News Archive 2005

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Why You Shouldn't Run From the Police! - December 30, 2005 - Citizens of Rockville were reminded of why it is not a good idea to run from Rockville City Police, when a single car slammed into a parked car after being chased by the police. The two occupants became trapped in their vehicle and Rockville firefighters responded at 0029 hours to extricate them. Medic 39, Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 33, and Truck 3 all responded to find two patients, already handcuffed by police, trapped in their vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle by cribbing the rear and placing step chalks in the front. The passenger side door was removed first, allowing the first patient, who refused treatment, to get out of the vehicle and be placed in police custody. The second patient, who was a priority 2 head trauma, was being difficult, forcing Rescue Squad 3 to remove the roof of the vehicle, allowing crew to remove the patient. The driver was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center by Medic 39.
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Morning House Fire - December 23, 2005 - At 0757 hours, Engines 231 and 33, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and Ambulance 238 were dispatched to the 13000 block of Atlantic Avenue, box area 2305, for the house fire. Engine 231 arrived on the scene with fire showing from a second story bedroom. Engine 231 pulled an attack line to the second floor and began attacking the fire, while Aerial Tower 23 threw ladders and ventilated. Rescue Squad 3 conducted the primary search and controlled the utilities, Truck 3 threw additional ladders, and Engine 33 assisted Engine 231 on the second floor.
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Small Fire For Company 3 - December 21, 2005 - At 0951 hours Engine 33 was dispatched to Roxboro Road for smoke in the area. While enroute, the Public Safety Communications Center received additional calls reporting a house fire in the 700 block of Roxboro Road and filled box 0306, bringing Engines 231, 331, and 311, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, and Rescue Squad 3. Engine 33 arrived on the scene to find smoke coming from the attic. Engine 33 and Truck 3 quickly opened up the attic and extinguished the fire. Aerial Tower 23 laddered the roof and opened the roof up for ventilation.
Morning Basement Fire In Gaithersburg - December 20, 2005 - At 0631 hours, Engines 311
and 33, Truck 31, and Rescue Squad 3 were dispatched to the 700 block of West Side Drive for fire in the basement of the townhouse. Gaithersburg Engine 81 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from side "A" bringing Truck 3 on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch. Engine 311pulled a handline to the first floor and opened up the ceilings and walls to extinguish the extension. Truck 31 laddered side "C" of the townhouse and opened up the roof, while Rescue Squad 3 controlled the utilities, conducted a search, and opened up the third floor to stop the extension. Also on the incident were Chief 3-2 and Engine 331.
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Three Trapped On Shady Grove Road - December 18, 2005 - At 1759 hours Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Frederick Avenue. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene to find a two car t-bone collision with three trapped in the front of a vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and the proceeded to remove the door on the front passenger side. All three occupants were extricated and refused transport, denying injury.

Second 3rd Alarm Fire of the Week Causes $2.5 Million in Damage - December 18, 2005 - At 0325 hours, Engine 311 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 20200 block of Halethorpe Lane for the apartment fire, box area 29-21. Company 29 units arrived on the scene with heavy fire on the first floor, with extension to the second and third floors. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and second alarm were added at 0333 hours, bringing Truck 31, Engine 31, Truck 3, and Aerial Tower 23. Engine 311 advanced a 300' 1 3/4" attack line to the third floor to cut off the fire, while Truck 31 became part of the Rapid Intervention Group. Truck 3 also reported to the third floor, conducted the primary search, opened up the apartments on Exposure "D," and assisted in keeping the fire in check. Truck 3 was then reassigned to the roof to perform a trench cut. Aerial Tower 23 arrived on scene as the building was being evacuated and immediately set up its platform for defensive operations, knocking the bulk of the fire. The third alarm, sounded at 0352 hours brought Engines 231 and 331. Engine 231 reported to the second floor to assist with fire attack, while Engine 331 assisted with fire attack on the first floor.

It took about 30-45 minutes to knock down the bulk of the fire. The entire building, with three separate addresses was evacuated. All families were displaced. Damage was estimated to be at least a $2.5 million dollar loss, including $2 million dollars damage to the structure and $500,000 dollars to the contents. The fire was believed to be intentionally set after a domestic dispute.

Images Courtesy NBC4.com
3rd Alarm Fire Displaces 40 in Gaithersburg - December 15, 2005 - A three alarm fire displaced 40 people and caused $1.1 million in damage to a Gaithersburg Apartment building. At 0237 hours Engine 311 and Aerial Tower 31were dispatched along with other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units to the 800 block of Gallop Hill Road for the apartment fire, box area 0816. Battalion Chief 5 arrived on the scene with fire on all three floors of a three story apartment building. The second alarm was added, bringing Engine 31, Engine 231, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, and Medic 319. Engine 311 advanced a 200' 2" handline to the third floor and extinguished the fire in the apartments and attic area, while Aerial Tower 31 threw ladders to side "C" and then forced entry to the third floor apartments, conducted a primary search, and opened up the ceiling and walls. Engine 31 and Truck 3 reported to the second floor and extinguished hotspots and overhauled the apartments. Engine 331 also responded on the incident.
Images courtesy of NBC4.com
Storage Barn Fire - December 11, 2005 - At 0920 hours, Engine 331 and Tanker 31 were dispatched for the barn fire in box area 1019. Cabin John Park Engine 301 arrived on scene with a 20' by 40' storage barn well involved. Engine 331 supplied Engine 301 and assisted in fire attack.
Kitchen Fire At Dave & Buster's Restaurant - December 7, 2005 - At 0147 hours Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23, and Ambulance 238 were dispatched for fire in the kitchen of the Dave & Buster's Restaurant at White Flint Mall. Aerial Tower 23 arrived on the scene with smoke coming from the roof of the three story shopping mall. Company 23 forced entry into the restaurant and and found fire in the laundry room. Additional units from Rockville were Medic 239, Engine 31, Chief 3-1, and Chief 3-2.
One Pinned In Twinbrook - December 4, 2005 - At 0237 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the intersection of Clagett Drive and Crawford Drive for the personal injury collision with one pinned. Company 3 units arrived on the scene to find a two vehicle collision with one patient in the back seat of a two door car. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle, covered the patient, and removed the car's glass. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the passenger side door and performed a third door conversion to access the rear seat. Medic 39 packaged and removed the patient, transporting him to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center as a priority 2 head and abdominal trauma.
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Mittens for Santa - December 3, 2005 - Rockville Volunteers took Santa Claus on Engine 31 to the North Potomac Women's Group's annual "Mittens for Santa" party. Each December, this group collects hats and gloves for Santa to take to the needy. This year, approximately fifty children lined up on a cold day to have a chance to visit with Santa. The Rockville Volunteers also took this opportunity to distribute fire safety brochures to the parents. Ambulance 38 was on the scene and the families were invited to inspect both the engine and the ambulance. A good time was had by all!!

Click on image for larger view. Pictures by Peggy Miller
Four Alarm Fire Kills One, Causes Firefighter Mayday - December 2, 2005 - At 1859 hours, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 3200 block of S. Leisure World Boulevard for the apartment fire. Company 25 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from a two story garden apartment building with multiple people trapped. Units were able to rescue six occupants from their windows using ground ladders. After company 25 entered the building conditions deteriorated rapidly and a Mayday was sounded by one of the firefighters who had become trapped in the building. Between having a trapped firefighter and the fact that this was a retirement community the EMS Task Force was added to the incident along with the second alarm. The firefighter was rescued and was flown by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8 to Medstar Trauma Center in Washington, D.C. with burns to his body. As the fire continued to burn through the building and began catching the two adjoining buildings on fire the third and fourth alarms were added. One victim, an 81 year old male, was found on the first floor during the search of the heavily damaged area.
Images courtesy of NBC 4 and Tim Smittenaar

The fire at the 9,000-resident Leisure World complex in the Aspen Hill area spread to the roof and to the two adjacent roofs. It took about 90 minutes to bring the fire under control. The need to focus on rescues slowed efforts to fight the fire. About 150 firefighters responded to the fire that killed one and caused $1.6 million dollars in damage. The fire was believed to be started when a plastic coffee pot was left on the stove top and the wrong burner was turned on. The huge Leisure World development with its landmark globe is on the east side of Georgia Avenue, about five miles north of the Capital Beltway. It includes garden-style units and high-rise buildings.

Rockville Units In Red
First Alarm - Engine 251, Quint 40, Engines 211 and 181, Truck 25, Aerial Tower 18, Rescue Squad 29 Ambulance 258, Battalion Chiefs 4 and 3, Chief 4, Chief 5, and Rescue Chief 2-4
Safety Dispatch - Engine 41, Engine 31, and Engine 401, and Medic 259
EMS Task Force - Ambulance 408, Medic 49, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3 Trooper 8, and Rescue Chief 2
Task Force - Engine Tanker 17, Engine 281 Aerial Tower 23, and Air 16
2nd Alarm - Engines 231, 51, 241, and 191, Truck 15 and Truck 3, Chief 3-3, and Chief 4-3
3rd Alarm - Engines 541, 161, 71, and 261, Aerial Tower 19 and 26, and Rescue Squad 15
4th Alarm - Engines 331, 111, Prince Georges 412, and 11, Aerial Tower 51, and Truck 2

Vehicle Strikes Pedestrian, Then Building - November 29, 2005 - At 1343 hours Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to 50 West Edmonston Drive for a personal injury collision with a pedestrian struck. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle into an office building after striking a pedestrian and injuring another bystander. The pedestrian was thrown 15 feet into the building and was found on her stomach, semi-conscious, with large amounts of blood pooling. The patient, who was also pregnant, was transported as a priority 1 trauma to Medstar Trauma Center in Washington, D.C. The bystander suffered minor injuries after diving out of the way of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of a controlled substance and charged with six felony counts.

Click on image for larger view. Images by Eric Bernard.
Mutual Aid To West Virginia for the Wildland Fire - November 27, 2005 - At approximately 0200 hours, a fire was reported in the remote section of a state park in Jefferson County, West Virginia.  Local units responded and by morning light, a 100 acre wildland fire was burning.  As the morning progressed, it was apparent that the local resources were overwhelmed and a call went out to neighboring Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions for firefighters and brush trucks.  Montgomery County responded by sending Brush 335 and Chief 3-1 from Rockville, Brush 135 and Utility 13 from Damascus, and Brush 405, their ATV, and Chief 4 from Sandy Spring.  After arriving on the scene, units were initially dispatched to a staging area at the base of the mountain.  Montgomery County personnel were then assigned to assist with mop-up where they encountered many hot spots, which they dry mopped with shovels and brush rakes.  The brush trucks were used to supply water for firefighters carrying water bags.  Around 1600 hours, a steady rain started falling and all crews were ordered off the mountain.  Montgomery County units departed Jefferson County at 1800 hours to return home.   The cause of the fire has not been determined.

President Recognized for Diversity - November 24, 2005 - Rockville, Maryland. November 2, 2005 - President Eric N. Bernard of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was recognized with the Montgomery County Diversity award at a ceremony attended by hundreds of County leaders today.  The award recognizes Bernard’s commitment in promoting diversity within the volunteer fire and rescue community in Montgomery County.  As President of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Bernard is responsible for over 240 volunteer men and women as well as 4 stations, 28 pieces of apparatus and budgets exceeding $10 million annually. The award “For exemplary Leadership and Unwavering Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Equality in the Workplace” was presented by the EEO and Diversity Management Team Office of Human Resources.  This is the first time the County has recognized a volunteer for their commitment and work.

The award was presented by Angela Washington, Esq. Director of EEO and Diversity for Montgomery County as well as CAO Bruce Romer, Chief Tom Carr and the County Council.  President Bernard received a standing ovation and addressed the audience thanking the men and women who dedicate thousands of hours each year to their community.  “It is because of the volunteer’s excellence and commitment that I stand before you today. Their dedication and devotion to service is second to none is this Country and I am proud to accept this on behalf of all fire and rescue professionals in this County” Bernard said.

President Bernard has been a volunteer firefighter/EMT since the age of 16 starting in his home town of Pittsburgh, Pa.  He has been a member of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department for over 18 years and continues to service as the President and Chairman of the Board, a position he has held for 6 years.  He holds several professional degrees including a Master’s Degree in Forensics from the George Washington University.  He holds faculty positions at the George Washington University, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine and the Prince George’s Community College.  

Since February, he has served as the first Executive Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.  The Association represents over 1,500 professional fire and rescue volunteers in the County.  His work maintains and expands their participation and protection and is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States.

Mr. Bernard lives in Rockville with his wife Diane and two sons Jacob and Max.
One Pinned Under Vehicle On Interstate 370 - November 24, 2005 - At 0534 hours Rescue Squad 3, Medic 39 and other MCFRS units responded to westbound Interstate 370 between Shady Grove Road and Route 355 for the personal injury collision with report of one pinned. Gaithersburg Ambulance 289 arrived on scene at the corrected location of eastbound Interstate 370 at Route 355 to find a single car rolled over with the driver's left leg pinned under the "A" post and door of his car. Rescue Squad 3, using the hydraulic spreaders and cribbing, quickly lifted the car off the patient's left leg, freeing him from underneath the vehicle. The patient, a priority one trauma, was transported by Medic 39 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center. Chief 3-2 was also on the incident.
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Another Townhouse Fire In Gaithersburg - November 23, 2005 - Rockville firefighters ran another townhouse fire in Gaithersburg late tonight. At 2334 hours, Engine 31, Truck 3 and other MCFRS units were dispatched to the 18640 block of Grosbeck Terrace, box area 0808, for the townhouse fire. Gaithersburg Engine 81 arrived on scene to find a two story townhouse with nothing evident from side "A." Upon entering the structure Engine 81 and Aerial Tower 8 found heavy smoke banking down the stairwell to the first floor. The safety dispatch, Engine 311 and Truck 31, was added for the working fire on the second floor. Crews found fire on the second floor, originating from the master bedroom. Engine 31 was assigned to exposure "D", Truck 3 was assigned to exposure "B", and both Engine 311 and Truck 31 were assigned to the RIT.
Morning Townhouse Fire - November 22, 2005 - At 0737 hours, Engine 33, Engine 311, Truck 3, and other MCFRS personnel were dispatched to Capricorn Court, box area 2815, for fire in the basement of the townhouse. Gaithersburg Company 28 arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke showing from both floors of a two story end of the row townhouse. The safety dispatch was added at 0745, bringing Rescue Squad 3 and Medic 39. Engine 281 pulled a handline into the structure and located the fire in the basement. Engine 33 arrived third due and stretched a handline to the first floor, and then to the second floor, extinguishing the extension in the walls and pipe chase. Truck 3 ventilated the structure, laddered side "C," and opened up the walls and ceiling on Division 1 and 2. Engine 311 arrived fourth due and was assigned to assist on opening up Division 2.
Katrina Recognition Ceremony - November 20, 2005 - Rockville personnel were recognized this Sunday for their contributions to the Montgomery County Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Congressmen Chris Van Hollen and County Executive Doug Duncan were on hand to recognize the MCFRS personnel who deployed to New Orleans to assist the New Orleans Fire Department and those who deployed to Mississippi as part of the Urban Search and Rescue Team. Ray Whalen was given special recognition for arranging the donation of air travel to fly all MCFRS personnel deployed to New Orleans home.
Overturned Pickup With Two Trapped - November 19, 2005 - At 1851 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to the intersection of E. Gude Drive and Taft Court for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene to the corrected location of E. Gude Drive between Taft Court and Route 28 to find a three vehicle collision with a pickup truck on its side with two trapped. Truck 3, Ambulance 238, and Kensington Ambulance 219 were added to the call to assist. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the truck with struts and a come-along, using Truck 3 as its anchor for the tie-back. The patients, both BLS, were quickly extricated.
Click Image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenney
Heavy Fire For Company 31 - November 19, 2005 - Rockville firefighters were kept busy today with a working fire in Company 31's area. At 1629 hours, Engine 311, Engine 33, Truck 31, Medic 319, and other MCFRS units responded to Melmark Court, box area 31-32, for the house on fire. Company 31 arrived on the scene with heavy fire in an attached garage on sides "A" and "B", extending rapidly through the attic, and eventually out the gable on side "D." The safety and task force assignments were added, bringing Engine 331, Truck 3, Hose Tender 3, and Ambulance 38. Engine 311 made an aggressive knock on the fire in the garage and attic, while Engine 33 pulled a backup line to division 2 to assist and Truck 31 opened hooked to up the house. Total damage to the structure was approximately $275,000. Chief 3-1 and Chief 3-3 were also on the scene.
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One Pinned, Two Trapped, and A High-Angle Rescue In Two Hours. - November 18, 2005 - At 1302 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 231, Ambulance 238, and Kensington Ambulance 219 responded to the intersection of E. Gude Drive and Taft Court for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find a two vehicle collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's sidewall.
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At 1350 hours, Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Ambulance 25, Truck 3, and Rescue Squad 3 responded to the 700 block of Hungerford Drive for the high-angle rescue. Units found a male patient with a broken ankle on the roof of a strip shopping mall. Truck 3 used its aerial to provide access to the patient and a 28' extension ladder for the rescue. The patient was placed in a stoke's basket and lowered to Wheaton Ambulance 25 using the rope system that Rescue Squad 3 built.
At 1550 hours, Ambulance 38, Gaithersburg Ambulances 88 and 289, Gaithersburg Medic 89, Wheaton Medic 21, Rescue Squad 3, Gaithersburg Engine 281, and Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8 responded to the intersection of Crabbs Branch Way and Redland Road for the personal injury collision with people trapped. Ambulance 38 arrived on the scene to find a three car collision with one pinned and one trapped. Upon evaluation of the patients it was determined that there were two priority 1 patients and one priority 2 patient. With a six man crew, Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and began extrication of the patients. Rescue Squad 3 removed both sidewalls and the roof, and then rolled the dash in less then 15 minutes. The two priority 1 patients were transported by Trooper 8 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, while the priority 2 patient was transported to Medstar Trauma in Washington, D.C. by Medic 21.
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One On Its Side, With One Trapped - November 10, 2005 - At 1843 hours Medic 319, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 311, and Chief 3-2 responded to the intersection of Great Senecca Highway and Medical Center Drive for the report of one on it's side with one trapped. Chief 3-2 arrived on the scene to confirm one on it's side with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene and stabilized the vehicle. They then did a roof conversion and freed the trapped patient from the driver's seat. Medic 39 and 319 were transported to Suburban Trauma Center as priority 2 traumas.
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Aerial Tower 23 Assists Extrication In Bethesda - November 09, 2005 - At 1331 hours on Aerial Tower 23 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Units responded for a personal injury collision at Rockville Pike and Pooks Hill Road with a report of one trapped.  Bethesda Naval Hospital Engine 501 arrived on scene to fine one pinned with two priority 2 and one priority 3 patients.  Rescue Squad 18 with the assistance of Aerial Tower 23 proceeded to extricated the patient that was pinned while Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Medic 21 and Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance 59 attended to the two priority 2 patients in the other vehicle.   Medic 21 and Ambulance 59, upgraded by EMS 1, transported patients to local hospitals.
Rockville Pike and Pooks Hill Road
One Trapped Ruled Homicide After Shooting - November 06, 2005 - At 0210 hours, Ambulance 238, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 were dispatched to the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Twinbrook Parkway for the personal injury collision. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene to find a single car into a pole with an unresponsive male trapped. Rescue Squad 3 began extrication and popped the drivers door, while Engine 231 requested a medic unit. Upon further assessment, it was determined that the injuries to the driver were sustained from a single gunshot wound and not the collision. The driver was pronounced dead and the scene was handed over to Police. It is believed that the drivers death is a result of road rage.
Two Trapped Ends Busy Day - November 05, 2005 - At 2245 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31 and Chief 3-2 were dispatched for a personal injury collision at the intersection of Wootton Parkway and Tower Oaks Boulevard with reports of possible patients trapped.  Units arrived on scene of a two vehicle collision with four patients of which two were trapped.  The two trapped individuals were quickly assessed as one priority 1 and one priority 2 multi-system trauma patients.  Chief 3-2 established command and requested Maryland State Police Trooper 8 and two additional medic units .  Rescue Squad 3 and Engine 31 expeditiously began extrication, while Ambulance 38 and Medic 39 initiated patient care.  Trooper 2 landed on the scene on Wootton Parkway east of Tower Oaks Boulevard and transported the Priority 1 multi-system trauma. The two priority two patients were transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center by Medic 239 and Medic 319, while Ambulance 38 provided EMS care and transport the one priority 3 patient.  Rockville City Police detained a fifth individual allegedly involved in the collision.  Chief 101, Battalion Chief 3, and EMS 2 were also on the scene.
Click on image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenney.
Truck Fire Closes Interstate 270 - October 28, 2005 - At 0130 hours, Engine 31, 331, Truck 3 and Ambulance 38 responded to Southbound Interstate 270 between Route 28 and Montrose Road for the truck on fire. Units arrived to find a tractor-trailer truck that had hit the barrier wall, dislodged one of its saddle tanks, and was fully involved. Although Company 3 and 33 were able to quickly extinguished the tractor of the truck, Interstate 270 remained shutdown into the morning. No one was hurt in the accident and units cleared shortly after.
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Second High Rise Fire of the Weekend - October 23, 2005 - Engine 31 and Truck 3 were dispatched at 2232 hours for the Alarm Bells at the Americana Center at 118 Monroe Street. Company 3 arrived on the scene with nothing evident, but were met by multiple residents who reported smoke on the fourth and fifth floors and a report of smoke coming from apartment 406. Truck 3 laddered the fourth floor and Engine 31 connected to the standpipe connections. Company 3 arrived on the fourth floor and were met with thick smoke in the hallway. After Engine 31 hooked up the standpipe and advanced the line to apartment 406, Truck 3 forced entry to the apartment to find a working fire. Engine 31 called for the box alarm to be filled.
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At 2242, High Rise Box 0302 was filled for the working fire on the fourth floor of a 15 floor apartment building. Engine 231, 331, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 38, Chiefs 3-1 and 3-3, and other Montgomery County units responded. Chief 101 arrived on scene and took command. Engine 31 and Truck 3 quickly controlled the fire with a well coordinated attack. Truck 3 performed a primary search, ventilated the apartment, and performed salvage and overhaul. Rescue Squad 3 controlled the utilities and assisted in overhaul.
Passing of Wheaton VRS Deputy Chief John Horvat - October 23, 2005- The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department is saddened by the passing of Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Deputy Chief John Horvat. Deputy Chief Horvat, a member of Rescue 2 since 1977, was often seen on calls in Rockville on the way to and from work, his home, and his station. Funeral arrangements and further information are available on Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad's web site....Click here>>>
High-Rise Fire In Kensington - October 22, 2005 - At 1632 hours Engine 231 and Aerial Tower 23 were dispatched on the Safety Assignment for High Rise Box 0502 for fire on the fourth floor of the Rebecca House, 10920 Connecticut Avenue. Kensington Engine 51 arrived on the scene and reported heavy smoke on the fourth floor of the seven story retirement apartment building. Engine 51 was able to locate that had originated in the kitchen of apartment 417 and put a quick knock on it. Aerial Tower 23 was assigned to Division 5 as the Ventilation Group Coordinator and assisted in the search of the apartments on that floor. Engine 231 was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team.
Early Morning Wreck Traps One - October 19, 2005 - At 0605 hours, Ambulance 38, Engine 31, Rescue Squad 3, and Chief 3-3 were dispatched to the 600 block of Veirs Mill Road for the personnel injury collision. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find one trapped after the T-bone collision at Veirs Mill Road and Rockville Pike in the "Mixing Bowl."
Rescue Squad 3 stabilized and de-energized the vehicle with the occupant trapped while Engine 31 pulled a handline. Rescue Squad 3's crew then removed both passenger side doors and the "B" post. After the sidewall was removed, Ambulance 38 transported the patient to Shady Grove Hospital.
RVFD Captain Attends Katrina Ceremony At White House - October 18, 2005 - Representatives from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, including RVFD Captain John Bosco, were invited to the White House for a recognition ceremony for those responders from around the country who went to the hurricane affected areas in the Gulf of Mexico area (New Orleans and Mississippi).
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One Overturned With Two Trapped - October 16, 2005 - At 1239 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Engine 33, Engine 231, BCCRS Rescue Squad 18, Ambulance 238, Chief 3-1, and Battalion Chief 3 responded to the intersection of Executive Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road for the personnel injury collision with one trapped. Company 23 arrived on the scene and reported a vehicle on its side with two occupants trapped. Rescue Engine 33 arrived on the scene and stabilized the vehicle by tie-back. After the vehicle was stabilized, the patients were removed from the vehicle. The patients were then transported to Suburban Hospital.
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Station 3 Runs 30 Wrecks in 48 hours - October 8, 2005 - With unusual amounts of rain, Station 3 units ran 30 wrecks in 48 hours. The wrecks had multiple traumas, trapped occupants, and close calls, where occupants escaped serious injury. On Southbound 270 between Shady Grove and Rt 28 Rescue Engine 33 extricated a single patient trapped in her vehicle on Friday night. Saturday was a day of traumas ranging from an overturned vehicle with a priority 2 trauma on Northbound 270 between Shady Grove Road and Interstate 370 to a collision at Muddy Branch Road and W. Deer Park Road where a single car wrapped around a pole. On a lighter note, Station 3 units ran another collision on Interstate 270 in which bootlegged pornography was thrown from one of the vehicles and littered the highway, giving a new meaning to a rear-end collision.
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Tower Crane Training - October 2, 2005 - Station 3 personnel got a view of a life time while training with a neighboring construction site's 200 foot tower crane.  Joe Byington, aka "Crazy Indian Joe", the crane engineer, was on site providing RVFD instruction and education on tower crane operations and awareness. Joe has 20+ years of experience as an operator and graduated from the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario, Canada.  Joe also has a five-year construction management degree that was sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.  Joe's is a descendent of the Cherokee Indian tribe.  During the training personnel learned "things to look for" before climbing the tower crane for a rescue.  He reviewed how to shut down power, looking for loose bolts, inspecting for cracks in the crane's frame, and understanding mechanical gears on the crane's platform.  The training session lasted for 2 hours and was hailed as a "life time experience" by the many that attended. 
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One Pinned During Rockville "Safety In The Square." - September 24, 2005 - At 1408 hours, during the Rockville "Safety In The Square," Engine 31,Rescue Engine 33, Medic 39, and Ambulance 38 were dispatched to the intersection of Crabbs Branch Way and Gude Drive for the personal injury collision with one pinned.  Company 3 units arrived on scene and confirmed a three car collision with one pinned. Engine 31 pulled their trashline as Rescue Engine 33 stabilized the vehicle. Rescue Engine 33 then quickly extricated the patient by performing a sidewall removal.
Rockville Firefighters Returning From New Orleans - September 18, 2005 - Nearly 100 firefighters including about a dozen police officers, as well as several other support staff who functioned in New Orleans, Louisiana as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) with the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans return this weekend on Sunday, September 18, 2005.

In addition to filling in for the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) by responding to fires and other emergencies, Montgomery County personnel in New Orleans assisted individual firefighters, police officers and their families by doing what they can at their homes that in most cases were destroyed by the storm and flood water. Seventy to eighty percent (70-80%) of all New Orleans public safety workers lost their homes and personnel items. In fact most public safety family members have relocated out of the New Orleans area.

(Left) Press conference thanking MCFRS and announcing donation of MCFRS apparatus to NOFD. (Right) Group picture after landing at Baltimore-Washington International Airport with Southwest Airlines flight crew. Southwest Airlines donated airfare for all MCFRS personnel to fly home. Click on picture for more images.
  • Two volunteer members of the MCFRS Task Force have adopted dogs. The dogs have been decontaminated, checked by a vet and have received all the appropriate shots and clearances for adoption. Voodoo, a medium sized Chow-Lab mix has been adopted by a Rockville firefighter.

  • On Friday, September 16, 2005 the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) conducted a news conference to officially open a previously closed fire station. Engine 33, Ladder 6, located in the Westbank area on General Meyers Road. While in New Orleans many Montgomery County firefighters were instrumental in the preparation of this opening which included cleaning, decontaminating and making various repairs (major and minor) at the fire station. This will be the first NOFD opened and fully operational since the storm struck New Orleans on August 28. NOTE: Many firefighters have also assisted at other locations throughout the city working on fire station facilities in preparation of someday reopening fro service.

  • Firefighters have assisted dozens of New Orleans firefighters and their families with cleaning and repairing of personal residences particularly in the Venetian Island area, not far from New Orleans. Many NOFD families reside in this area and MCFRS workers repaired over 25 homes.

  • Montgomery County personnel made many personal contacts (checking the welfare) during the course of the nearly two weeks in New Orleans, one of which occurred on Thursday, September 15, 2005. After receiving information from the Washington area to check on a person who has not been heard from since the storm, firefighters found an 80 year old New Orleans resident who had apparently secured himself in his home unwilling to leave. He had meager provisions, without communication or other utilities and his supplies were running low. After evaluating his medical condition, crews supplied him with essential comfort needs, ie. food and water and assisted him. However, he was still unwilling to leave. Relatives were contacted.

  • On Saturday, September 17, 2005, Montgomery County fire officials “turned over the keys” to Rockville's Reserve Truck 31, Germantown's Reserve Truck 29, and a Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation fuel truck, two of which are currently being used in New Orleans. All three vehicles are scheduled to be replaced are considered surplus

  • Maryland Task Force 1 members coordinated the donation of nearly 4 dozen computers, networking gear, printers, and software for the New Orleans Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The technology was donated by the VeriSign and CDW corporation.  The VeriSign corporation additionally donated over 8000 T-Shirts.  The hardware was recently delivered by one of the MCFRS logistical support and re-supply actions. Information technology (IT) support was provided directly by Montgomery County Maryland Task Force 1 personnel in New Orleans.

  • Technical communication personnel from MCFRS had developed a communication system and network which was initiated upon arrival that has since supported the entire city’s emergency communication and interoperability ability. This system allowed for seamless communication for New Orleans fire radios to talk with out of state first responders such as FDNY, Illinois, and MCFRS.
(Left) Computer equipment and tee-shirts donated to New Orleans. (Right) Voodoo, one of the two adopted dogs. Click on picture for more images.

To welcome Montgomery County's deployed personnel home, two receptions with family and friends took place at the Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) located at 9710 Great Seneca Highway, in Rockville, Maryland. Nearly 90 returnees arrived in two groups – one group of about 50 people arrived at around 3:30 p.m. and the other group of about 30 people arrived around 10:30 p.m.

Modified from the press released from September 16, 2005 by Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service
Busy Weekend For Antique Engine 34 - September 18, 2005 - This weekend was a busy weekend for Engine 34 . It attended the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Association Parade hosted by the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad on Saturday and then went to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC for the Second Annual District of Columbia Firefighters Burn Foundation Antique Fire Apparatus Show. Engine 34 was selected the Best Overall Show Winner and was presented the first ever award named after Firefighter Jackson H. Gerhart, a former DC fireman and IAFF Local 36 Secretary. Jackson retired from the DC Fire Department two years ago and lost his life in the line of duty volunteering on a fire call in his hometown of Chamberburg, Pennsylvania last year. Jackson was a mentor to many young men on the job and also was active in the antique fire apparatus circuit. It is quit an honor for Rockville to accept this award.
(Left) Life Member Jones and Mrs. Gerhart. Life Member Jones was honored to accept this award on behalf of RVFD. (Right) Engine 34 and Rescue Engine 33.
Rockville Firefighters Doing Humanitarian Work and More In New Orleans - September 14, 2005 - At least 75 firefighters, including other support staff continue to function in New Orleans, Louisiana as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) with the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. On Labor Day, September 5, 2005, Montgomery County sent nearly 70 firefighters with equipment and apparatus to assist the NOFD, along with firefighters from New York and Illinois. In addition, Montgomery County dispatched logistical support, including mechanics to maintain apparatus and police for security of personnel and equipment.

In addition to filling in for the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) by responding to fires and other emergencies, Montgomery County personnel in New Orleans are assisting individual firefighters, police officers and their families by doing what they can at their homes that in most cases were destroyed by the storm and flood water. Eighty percent (80%) of all New Orleans public safety workers lost their homes and personnel items. In fact most public safety family members have relocated out of the New Orleans area.

(Left) Flooded section of New Orleans. ( Right) Division Chief Bowers presents MCFRS contribution to NOFD as part of the “Shirts Off Our Backs” program. Click on picture for more images.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2005, Montgomery County Fire Chief Tom Carr met with New Orleans Superintendent (Fire Chief) Charles Parent at the New Orleans Emergency Operations Center and facilitated the delivery of over 30 computers and 8,000 tee shirts from some local tech businesses, offered to donate two (2) Montgomery County aerial ladder trucks (including Reserve Truck 31, which is being used in New Orleans and which is scheduled to be replaced), assigned an additional high level command officer from Montgomery to assist with oversight, operational, logistical support and development of an exit strategy, as well as coordinate other specific donations and contributions from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.

Previously, MCFRS Chief Carr coordinated the delivery of over 1,200 Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service work tee shirts donated by career and volunteer firefighters through the “Shirts Off Our Backs” program sponsored by the website www.firehouse.com. In addition, all thirty-three (33) Montgomery County fire and rescue stations have adopted the 33 NOFD fire stations, again through a program sponsored by www.firehouse.com and other major fire service organizations and manufacturers, and will be providing assistance in many forms to these fire stations and their personnel through this initiative.
(Left) House fire in the Garden District of New Orleans. (Right) MCFRS personnel work to clean up NOFD Engine 16's station in the Martin Luther King section of the city. Click on picture for more images.

Since arriving last week, Montgomery County career and volunteer firefighters have set up a base camp along with fire fighters from Illinois and New York on the campus of Our Lady of Holy Cross College and Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Facility, in Algiers on the New Orleans Westbank, housed along with public safety personnel from New Orleans.

Montgomery County personnel have helped to make repairs and clean-up dozens of local firefighters' homes. In addition, crews have worked to get dozens of NOFD fire stations back in order, most are still without utilities. Several days ago on September 11, 2005, NOFD Station #9 was ready for service. Montgomery County mechanics have made repairs to NOFD apparatus, as well as others in the area assisting. For the most part Montgomery County has supplied the resources to make our operation self sufficient thus not placing a strain on the already stressed New Orleans government and NOFD. It is hoped that we have improved the quality of life for those firefighters and police officers who tried to serve the New Orleans community during this historic weather disaster.

Modified from the press released from September 14, 2005 by Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service
Two Alarm Fire At The Maytag Store In Company 23's Area - September 13, 2005 - At 0747 hours, units were dispatched to the 5400 block of Randolph Road for the report of fire in the walls of the Maytag Store in Company 23's area. Engine 231 went on scene with heavy smoke showing and called for the second alarm. Engine 231 stretched a 1-3/4" handline into the store and began an interior attack, while personnel from Aerial Tower 23 and Rescue Engine 33 threw multiple ground ladders and went to the roof for vertical ventilation. Truck 3 was assigned RIT and Engine 31 assisted with the fire attack. While Aerial Tower 23 and Rescue Engine 33 were on the roof, it began to collapse, forcing the building to be evacuated and defensive operations to begin. The fire was controlled and extinguished, allowing overhaul operations to be conducted.
Units from Rockville included: Engines 231, and 31, Rescue Engine 33, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, and Medic 239.

Rockville Sends Firefighters and Equipment to New Orleans - September 5, 2005-Rockville volunteer and career firefighters, as part of over 60 additional fire and rescue personnel, as well as equipment and apparatus, are being sent to New Orleans, Louisiana to assist with the Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts. In response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request and following a phone call with the New Orleans Fire Chief, County Executive Doug Duncan authorized the increased support to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. This particular mission involves relieving and/or assisting firefighters in the City of New Orleans with firefighting operations.

Montgomery County already has more than 35 fire fighters and emergency rescuers from Maryland Task Force One (MDTF-1), its Urban Search and Rescue Team deployed in Mississippi and nearly 20 additional personnel involved with FEMA Incident Support Teams (IST) all of whom are assisting with the rescue and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast area. MDTF-1 is being demobilized and is expected to return home late on Tuesday, September 6, 2005

(Left) Arrival of Maryland Task Force 1 personnel at the Public Safety Training Academy at 0500 hours (Right) Engine 311 is one of four engines deployed

“The people of New Orleans need our help, and the people of Montgomery County are responding,” said Duncan. “The Gulf Coast region has been devastated and our community is coming together to assist in many ways.”

Within 24 hours of receiving the EMAC request from Louisiana via the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Montgomery County’s Homeland Security Department, under Executive Duncan’s direction, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Tom Carr and his command staff quickly put together a comprehensive plan and developed a team of career and volunteer fire and rescue personnel who departed for New Orleans on Monday morning, September 5 (Labor Day).

A caravan of 20 Montgomery County vehicles being escorted by County police pulled out of the Public safety Training Academy, in Rockville, Maryland this morning. The Montgomery County contingent was joined by about one dozen EMS units from across the State making up a EMS Strike team coordinated by the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). The MIEMSS EMS Strike team, comprised of about 45 personnel will report to West Jefferson Medical Center to support EMS response, in-patient ER care and body recovery. In all more 30 vehicles and over 100 persons from Maryland will be traveling to Louisiana as part of this effort.

(Left) Reserve Truck 31 is one of two ladder trucks deployed (Right) Maryland Task Force 1's convoy stopped on Interstate 81 in Virginia

The team over 60 firefighters will take more than a “Box Alarm” of personnel and equipment and fire and rescue apparatus, including Engine 311 as one of four (4) engines, Reserve Truck 31 as one of two (2) aerial ladder trucks, one (1) EMS unit, several command and communication units and other supplies to ensure self-sufficiency. Security, logistical support and maintenance (mechanics) for this effort will be provided by over a dozen support personnel from the County’s police and sheriff, as well as public works departments. Due to the possible nature of the environment in New Orleans, all personnel were medically screened and received the appropriate immunizations from the County’s health department before leaving.

The County’s second Urban Search and Rescue Team is on alert and awaiting word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be deployed, if needed

“Our fire fighters and rescuers are the some of the best in the nation, and that is exactly what this situation calls for,” said Chief Tom Carr. “As we keep the victims of Katrina in our thoughts and prayers, especially all of the public safety personnel who have in some way been affected, I would ask that the families of the rescuers also be comforted and lifted up at this difficult time.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is a combination system (career and volunteer) which located in suburban Washington, D.C. and is comprised of about 1,000 career personnel and an equal number of volunteers serving a population of about 1 million people. With a budget of over $160 million, the department operates out of 33 community fire and rescue stations and annually responds to over 100,000 incidents.

Modified from the press released from September 5, 2005 by Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service
Two Townhouses On Fire In Fallsgrove - September 5, 2005 - At 0058 hours, while Engine 31 was responding on a service call for spilled fuel in King Farm, ECC called them to reroute to the 300 block of Fallsgrove Drive for the townhouse fire in box area 0321. Engine 31 arrived on side "C" and reported heavy fire showing, while Rescue Squad 3 was pulling past on side "A" with heavy smoke from several townhomes. Truck 3 was clearing an alarm bells call in 23's area and was added to the call at 0100. At 0103, the safety dispatch was requested, then the task force at 0107 and finally the second alarm filled at 0112. Rescue Squad 3's crew made entry into side "A" of the fire building, completed a primary search of the second floor, completed horizontal ventilation and opened up for the engine company. Engine 31's crew then advanced a handline up a ladder to the deck on side "C" and knocked the fire in the attic area. Truck 3, arriving as the third due truck and made entry into exposure "D" to check for extension.