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Working Incidents and Announcements |
| Trees On Cars, 2000 Block K Street N.W. |
July 31 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
Several people were lucky to escape serious injury when a large tree came crashing down on their vehicles in the 2000 block of K Street N.W.
Truck 2 was initially dispatched for a tree down call at around 3 PM on Thursday, July 31st. The call was quickly upgraded to a rescue assignment when more calls were received reporting possible people trapped.
Units arrived to find two vehicles underneath a shroud of branches, but all occupants had self evacuated. The motorists were evaluated for injuries, but none were transported
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| 5 People Transported From S.E. MVC |
July 30 , 2008
by Alan Etter DCFD PIO
Fire & EMS units responded at 1:20 PM for the report of an overturned vehicle with people trapped on I-395 at 6th Street, Southeast.
First arriving units found a Metro Access van with a driver and four passengers on its side in the middle of the roadway East bound 395 just before the I-295 interchange. Three people were already outside the vehicle, but two other people were trapped inside and required full extrication.
Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle with the use of struts and blocks and cut off half the roof in order to safely remove two immobilized patients. A particular challenge was that this van transported special needs passengers, and all had some sort of physical impairment. In all, five people, including the driver, were treated on the scene for potentially serious injuries and transported to various hospitals.
None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening, and MPD was investigating the cause of the accident.
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| Lt. Jeff Wright Retirement Party |
July 13, 2008 Photos By John Mullen DCFD.COM
View Original Story and More Pictures Here.
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| Basement Fire Damages S.E. Home |
July 29 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
A raging basement fire severely damaged a dwelling in southeast D.C. on Tuesday, July 29th.
A box alarm was dispatched around 3:20 to 3443 24th Street SE. Numerous calls were received reporting smoke from both the basement and second floor.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire from a two story, semi-detached dwelling, and the working fire dispatch was sounded.
Units mounted an aggressive interior attack to bring the blaze under control. The home was occupied, but there were no reported injuries
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| Brentwood Yard Lightning Strike |
July 27 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
An afternoon lightning strike on an Amtrak repair building in the Brentwood rail yards brought a box alarm to the scene on Sunday, July 27th.
Firefighters arrived on the scene in the 900 block of T Street N.E. to find light smoke coming from a large train repair building. Further investigation revealed that lightning hitting the structure had shattered an insulator on a 12,000 volt line, causing a small fire.
Amtrak personnel used fire extinguishers to quell the flames. Units on the box alarm checked for further extension and found none.
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| Transformer Fire At The Benning Road Power Plant |
July 24 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
D.C. firefighters used a foam attack to battle a blazing transformer at the Benning road power plant Thursday night, July 24th.
Flames were leaping from a large ground based transformer when a hazmat box alarm arrived on the scene at 3700 Benning Road N.E. Once it was determined that power to the area was secure, a foam line was brought into play, creating a blanket that eventually smothered the fire.
There were no injuries.
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| Several Water Rescues Made |
July 23 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
A raging thunderstorm dropping torrents of water on the city led to several rescue calls Wednesday evening, July 23rd.
As the storm lashed the District, calls were received for cars trapped in high water at several locations, including I-295, the 500 block of Rhode Island Avenue N.E., and Mount Olivet Road at West Virginia avenue N.E.
At the Mount Olivet incident, several cars were caught both on the roadway and in a church parking lot. Firefighters from Rescue Squad 1 searched the vehicles and the adjacent church, which has several feet of water in the basement.
All occupants either self evacuated or were safely removed without injury.
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| Retired Firefighter Billy Rimm Graduates From Horry County South Carolina Fire Academy |
July 26 , 2008
by Andrew Rimm
Billy started rookie school March 17,2008 and graduated on July 19, 2008.
He was appointed squad leader of his class. After graduation he was stationed at Socastee Station number one, which houses a medic one, rescue squad one and engine one.
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5th Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show |
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| Engine Co. No. 27, #4 platoon, L to R, Lt. Kemp, FF Wolf, FF Stewart, Paramedic Stapleton, FF Moose |
July 21 , 2008
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| Deputy Fire Chief Mark Bloom Retires |
July 21, 2008 Photos By Elliot J. Goodman, Stefan Ventura
We once again find ourselves adding another name to the long list of recently retired “legends” of the department.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Bloom retired on a very hot & busy Friday, July 18, after 30 years and 10 months of service to the District of Columbia Fire Department. A sumptuous dinner, prepared by Terry McAllister and his merry band of kitchen assistants, celebrating his remarkable career, was held at the quarters of Engine Co. 2 and Rescue Squad 1. This, after all involved, first attended a Third Alarm fire on Longfellow Street, N.W.
The gathering was well attended by both active and retired members alike, who worked with Chief Bloom throughout his career with the D.C.F.D., and even going back to his days with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. After Captain Ed Smith presented the chief with a bounty of handsome gifts from the members of E-2 & R.S.-1, and the poignant speeches from the senior staff were made, the “stories” began in earnest, starting with B.F.C. Mike Reilley, and continuing well into the evening….and concluding at the Green Turtle across the street.
The officers and members of the department, along with the staff of DCFD.com, wish Chief Bloom and his wife Janis heartfelt congratulations and wish you both a happy and healthy retirement.
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July 21, 2008 By Lt. Kevin Stuart
Saturday July 19 2008 marked the beginning of Deputy Fire Chief Talberts new assignment: Retired Deputy Fire Chief, DCFD
Chief Talbert was appointed to the department in October of 1977. He was assigned to Engine Company 19.
Over the course of his career he has been involved in the many facets of the DC Fire Department in addition to the operations division making the job a little bit better and safer than when he started.
A dinner honoring Jims 30 plus years was held at the quarters of Engine 2, Rescue Squad and was attended by several members of the department wishing Chief Talbert much success in his retirement. Also in attendance was Jim’s wonderful family his wife Joan, sons Daniel and Brian.
Chief Talbert-thank you for your time, dedication, friendship and service. To the Talbert family, thank you for “sharing” Jim with us.
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July 21 , 2008
Alan Etter DCFD PIO
At 7:31 AM, Fire & EMS responded for the report of a badly injured construction worker at 1999 K Street, Northwest.
First responders encountered a man who had fallen a distance of about 15 feet and had suffered a severe compound fracture to his right ankle. He was conscious and alert, but it was clear a high angle rescue assignment would be necessary to remove the man from the site. The victim had fallen on top of the building under construction, so firefighters first had to get to him, immobilize him in a stokes basket and then, utilizing a heavy duty construction crane that was already on site, lower the man to the street level for transport.
Firefighter Chris Smith of Rescue Squad 1 accompanied the man down the nearly 100 feet to the street. As the 49-year-old patient was being lowered, he pumped his fist into the air several times, indicating to his coworkers that he was alright.
Once on the ground, medics took over treatment and transported quickly to GW Hospital. The cause of the man's fall was under investigation.
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| Jumper At George Washington University Hospital |
July 19 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
A drama that played out on a 3rd floor ledge at George Washington University Hospital ended tragically when a man fell to his death on Saturday, July 19th.
Medic 1 was at the hospital’s emergency room when they were alerted to a patient who had broken a fifth floor window in his room and leapt to a third floor level setback area. Medic 1 personnel could see him on the ledge and immediately radioed for assistance.
A high angle rescue assignment arrived to find the individual pacing the ledge, and occasionally acting as if he would jump. Firefighters positioned themselves on both the third floor and rooftop.
The standoff continued for several hours, during which the Metropolitan Police Emergency Response Team arrived and took control of the situation.
As the police began deploying their inflatable airbag, the man climbed down and hung by both hands from the ledge, eventually losing his grip and just missing the airbag as he plunged to the ground.
D.C. Fire and EMS personnel staged nearby immediately raced to his side and began ALS efforts. The victim was rushed into the ER at the hospital, where efforts to save him were unsuccessful
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| Jet Ski Overturns In Potomac River Dumping Rider |
July 19 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
What appeared to be a person in distress on the Potomac River turned out to be something less on Saturday, July 19th.
A water rescue assignment was dispatched for a report of an overturned boat with people in the water. There were conflicting reports on the possible location.
Rescue Squad 1 arrived at East Potomac Park and quickly spotted a head bobbing in the water. They prepared to deploy their rescue boat and redirected the fireboat to the location. The U.S. Park Police helicopter Eagle also flew to the scene, hovering overhead.
The fireboat arrived to find that the “victim” was a jet ski passenger who had the ski drop him off for a dip. He waved off the emergency resources and the jet ski returned to the scene. Metropolitan Police Harbor units than took control of the situation.
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| Mayday Called In N.W. House Fire On Longfellow St. |
July 17 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo, Pictures by Vito Maggiolo, Alan Etter DCFD PIO and Elliot J. Goodman
A raging three alarm blaze on a blistering hot day engulfed four homes and damaged three others in Northwest on Friday, July 18th.
Box alarm units arrived at the mid afternoon blaze at 221 Longfellow Street N.W. to find a two story row house engulfed in flames and fire already spreading to exposures B and D. The second alarm was requested almost immediately.
The radiant heat was so intense that dwellings across the alleyway were also damaged by the fire. Additionally, the dreaded “Mayday” was sounded when a firefighter from Truck 11 fell through the fire weakened roof of one of the exposures. Fortunately, he was immediately located and removed with non life threatening injuries.
The intense heat from both the blaze and the weather took its toll on firefighting personnel, and a third alarm was sounded to provide additional manpower. It took an aggressive attack to finally cut the fire off and prevent further spread.
In addition to the injured firefighter from Truck 11, several other members were transported to the hospital with heat related symptoms.
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| Vito Maggiolo Named Honorary Fire Chief |
July 16 , 2008
Alan Etter DCFD PIO
Fire Chief Dennis Rubin presents Vito Maggiolo with an "Honorary Chief" designation for his years of great work with the DC Fire & EMS Department and with the Friendship Fire Association.
Vito Maggiolo, an assignment manager for CNN, has been a staple on DC firegrounds for more than 20 years, chronicling the actives of the DCFD through photographs and videos.
He is also a member of the DCFD.COM staff and contributes an enormous amount of material that helps make this a great website.
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| Confined Space Rescue In South West |
July 15 , 2008
Alan Etter DCFD PIO
At 3:29 PM on 7/14, Truck 10 and Ambulance 10 were dispatched for an injury at the construction site, 375 E St., SW. When personnel arrived, they realized that a 25-year-old man had been injured at the bottom of an open construction area and that a confined space rescue assignment would be required to remove the patient.
The man who had fallen about 15 feet and suffered fractures to both arms, was stabilized in a stokes basket and hoisted to the street level through the use of a crane. He was transported for treatment of what were called non-life-threatening injuries.
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DCFD Local 36 Burn Center Golf Tournament |
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The Glenn Griffin Jr. Burn Tournament |
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| Hazmat Incident At The Capitol Reflecting Pool |
July 12 , 2008
by Vito Maggiolo
D.C. Fire and EMS joined forces with a host of other agencies on Saturday, July 12th, to investigate the mysterious death of wildlife at the Capital reflecting pool.
The hazmat task force was called to the scene near 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue S.W. not long before midnight on Friday. A number of ducks had been found dead from an unexplained cause on the Capital grounds, and there were concerns that a biological of chemical release may have been involved.
Hazmat team members joined forces with the FBI’s Terrorism Task Force, suiting up to take readings in the affected area and collect specimens for further study.
All reading taken during the night were negative, and the dead birds were sent out for further analysis. The entire operation took about 6 hours.
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| Rescue Squad 1 #2 Platoon |
July 14 , 2008
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| Eugene Lyons Hangs It Up After 26 Years of Service |
July 12 , 2008
Pictures by Rescue Squad 1 and Engine 2
A retirement dinner was held at the quarters of Engine 2, Rescue Squad 1 and The Office of the Firefighting Deputy Saturday to honor the service of long time wagon driver Eugene Lyons. Eugene retired from Engine 2 as the Wagon Driver after 26 years of service to the District of Columbia Fire Department.
All members wish you a long and happy retirement Eugene. |
James R. “J.R.” Hayden
Wagon Master Emeritus
Engine Company 16 Retires |
July 9, 2008 Photos By Elliot J. Goodman, Story By Lt. James Seavey
The second legend in as many weeks has hung up his helmet and walked out the bi-fold doors of Engine Company 16 for the last time, serving his last shift on June 20th. Just two weeks ago it was Lieutenant Jeff Wright (a former Wagon Master as well). This week, it was the affable and sharp tongued Wagon Master of #1 Platoon.
James R. Hayden, known affectionately to some as “Otis” (he can explain where that name came from) began his career at Truck Company 4.
Following his probation, J.R. opted to move to the Battalion Headquarters and join up with the Midnight Express in 1978. He loved the action and even more so, loved the view from the bench in front of 1018 13th Street, NW. On March 1, 1987, J.R. put on his driving gloves for good and became the Wagon Master of #1 Platoon at the Midnight Express.
J.R.’s mechanical skills made him a natural for the Wagon Master position, as he could fix almost anything on the Ford Bruco or the Hahn, which kept them from going to the Shop! However, his mason skills also made for a love affair with the sofa in the Sitting Room. Otis worked so hard on his day’s off, that some days he would simply get in the door and collapse, only getting up to run 25 to 30 responses for the day!
J.R. has helped many a rookie that has come through the doors of his “Big House”. You see, if J.R. thought you were worth a lick, he would spend all of his time and talent turning you into a great young firefighter. There are many great firefighters on this job, who have J.R. to thank for their initial Probation training.
J.R. was a crucial member, representing Local 36 on the Apparatus Committee. He, along with fellow members of the Committee, brought our department from the bowls of despair to maintaining a world class fleet of apparatus that rivals any jurisdiction in the country!
Indy 500 Legend Jackie Stewart’s famous quote is quite appropriate in this case. He said, “From today I am no longer a racing driver, I’m retired and I am very happy!” Firefighter Hayden has joined the ranks of Jack Gerhart, Costello Robinson, The Gibson (Dirt) Brothers and many many others! He has established a record at Engine Company 16, with twenty-one years as a Wagon Master. This will prove to be a record that will not soon be in jeopardy.
We wish him well in retirement and hope that he and wife Debby have many great years ahead together!
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| Vehicle Overturned At 16th Street and K Street N.W. |
July, 2008
During the late evening, units were dispatched to 16th and K streets Northwest for the vehicle overturned with entrapment. Units arrived to find 2 vehicles involved with a ford explorer overturned and 1 patient still in the vehicle.
Tower 3 assisted Rescue Squad 1 with patient stabilization while Rescue Squad 1 removed the roof of the vehicle to access the patient. In all several patients were transported to local hospitals with injuries. |
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| Truck 6 #2 Platoon |
July 7 , 2008
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| "Blast From The Past" Do You Know These Men? |
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Left to right: Front row- Pat Kelly, Chris Bausch, Fred Morris
Middle row - Richard Gue, Jeff Sosebee
Back row- Paul Stottlemyer, James 'J.J.' Johnson, Doug Tetlow, Murdo McLeay, Bob Rouleau, John Thumann
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July 1, 2008
Answers to crew in photo above. Thanks to everybody who submitted names. |
| 2 Pinned in South East MVC |
July 5, 2008 By Elliot J. Goodman
2 PEOPLE WERE CRTICALLY INJURED WHEN A CAR CRASHED INTO THE FIRST FLOOR OF THIS HOUSE. ONE PERSON WAS PINNED INSIDE THE CAR AND 1 PERSON WAS PINNED UNDER THE CAR. A COLLAPSE ASSIGNMENT WAS GIVEN FOR THIS RESPONSE, CONSISTING OF RESCUE SQUADS 3 AND 1, ENGINE 25, TRUCK 8, ENGINE 15, HAZMAT 1, BFC3, BCOPS AND VARIOUS EMS UNITS AS WELL AS THE USPP EAGLE, AND AS ALWAYS, ALL DID A SPECTACULAR JOB.
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| N.E. House Fully Involved Upon Arrival |
July 3, 2008 By Alan Etter DCFD PIO
Units responded at 4:06 AM for the report of a house fire in the 4400 block of Grant Street, Northeast. Those first on the scene found a three or four-story structure fully involved with serious extension to the Delta Exposure, a one-and-a-half story vacant former senior center.
Units were ordered to an exterior operation. The fire was knocked down to smolder within an hour. There was some damage to the facade to Exposure D1. There were no injuries, and no one was displaced.
The cause is under investigation.
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| Heavy Rescue Crane In Action |
July 2 , 2008
Pictures by Elliot J. Goodman
DCFD HAS PUT IN SERVICE THIS NEW HEAVY RESCUE CRANE TO ASSIST SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND CAN ASSIST ON FIRES , ENTRAPMENTS AND WHENVER SPECIAL CALLED . THE SPECIAL UNIT IS SIMILAR TO THE ONES LAFD HAS USED FOR HANDLING MANY LIFE SAVING INCIDENTS. |
| Annual Emerald Society Crab Feast |
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| Official DCFD 2009 56th Inaugural Badge Order Form |
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