunteer sources familiar the situation, the “due process of the judicial system” Chief Sedgwick is talking about concerns civil suits connected to a previous incident involving Kentland. Two career firefighters are suing Kentland members over actions at a February, 2006 fire in Landover Hills.

During that fire, members of Kentland were accused of turning off the air supply of other firefighters. A criminal investigation was conducted, but the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute any of Kentland’s members.

Sources say the leaked Kentland are expected to be a part of the civil suits.

Numerous volunteer and career firefighters have been deposed for the cases. These include members of the Prince George’s County Fire Department’s command staff.

According to sources, one item the attorneys are interested in is a book about Kentland VFD. Probie Days was written by Jerry Engle, a life member of the department. The book describes Kentland’s aggressive style of firefighting. Engle can bee seen on the videos having a bottle rocket ignited while it is resting on his bare backside.

Complete statement from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Lawrence Sedgwick Jr. issed today:

Kentland Video is Reviewed

I have reviewed a videotape that depicts activities at the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. What I saw can briefly be described as unprofessional, disturbing and a matter that requires further attention. Out of respect for due process of the judicial system, I will refrain from further public comment on this matter until litigation, that may or may not involve this video, has concluded. This pause in public comment does not preclude the Fire/EMS Department from proceeding with an internal investigation concerning the actions displayed on the videotape and public statements made by Kentland officials.

Raw video from KTVK-TV

(Updated at 12:06 PM)

Video of the day: What, and give up show business? The glamour and excitement of firefighting. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. Or in this case, the smell of the feet. Look at the runoff. Yes, if you are wondering, it’s a slow day.

Old video of the day

If you are like me and enjoy looking a bit at the past, check this one out from Wheeling, WV. It is film described as being from “The Good Old Days”. It starts with a fire in an American Service Station (remember those) and goes on to a series of dwelling fires and what looks like a training fire. Watch the garage door being opened on the first fire. Click here.

Fire in IN

Reported to be from Delaware & 20th in Indianapolis on Wednesday night.

Second-alarm in Montgomery County, MD

In pricey Potomac, MD this morning, a fire has taken off the roof of a home that appears to be quite a bit larger than a garden-apartment building. Click here for more details and pictures.

By the way, due to some Blogger technical difficulties, I have been unable to post pictures the last two days. Didn’t want you to think I was lazy.

Some links to some good visuals (since I don’t have any)

Since I can’t currently post images, check these out that our unofficial New England editor Jimmy Daly sent my way.

The first is from Ken LaBelle at NRIFirePhotos.com of a rip-roaring fire on Sunday at Pond and East School Streets in Woonsocket. It went to a third-alarm. Click here.

The second is some fabulous night time photography by Rick Nohl of a house fire last Thursday in Lawrence, MA. Click here.

They may talk funny up there, but they sure know how to use their cameras.

Thieves break into EMS vehicles during memorial ride

We first told you about this story early on Tuesday. The riders with the National EMS Memorial Bicycle Ride are on their way to Roanoke, VA thanks to some help from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

Two of the support vehicles, SUV’s from EMS providers in Virginia and Maine, were broken into while the group stayed overnight in an Annapolis, MD hotel. GPS equipment and cell phones vanished. Windows were smashed.

Regrouping at PGFD’s Station 805 in Capitol Heights, a glass repair crew was summoned and the riders moved on to Capitol Hill.

Click here to see our story.

Don’t try this at home, he’s a professional

I made the prediction not too long ago that there are so many cameras out there we will soon see pictures and video of a rescue from the points-of-view of both the rescuer and the rescuee. Now, please check out FireGeezer’s story with the picture taken by Ryan McGeeney as McGeeney was being treated by EMS.

This is a little different than I predicted because McGenney is a professional photography working a sporting event for a newspaper.

The toughest photographer I ever worked with is a guy name Kline Mengle. Kline once fell out of a moving car (he was sitting in the window) that I was driving and kept the camera rolling all the way down. All you heard on the tape was Kline saying a four letter word, worried that he broke the camera. As for me, I about soiled my pants thinking I killed the station’s best photographer.

I say all of this, because my buddy Kline may be a wimp compared to Ryan McGeeney. As you will see on the Geezer’s site, McGeeney snapped the picture while there was a javelin impaled through his knee.

Just a little off the top, please

This Norfolk Southern bridge in Durham, NC has a history of putting the squeeze on trucks. Apparently there have been 46 wrecks at the bridge since 2000, with 30 of them caused by vehicles that don’t duck.

A few observations after looking at the video. Watch the pedestrian get a little pep in his step on the far sidewalk.

If there are that many crashed because of the height thing, how about putting up some big flash lights and other warnings?

Also, shouldn’t someone in charge do at least a quick structural inspection before letting traffic flow?

More Pillow talk

We told you a few days ago about Greg Pillow who claims he once was a Nashville firefighter. Now the TV station that has been on the Pillow case reports the man has other claims to fame. Click here for the story.

Arson at the roadhouse or Firwood tonight

The Fabulous Firwood Roadhouse isn’t so fabulous at the moment. The Fife, Washington landmark burned on Friday. The ATF says its arson.

The business has been around for 85-year-old hangout was noted for its old time rock and roll, dancing and probably a few other things along the way.

Click here to see the story.

Now for those who have a more refined taste when it comes to music hall fires, click here.

Firefighting in Poland

Just a recently posted video with no details.

Get fat for a cause

I can’t believe I failed to mention earlier two things close to my heart and my stomach. As many of you know it is “31 Cent Scoop Night” at Baskin-Robbins. The ice cream people will donate $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. So eat up.

911 and supervisor given days off after sleeping incident

Click here for complete audio recording

Click here to read complete story and watch news report

WMC-TV in Memphis has the story of a 911 call taker who fell asleep while taking an emergency call for a break-in. It happened in January, but the news report appears to have prompted some action. According to the station, the supervisor was given 20 days and the call taker 7 days. (Other news outlets are reporting the two were fired. For now, I am going with the station that originated the story.) Here are excerpts:

When you call 911, you expect help immediately. Lisa, a Memphis resident, got anything but.

Lisa can then be heard hanging up the phone.

Large church fire in Philly extends to homes

Click here for live helicopter coverage from WPVI-TV (as of 9:20 AM) of multi-alarm church fire at 32nd & Berks Street in Philadelphia. By 9:38 AM they had switched to a tower camera shot from a distance.

Earlier raw helicopter coverage from KYW-TV

Earlier raw helicopter coverage from WCAU-TV

KYW-TV image

As of 9:00 AM, the roof has burned off the large building in the Strawberry Mansion section. There still seem to Multiple master streams are in operation. Looking at a live picture on CNN it appeared there were some water supply issues for two of the streams at one end of the church. The fire has gone to six-alarms.

At 9:08 AM, the helicopter on WPVI-TV pulled back to reveal a rowhouse burning at least 5 homes down from the church. Fire showing from the top floor with firefighter working on the roof.

At 9:15 AM, the exposure fire now appears to be on the third floor of one side of what may be a duplex. A line is in place trying to keep the fire from spreading to a similar building on Side D. Heavy fire on the third floor, Quadrant C. Truck crew moved to roof over the non-burning side of the duplex.

At 9:20 AM, an interior attack has knocked down the bulk of the fire on Quadrant C of the duplex. Still have a bit of fire coming through the roof.

From KYW-TV:

Philadelphia firefighters are on the scene of a raging six-alarm fire in the city’s Strawberry Mansion section. Flames also damaged at least three nearby home and residents east of the church were evacuated.

The church, according to their Web site, http://rship.com, is a Missionary Baptist Church that partners with Missionary Conventions and Associations across the country, “We are a conservative, evangelism oriented, Bible-based congregation with a strong African consciousness.”

Fire burning on the West Coast, too

Not to be outdone, Los Angeles firefighters have a major blaze this morning in a building at the historic corner of Hollywood and Vine. Reported to be a a vacant restaurant. Click here for KNBC-TV live video (as of 9:35 AM EDT).

At 9:52 AM EDT there is still a good deal of fire coming through the roof of the building. Master streams are being used along with firefighters with handlines on the roof of what appears to be the taller, Side D exposure.

Earlier helicopter coverage from KCBS-TV

From KCBS-TV:

Flames broke out early Wednesday in a building being renovated at the famous intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Traffic has been routed away from the area.

“These people are hypocrites and liars”

That’s the response by Oak Grove, MN Mayor Jim Iund to claims by firefighters that a fatal house fire was mishandled. Mayor Iund, a charter member of the fire department who served 18 years, said Tuesday, “You’re talking about a small group of people who want to make trouble.”

Here are a few excerpts from the Star-Tribune:

Firefighters are now charging that Fire Chief Tony Hennemann repeatedly bypassed the most qualified candidates for leadership positions. Some said Hennemann won’t promote any candidate he believes could be a threat to his authority.

The City Council on Monday discussed hiring someone independent of the fire department — possibly a retired fire chief from the south metro area — to investigate the fire that claimed the life of James Verdi Blackford, 86.

But current and former Oak Grove firefighters told the Star Tribune that the turmoil dividing the department began years ago.

The mayor’s comments are a follow-up to the claims earlier in the week of a lengthy delay in trying to rescue Mr. Blackford:

The firefighter who reached him said he believes Blackford was alive when he and two other firefighters brought him downstairs in the smoke-filled house.

Powers, an Oak Grove firefighter who was at the scene, said, “We limited his chances. If we could rescue somebody, we should rescue somebody. Somebody should be held accountable.”

Among the questions are who knew, or should have known, that Blackford was in the house. Another question, according to Oak Grove firefighter Jon Faanes, was why the department did not hold its customary critique after this fire, particularly because it involved a fatality.

Rob Engler, the Oak Grove fire official who firefighters say ordered the backboard, declined to comment, saying he was told by Fire Chief Tony Hennemann not to speak to the media. When asked after a City Council meeting about the backboard, Assistant Chief Curt Hallerman, who was in charge at the fire, told the Star Tribune, “I don’t think they called for a board or anything. I would see no purpose to ask for a board.”

But Oak Grove officials did not send firefighters in immediately. Nor did they inform all the firefighters at the scene that Blackford was inside. Weiss, who has nothing critical to say of Oak Grove’s department, said, “We heard a rumor that somebody was in there.”

Oak Grove firefighter Tony Scavo said he was eventually sent into the house but said he was ordered to go to the attic to open up the ceiling. “I’ll be honest,” he said. “I didn’t even know there was a body in there.”

Faanes said he was told not to enter the house without a backup hose line, even though he said the backup line is not mandated by OSHA. He asked why firefighters were not allowed to walk around the structure “to perform a size-up” — a procedure often done by the first arriving officer, he said.

“Why did it take a firefighter from another city to perform the rescue?” Faanes asked.

Cops guard Boston fire HQ

From Boston.com:

Boston police, acting at the request of the city’s fire commissioner, have begun guarding Fire Department headquarters to make sure that no one tampers with evidence subpoenaed as part of a federal investigation into alleged pension abuse by firefighters, fire and police officials said yesterday.

A police cruiser has been stationed outside the Dorchester building since Friday to make sure no one breaks in to steal documents that the FBI has requested.

“I think, given crime in the city, those police resources could be better allocated,” Kelly he said. “I think the commissioner watches too many movies.”

Suffolk chief is positive about twister response

Suffolk Fire Chief Mark Outlaw said the initial assessment of the response to Monday’s damaging storms in Virginia is that things went well. Local governments expect to do further study of the response to the tornadoes that left more than 200 people injured. Read the article.

Click here to see our previous coverage with a number of videos from the storm.

MD mystery blast is no longer a mystery

Flashes of light in the air and loud booms. It was happening for months at 2:00 and 3:00 AM in a Pikesville, MD neighborhood. Until now, despite intense investigations using surveillance cameras, there were no answers. A day after WJZ-TV did the story of this mystery an arrest has been made of a 59-year-old man. Watch the story.

DC 2-alarm house fire

From DC Fire & EMS Department PIO Alan Etter on a fire Tuesday in Northeast:

This wind-driven fire in the 300 block of Channing Street, Northeast climbed to two-alarms before firefighters were able to put it down. Dispatched at 1508 hours, firefighters arrived within two minutes to find a set of two-story rowhouses engulfed in flames involving the enclosed rear porches. Fire was present through the roofs of two rowhouses with extension to a third. Further, exposure ‘D’ was afflicted by wind-whipped flames leaping across a 15-foot alley and causing serious damage to the second floor, cockloft and roof. A second alarm was quickly transmitted – and as firefighters began taking their positions – the fire was reduced to smolder. It was fully extinguished within an hour – with no injuries to either civilians or firefighters. Red Cross was notified for several people who would be displaced. The cause of this blaze remains under investigation.

2 injured in MD automotive garage fire

From Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Chief Spokesman Mark Brady:

Just before 3:00 PM, Tuesday, April 29, 2008, a citizen ran into Beltsville Fire/EMS Station #831 and alerted personnel of a fire at a nearby automotive garage. Fire/ EMS units responded about 1 block to 11250 Baltimore Avenue at Prestige Collision and Glass to find a 1-story, multi-bay, automotive garage with heavy smoke coming from two bays located on the rear of the structure. As additional units from surrounding communities were alerted to assist, Beltsville firefighters stretched hoselines and initiated a knock down of the fire. The Beltsville ambulance crew located an adult male employee, approximately 30 years of age, who sustained second degree burns to a small area of his lower legs. Additionally, a firefighter assigned to the College Park Fire/EMS Station #812 sustained injuries to his knee while operating on the fireground. Both patients were transported to area hospitals. Quick work by the initial arriving crews limited the fire to two bays. A total of 25 firefighters operated on the fireground. The cause of the fire is under investigation and fire loss is estimated at $40,000.

Gas prices impacting home response

That’s the story from the Hammond Fire Department in the state of New York. With volunteer ranks dwindling, gasoline nearing $4-a-gallon isn’t helping recruitment and retention. Read the story.

Telephone solicitation problems in DE

A story we have heard many times. This time it is going on in Delaware. From delawareonline.com:

The Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association is alerting residents that local fire companies are not conducting a telephone solicitation seeking donations for injured firefighters.

Anyone concerned about the validity of a donation request should contact the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association at 734-9390.

Rescuers intervene in suicide attempt

This is all the caption says with this interesting video: Rescuers Risk Their Lives Foiling A Suicide Attempt. This was recently broadcast on a Russian Citizen’s Journalism programme. A drunken man was threatening to kill himself and rescuers put their lives on the line to save him.The man lived, but sustained serious injuries.

FFs attempt to thwart another suicide attempt

This one is from Dubbo, Australia last week. Firefighters try to move a rig into place to save “Bruce” who is hanging from a railroad bridge. It doesn’t quite work out the way everyone hoped, but Bruce survived. Read more.

Plane crashes into home in Venezuela and burns

From Monday in the northern Venezuela city of Catia La Mar. Four dead and eight injured when a small plane crashes into a home. Click here for another view.

Who ya gonna call: Marion County, FL’s quack rescue team

Photo by David Henman, Marion County Fire Rescue

It doesn’t matter what heroic feat this highly trained professional does for the rest of his career, he will always be remembered for this moment. Firefighter/paramedic and technical rescue technician Max Riddle of Golden Ocala Station 20 climbed 18 feet down a ladder into a storm drain to save seven baby ducks. The picture above from OrlandoSentinel.com where you can read this story.

Watch the November 27, 1987 story

Watch interviews with those who fought and investigated the fire in 1987

More news from STATter 911

On Thanksgiving Day, 1987, I was scheduled to work. Having only been at Channel 9 for 2 years, I lacked the seniority to get the day off. Living in Pentagon City, Virginia, I had the scanners on and was taking my time about heading into work on what I hoped would be a slow day. That changed very quickly when PGFD dispatchers put out a call for a house fire, with children trapped, in Seat Pleasant, MD.

My apartment had a pretty good view across the Potomac River. Looking out the balcony and toward Northeast Washington, I could see the smoke even before the firefighters from Seat Pleasant took the short ride to the scene. I called the Channel 9 assignment desk and strongly suggested they send a crew that way. Even if there was no one trapped, a working house fire often is the lead story on a holiday.

But there were people trapped. Listening in, as I drove toward 203 69th Street, it was clear the news was grim. It wasn’t long before Prince George’s County Fire officials confirmed that 6 children had died.

There were 15 people in James and Annie Mae Williams home at the time of the fire. The couple lost 5 of their grandchildren and a 10-year-old son.

Veteran Channel 9 photographer Kline Mengle (now retired) was the first of many of our people to arrive at the scene. The video above and the still images are mostly Kline’s work.

What happened 20-years-ago, inspired a PGFD program that continues today. It is called the Post Incident Neighborhood Intervention Program (PINIP). It was an effort started by Chief Jim Estepp to make sure there are working smoke alarms in every home in Prince George’s County. Firefighters go door-to-door after a significant fire and provide the alarms and fire safety tips to neighbors.

Prince George’s County officials are planning to talk about the program and the tragic fire at a press conference on Wednesday, at 11:00 a.m., at PGFD Station 38 on Sheriff Road.

It is interesting to note that 17 years after the tragedy, on December 12, 2004, fire almost took another life in the very same block. It was at 205 69th Street, the house next door to the Thanksgiving Day blaze, that Seat Pleasant VFD Captain Joe Johnson became trapped in the basement and suffered critical respiratory burns (the house is exposure B in the 1987 video).

One of those expected at Wednesday’s press conference is Wayne McBride, then a police corporal, who spotted the smoke and attempted to rescue the children. After retiring from the Prince George’s County Police Department, McBride (seen below) has had a second career helping run the Public Safety Communications Center.

Investigators determined that the fire was started by three children playing with matches in the living room of the home. One of the children died in the blaze. For fire investigators, dealing with a large, extended family, many who barely escaped the fire, it was a challenge making sure the accounts they were hearing were accurate.

Danny Jarboe was PGFD’s Commander of Fire Investigations in 1987. Jarboe led the team looking into the cause of the fire. Among the investigators then working for Jarboe was Lawrence Sedgwick, who is currently chief of the department.

In recent emails, Danny Jarboe mentioned how the press played an important role in helping verify the cause of the Seat Pleasant fire. Jarboe has written down his thoughts on that investigation and provided them to STATter 911.

Media Relations a Plus to Fire Investigation

On Thanksgiving morning, 1987, six young children perished in a tragic house fire in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

The overall investigation could easily have been clouded early by speculation as to the fire cause.

1. Thanksgiving Day suggested a strong possibility that cooking might be involved.

2. The weather was cold enough that the mere presence of a kerosene heater led to an early report that it might have been involved.

3. Information surfaced from an outside witness, suggesting that one of the home’s occupants might have been the target of revenge and that the home may have been firebombed.
Some media actually released the possibility of the kerosene heater, stemming from a conversation on scene. This may have actually become a “benefit” to investigators, as everyone would feel more relieved to blame some inanimate object, rather than any form of human error or responsibility.

When the two young survivors described for us where and how the fire first started, the video, statements and on-scene cause & origin investigation were in total agreement.

The messages for the injured DC firefighters continue to come in from around the US and Canada. If you don’t check out the comments section of STATter 911, you probably haven’t seen the thoughtful words from fellow firefighters and others. I have copied them below.

They have also been printed out and copies given to DC Fire & EMS to forward to the families of the injured firefighters.

Thank you all and thanks to Chief Billy Goldfeder of FirefighterCloseCalls.com for providing the link for many who may not have been aware of it.

As more come in, we will add to this.

To our brother firefighters in DC. Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you and your families during this challenging time. From all of us in Fairfax Co. we wish all of you a speedy recovery !
November 1, 2007 10:55 AM

God Bless them!
November 1, 2007 11:54 AM

TO ALL OF OUR BROTHERS IN DC, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. GET WELL SOON! FROM ALL OF US IN JOLIET, IL
November 1, 2007 12:48 PM

Our prayers are with you. Your brothers – Albuquerque Fire Department
November 1, 2007 12:54 PM

From your Brothers in Elyria, Ohio, IAFF Local 474, you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
November 1, 2007 1:07 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Good Intent Hose Co No 1 Llewellyn Pa
November 1, 2007 1:30 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and their families.
November 1, 2007 1:32 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brethren and their loved ones.
To everyone, be safe!
November 1, 2007 1:34 PM

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR FAMILIES OF D.C. FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM THE MEMBERS OF INDIANA REGIONAL TASK FORCE 7 RESPONSE TEAM
November 1, 2007 1:35 PM

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FROM YOUR BOTHERS AT LOCAL 4049: MASON OHIO
November 1, 2007 2:18 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with all my brothers in D.C. and their families. Stay strong. Springfield, MO
November 1, 2007 6:09 PM

To our brothers in D.C., our prayers are with you, your families and the department. From Fairbanks, Alaska
November 1, 2007 6:49 PM

The Anne Arundel County Retired Firefighters Association will keep the brothers in their thoughts and prayers in the coming days. We wish you a speedy recovery.
November 1, 2007 7:13 PM

Stay strong brothers. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you from E-7/L-1 FDNY.
November 1, 2007 8:22 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with your injured firefighters and their families. Local 413, Rockford, IL.
November 1, 2007 9:30 PM

To our Brothers in DC, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. E5/L1 Albany NY Local 2007
November 1, 2007 9:41 PM

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with your injured firefighters and their families as well. God bless you all. From your Firefighter Brothers at Station 40, Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, Sunbury, NC.
# posted by Captain 847 : November 1, 2007 10:08 PM

From your Brothers and Sisters of Local 333 Springfield OH, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
November 1, 2007 10:11 PM

From all the brothers at Darien-Woodridge Illinois Local #3437, we want to wish you and your families all the best wishes for speedy recoveries God Bless.
November 1, 2007 10:29 PM

To all of our Brothers in DC, our thoughts are with you. Stay strong.
Local 2919, SeaTac Washington
November 1, 2007 11:09 PM

God’s blessings on you in your times of trouble. To all our brothers in DC, our prayers go with you and your families. Get well soon! E1/ T1 Columbia TN. local 4381
November 1, 2007 11:30 PM

To our brothers and their families, you are in our thoughts and our prayers for a speedy recovery!
K Mach
Williston Park FD
November 1, 2007 11:38 PM

To all of the Brothers in DC, our thoughts and prayers are with you, stay strong and we pray for a speedy recovery. E23,Local 1997
November 2, 2007 12:25 AM

To all of our BROTHERS in DC, our thoughts and prayers are with you and yor families. Engine Co. 8 Edison Division of Fire, Edison, NJ
November 2, 2007 9:42 AM

To our Brothers in D.C.,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.Get Well Soon!
From All Of Us In Colorado!
November 2, 2007 6:51 PM

To all our Brother’s and Sister’s in D.C. our prayers and thoughts are with each of you and your families.
God Bless
Rescue 10
Houston Fire Department
November 2, 2007 8:16 PM

best wishes, our thoughts are prayers are with all of you.
Kent Fire. Kent Wa.
November 2, 2007 8:18 PM

To our brother,s in DC from Greeley, CO, Local 888, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
November 2, 2007 8:23 PM

God Bless our Brothers in DC…Our prayers are with you and your families….
Tamarac Fire Rescue
# posted by R Low : November 2, 2007 8:24 PM

May God bless all of you in your efforts to a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Get well soon.
Lt. Martinez Oswego Fire Dept. IL
November 2, 2007 8:38 PM

We thank you Almighty God that our DC Brothers are still with us. We pray for each one and their families, ease their pain and and bless them with a speedy recovery. Firefighters of the Sequatchie (TN) Vol. Fire Dept.
November 2, 2007 8:46 PM

To our brothers in DC, you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers
Washington Fire Dept. Washington Maine
November 2, 2007 9:09 PM

You are in our thoughts and prayers from your brothers in the State of Maine
November 2, 2007 9:18 PM

To our brothers and there families in DC, our thoughts and prayers are with you from Fairhaven, Ma. IAFF local 1555
November 2, 2007 9:27 PM

To our Brothers in DC, from your brothers in Matawan NJ,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.Keep your spirits high and get well !
Sta.29-4 Engine 2977 Fire/Rescue
# posted by Captain Dennis E Sampson : November 2, 2007 9:35 PM

To all of our brothers and sisters, their families and loved ones in DC, Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you always, especially at this time. From all of the Mississauga Firefighters Local 1212 Ontario Canada
November 2, 2007 9:36 PM

May the lord be with them. We could only hope that this doesn’t become a normle in our line of duty
November 2, 2007 9:48 PM

Thoughts and Prayers with thhose injured and their families from Canada.
November 2, 2007 9:55 PM

YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS BROTHERS FROM TALLADEGA FIRE DEPARTMENT!
TALLADEGA FIRE/RESCUE
TALLADEGA, AL
November 2, 2007 10:04 PM

To our brothers in DC, we are praying for you and your families. Let us know if we can help in any way. God bless,
Cleveland Firefighters-IAFF L93
November 2, 2007 10:14 PM

In our thought and prayers, DC’s Bravest….Your brothers at Eng. Co. 73, Noblesvill
e In.
November 2, 2007 10:28 PM

Brothers and Sisters of D.C. FD. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families. May the lord be with you and bless the injured with a speedy recovery. Be safe. LFD Lexington, KY
November 2, 2007 10:39 PM

GOD BLESS & WATCH OVER THE BROTHERS OF ENGINE 4, THEIR FAMILIES & DCFD. OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FROM NEWARK FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 109
November 2, 2007 11:05 PM

God Bless you and Yours in this time of need, may god be with you and your families throughout these troubling times.
River Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, River Oaks, Texas
November 3, 2007 12:33 AM

Stay strong as a family. May God heal all your wounds and give you strength. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Glendale Fire Department, Arizona
Local 493
# posted by Alex : November 3, 2007 2:05 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in DC…God Bless……Eng.4/Ladder4, Indianapolis FD
November 3, 2007 7:52 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during these trying times. Your brothers and sisters from Twinsburg Firefighters Local 3630. Twinsburg, Ohio
November 3, 2007 8:11 AM

Get well soon brothers, we are praying for you. Your brothers at Local 2969, Brevard County, FL.
November 3, 2007 9:12 AM

FDNY Prays for a Speedy recovery for all the Brothers in DC
# posted by Anonymous : November 3, 2007 11:33 AM
Thoughts & Prayers with you guys! Hope for a Fast recovery for all injured. Your brothers- Local 3169 Marion County, Fl.
November 3, 2007 2:05 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters and their families as they recover from this horrible flashover! quick work in getting these firefighters out of the building, Hats off to the DC fire dept. God bless.
# posted by Lt. Robert Brown FDNY L-120 : November 3, 2007 2:26 PM

To the entire DCFD, I want to express my concern and hope for Sgt. Lacore’s speedy recovery. Hang in there and God Speed.
With the Utmost Respect,
Patrick Lenzi
Chief, Brookfield Fire Department
Brookfield, Illinois
# posted by Pat Lenzi : November 3, 2007 2:29 PM

get well and god bless
# posted by red bud fire dept, IL : November 3, 2007 5:54 PM

DC Firefighters are in our thoughts and prayers. Get well soon.
Burlington KY Fire/EMS Local 4521
E701/L710
November 3, 2007 6:55 PM

Get Well and God Bless
Wenham Fire Department
November 3, 2007 9:52 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the DC firefighters and their families. God Bless.
The members of the Manitowoc Fire Department Command Staff and IAFF Local 368.
November 3, 2007 10:37 PM

Hey guys, may God be with you. Hang in there.
November 4, 2007 12:07 AM

Get Well and God Bless ‘ Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company , Magnolia Delaware .
November 4, 2007 9:16 AM

TO ALL THE BROTHERS IN D.C.,
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
-JOLIET, IL IAFF LOCAL 44 & 2369
November 4, 2007 10:06 AM

Get Well D.C. Brothers Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Local 4007 ACFR Charlottesville,Va
# posted by Smitty : November 4, 2007 1:47 PM

GOD BLESS YOU ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND ARE PRAYERS. GET WELL SOON!!!!!
November 4, 2007 3:41 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the couragous brothers and their families during this unfortunate time. Take care and God be with you during this entire ordeal. From your brothers at Local 3449, Wittmann, Arizona.
November 4, 2007 7:40 PM

May God protect and continue to heal all those affected, and our prayers are with all the DC Fire Dept members.
# posted by Katrina : November 5, 2007 9:39 AM

May God be with you all and know that you are in our prayers.Be strong be faithful. Nassau County Fire Rescue Nassau County Florida.
November 5, 2007 9:48 AM

My prayers are with you, continue the fight. – Fire Instructor Tom Covert – Southwest Wisconsin
# posted by Tom Covert : November 5, 2007 10:42 AM

In our thoughts and prayers, Your brothers, Englewood NJ FD,IAFF Local 3260, IAFF Local 3263
November 5, 2007 11:26 AM

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. FROM YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS @ A.F. DOBLER HOSE & LADDER CO., GIRARD, PA
November 5, 2007 12:30 PM

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish all the courage to persevere and a speedy recovery.
Santa Clara Co., Calif. Firefighters
November 5, 2007 12:30 PM

TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS IN FIRE I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY DEEPEST REGRETS TO YOUR RECENT INJURIES, MY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES AND LET HIM BE YOUR GUIDE TO RECORVERY FROM YOUR BROTHERS IN FIRE HERE IN CLINTON,MISSISSIPPI
# posted by JCADDY : November 5, 2007 12:52 PM

The Brothers and Sisters of Littleton Fire Rescue are with you in thoughts and prayers. Littleton Fire Rescue #2086.
November 5, 2007 5:15 PM

To all in DC, Keep the Faith. The 240 brothers from the Manchester Firefighters Local 856 up in New Hampshire are with you.
# posted by S Barton E11/T1 : November 5, 2007 7:58 PM
GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHERS YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH FIRE RESCUE
E751 NMB, SC
November 6, 2007 1:41 AM

From your Brother’s and sisters in Oklahoma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Continue to FIGHT!
November 6, 2007 10:27 AM

Get well soon! Our thoughts and prayers from Sparks, NV Local 1265.
November 6, 2007 12:45 PM

Your Brothers & Sisters from the Seattle Fire Deptartment, join in prayer for you, and your families… Godspeed.
November 6, 2007 2:52 PM

The members of Bolingbrook Il local 3005 are keeping our brothers in our prayers and wish for the speediest of recoveries
November 6, 2007 4:18 PM

May G-d bless all affected by this fire.Our prayers are with you. From your brothers of Mount Vernon Fire Dept.(NY).
November 7, 2007 12:59 AM

Jerry Engle from probiedays.net

More turmoil between the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. This time, over last week’s two-alarm fire in College Park. Firefighter Jerry Engle from Riverdale (PGFD Station 7) is in a war of words with PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady. It is playing out in the University of Maryland student newspaper, The Diamondback.

The issue is over the word “rescue” and Engle’s belief that Brady does not represent the volunteers of the county. Engle, a former member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department (PGFD Station 33), wrote a book called “Probie Days” which went into his experiences as a Kentland Volunteer.

Last week, STATter 911 first alluded to reports of problems on the fireground at Hartwick Towers. This week, Riverdale VFD Chief Vince Harrison confirmed that reports were requested by county officials of those involved in a confrontation at the fire with one of the command officers. This includes firefighters from Riverdale and other stations. The dispute is over positions on the fireground and concerns about possible freelancing. STATter 911 hopes to have more details after we make further attempts to contact all of the parties involved.

There are already serious issues between PGFD and Riverdale. County investigators have mounted criminal and internal probes into an incident at Station 7 last month, where a 17-year-old boy was set on fire by two volunteers.

As for Engle’s complaints and Brady’s response, below is the article by reporter Steven Overly from diamondbackonline.com:

A difference in the definition of “rescue” left a squad of firefighters feeling slighted and generated conflicting statements about whether students were actually rescued from a burning Hartwick Tower apartment early Friday morning.

Firefighters in Riverdale said the response to the fire was also a bit hectic because the first fire department on the scene told others to standby because there was no visible fire. That agency was in front of the building, however, out of eyesight of the flames that burst through a window in the rear.

Photo from St. Mary’s Today.

Career medics in St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s Today has details on a paid medic scheduled to be hired in St. Mary’s County. Ken Rossignol sees it as the first of many.

Watch 9NEW NOW’s Cindy Pena’s report

Lots of ladders in the photo above shot by Mike Frantel. More pictures can be seen on diamondbackonline.com, along with the college paper’s coverage of the overnight fire at Hartwick Towers. Reports that alarm bells didn’t work complicated the evacuation during the fire.

Here is an excerpt from The Diamondback’s coverage:

A fire ripped through a third floor apartment in Hartwick Towers downtown early Friday morning, leaving several evacuated residents displaced for the night.

Residents of the six-story condominium complex, which is not equipped with sprinklers, described a chaotic scene after the fire broke out. No fire alarms sounded, residents said, and they banged on doors to urge neighbors to evacuate. Brady said that when firefighters arrived, a “hectic evacuation” was underway.

Firefighter injured in Australian explosion

A firefighter suffered respiratory burns after an explosion during a fire in a factory in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Watch video of the fire, here. Click the photo above to see a slide show or click here for details on the fire.

NH fire department to remain “top heavy”

“Top heavy” is the description of the town manager in Hampton, NH. But selectmen voted to back the chief and keep 2 deputy chief positions in the budget.

Woman thanks firefighter who rescued her from burning apartment

Eversole endowment

Details on the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation’s newly created Chief John M. Eversole Endowment for Hazardous Materials Responders can be found here. Chief Eversole (pictured above), of the Chicago Fire Department, was the chair of the IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee and much more. He died in May of this year.

Please read the note in our comments section for a personal view of Chief Eversole and his ties to the College Park VFD.

Video above is of a fire in a multiple space carport. It is from Phoenix, but no date is attached.