http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on agcvfra.org using RSS 2.0 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:52:36 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=79 A workshop for contestants entered in the Western Region's MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention contest will be held Sunday, January 15th at the Bowling Green VFD from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. according to Donna Struntz, Western Region Coordinator. All registered contestants are required to attend the two hour session which will include the sharing of information regarding the pageant, requirements of the contestants as well as the chance for contestants to ask questions. Donated gowns will also be available to contestants, if needed. Contestants entered in the Western Region MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention contest are: Cassidy Overstreet, Eastern Garrett VFRD; Sammi Jo Knight, Potomac Fire Co. Morgan Blank, Clarysville VFD;'Tara Holshey, Goodwill-Lonaconing VFC Jaclyn Logue, Bedford Road VFD; Kelly Stouffer, Western Enterprise VFD Sierra Smallwood, Boonsboro VFD The Western Region MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Pageant will be held at the Flintstone VFD on February 12th. Contestants must be at the station no later than 11:00 a.m. Any questions, contact Donna Struntz at (240) 727-0312 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:15:14 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=79 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=78 From NIST Tech Beat: November 22, 2011 Contact: Michael E. Newman 301-975-3025 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking input from paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other interested parties on the development of new design guidelines for ambulances to reduce the crash risk to emergency workers. Emergency medical service (EMS) workers riding in the back of ambulances are at high risk of suffering injuries during a crash or a maneuver to avoid a crash if they're not using restraints. However, restraints make it difficult to access and treat patients while in route to a hospital. To meet the challenge of finding a balance between these two demands, NIST, the Department of Homeland Security's Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division (DHS HFD) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are developing design guidelines for ambulance patient compartments that maximize safety without compromising effectiveness. These guidelines will be used to update current, and enhance emerging, ambulance design criteria, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1917, the "Standard for Automotive Ambulances." To gather input for the guidelines from a broad cross-section of the key stakeholders, EMTs and paramedics, the three agencies are conducting an anonymous web survey from Nov. 28, 2011, to Dec. 28, 2011. Insight and opinions from this survey will supplement data previously gathered from focus groups, interviews with individual EMS workers, visits to equipment manufacturers and EMS stations, and "ride-along" experiences aboard on-duty ambulances. The web survey can be found at either the NIST Office of Law Enforcement Standards site, www.nist.gov/oles , or the DHS Responder Knowledge Database site, www.rkb.us . For more information, or to get more involved in the effort to improve safety in ambulance patient compartments, contact Darren Wilson, DHS, at (202) 254-6657 or darren.wilson@dhs.gov ; Larry Avery, BMT Designers& Planners, at (919) 713-0383 or lavery@dandp.com; or Jennifer Marshall, NIST, at (301) 975-3396 or jennifer.marshall@nist.gov . Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:58:05 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=78 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=77 The Miltenberger Emergency Services Committee has announced the Preconference Seminars and is offering local area emergency service providers first chance at registering for these exceptional hands-on workshops. These classes are structured for a limited number of students, so check out the classes below and submit your registration no later than December 12th. Classes not full at that time will be opened up to the rest of the state for attendance. All classes will be held at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center with the exception of the Chemical Risk Assessment & Decon, which will be held at the Bowling Green VFD. Friday, March 16th 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tools of Trauma Resuscitation-Speaker: Elizabeth Wooster, RN, BSN, MS, MsEM, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, WMRMC. This course is intended for Emergency Department, Operating Room, and Intensive Care Nurses. The principles of trauma resuscitation hands-on approach, including appropriate equipment setup, application and use along with principals of troubleshooting, will be covered. Upon completion of this course, the attendee will have been exposed to the current standards of care for Trauma Resuscitation along with the practical application of the equipment. Lunch will be provided. (7 Hrs BLS:T, ALS:B) Live Chemical Risk Assessment and Decon-Speaker: Chief C.B. Melton, MS, Emergency Management Consultant; Retired Battalion Chief, Baltimore City Fire Department. Don your PPE....Tyvek aprons, nitrile gloves and safety glasses...and work with live chemicals for a day to learn scientific risk assessment. Assess the potential risk to you, your patients, and the public and determine if decon is even necessary. Develop an appropriate decon plan and remove live chemicals applied to the presenter's skin and verify it! Remember, if you don't have a scientific assessment to determine if decon is necessary, and if you don't have a scientific endpoint for your decontamination process, all you really have is an expensive shower! Lunch will be provided. (7 Hrs BLS:L, ALS:2) Friday, March 16th 8:00 a. m. - 4:00 p.m. PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization) Faculty from the Maryland EMSC program is partnering with a AHA Training Center to host this course. This workshop is designed for healthcare providers who infrequently see critical ill children, and it prepares participants to assess, categorize, decide, and act early to stabilize the child. The main focus of PEARS is prevention, and specifically the assessment, recognition, and stabilization of pediatric victims at risk of severe cardiopulmonary distress. This preconference at Miltenberger is targeting BLS providers and instructors, pediatric and family practice office professionals and school health professionals. Lunch will be provided. (8 Hrs BLS:M, ALS:2) Friday, March 16th 8:00 a. m. - 11:30 a.m. Cadaver Airway and Skills Workshop (This course was so well received last year that we decided to offer it again so that more people would have a chance to take advantage of this educational opportunity) Speakers: Dr. Doug Floccare, MD, MPH, FAAP, MIEMSS; Dr. Ben Lawner, DO, EMT-P, University of Maryland School of Medicine. This course of instruction is designed to emphasize the very best in skills practice for advanced life support personnel. Cadavers will utilized to teach various airway techniques and other advanced procedures including surgical airways, needle decompression, IO insertion, etc. Participants will have the opportunity to practice skills in a realistic setting under the guidance and direction of Dr. Doug Floccare, State Aeromedical Director, and Dr. Ben Lawner, Deputy EMS Medical Director-Baltimore City Fire Department. This lab is sponsored by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and is sure to be a conference favorite. **Region I EMTP's, Nurses, and Doctors will have priority. Other providers will be allowed if the workshops are not full. (3.5 Hrs ALS:A) Friday, March 16th 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cadaver Airway and Skills Workshop-Repeat of the morning class. (3.5 Hrs ALS:A) The link to download/print the 2012 Miltenberger Preconference Seminar Registration Form can be found in the 'FORMS' folder. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:47:56 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=77 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=76 The Federal Emergency Management Agency released an announcement today that pertains to all AFG Award procedures for FY2011. The announcement is reproduced below in its entirety: We want to advise all FY2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) applicants of important changes that have been made to the AFG awards procedures. Please read the information below and share it with the appropriate colleagues in your organization. If you have questions, please call your Regional Fire Program Specialist, or contact the AFG Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. If you application is approved for award, the primary contact will receive a single e-mail notification from firegrants@dhs.gov; a copy of this message will be sent to the organization's AFG Mail Center. This is the only notification that the applicant organization will receive. 2. No preliminary questionnaires will be sent to applicants that are being considered for award. In previous years, FEMA Grants Management Specialists (GMS) distributed questionnaires to applicants that were being considered for award. From now on, GMS will contact only those applicants from whom clarifying information is needed. 3. Applicants will be required to formally ACCEPT or DECLINE their awards within 30 days of the date of notification. The award will no be final until the primary contact frmally accepts the award using the e-Grant Application system. Instructions on how this must be done will be provided in the Award Notice. 4. If the primary contact does not formally accept or decline the award within 30 days of award notification, the grant funds will be de-obligated automatically and returned to FEMA. 5. BEFORE accepting an award, applicants should read the entire Award Package and Articles of Agreement carefully, with special attention to Articles 4 and 5. If you requested multiple activities, your award may differ from your original request because some activities may not have been recommended for funding. Read Articles 4 and 5 in your Articles of Agreement for an explanation of any special conditions or changes required. Do not formally accept the award until you understand all of these requirements. If you have any questions or wish to negotiate changes to the Article of Agreement, contact the GMS listed in the 'Negotiation Comments' section of Article 4 BEFORE accepting the award. Once you formally accept the award, you are bound by its conditions and requirements. 6. If you believe you have preaward expenses or grant-writer fees that are eligible for grant funding, you must discuss these witha GMS BEFORE accepting the award to determine their eligibility. Furthermore, if you feel that further negotiation regarding your funding level, you will need to discuss that with a Grants Management Specialist prior to accepting your award. NOTIFICATION TIMELINE It is expected that AFG award announcements will begin in December 2011 and then will continue on a rolling basis into 2012 until all AFG funds have been awarded. You may want to check the AFG Mail Center for messages once a week to look for the e-mail notice from firegrants@dhs.gov concerning your application. All applicants will be notified of the decision made on their submission regardless of whether they will receive an award. REMINDER If your organization still has not registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), please go to https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx and complete the registration. Awardees that have not completed the CCR registration process, or have not completed the required annual review and revalidation of CCR data, will not be able to draw grant funds. PROJECTED GRANT APPLICATION PERIODS FY2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants: Late December 2011 to late January 2012. FY2011 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants: Early Spring 2012 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:28:04 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=76 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=75 The Eastern Garrett County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department has recently purchased a 2011 Peterbuilt/4Guys 3000 gal tanker with a 1000 gpm midship pump. Although the new tanker is not in service yet, it will replace the 1986 GMC/4Guys 1800 gal, 500 gpm tanker currently in use. "With Eastern Garrett being in a rural area with no hydrants, the need was seen to purchase a larger capacity tanker, which will much better serve our needs as well as the needs of our mutual aid departments" according to Chief Tim Clark. The total cost was in excess of $300,000 with two-thirds of the cost being paid from fund raisers such as their monthly spaghetti dinners, gun bashes and our state and county funding. (Photo courtesy of Justin Clark) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:15:02 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=75 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=74 By Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal Maryland State Fire Marshal News Release Martin O'Malley, Governor & William E. Barnard, State Fire Marshal "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect Your Family from Fire" GOVERNOR O'MALLEY PROCLAIMS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 9-15, 2011 PIKESVILLE, MD (October 6, 2011) – Governor O'Malley proclaims October 9-15, 2011 as Fire Prevention Week and urges all citizens of Maryland to join in and support this observance. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is taking an active role in the National Fire Prevention Association's, Fire Prevention Week by supporting local activities and events that will both entertain and educate the public. The Office of the State Fire Marshal hopes to raise awareness of key fire safety issues helping Marylanders to prevent fires and fire injuries, in particular, those that may impact their own home. "If there is a fire in your home, you may have only minutes to escape. Having working smoke alarms and a well-practiced home escape plan are crucial so that everyone knows exactly what to do if a fire occurs," says State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard. "Taking the time to plan for your family's safety and well-being can make the difference should a fire emergency occur." The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) selected the 2011 Fire Prevention Week theme in order to highlight a serious concern for safety. Fires in the home take a great toll on life and property each year. During the five-year-period from 2005-2009, NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 373,900 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average of 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian injuries, and $7.1 billion in direct property damage per year. Smoking materials remain the leading cause of home fire deaths, while cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries. The theme, "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect Your Family from Fire" is a safety message urging planning and preparation for fire emergencies. Here are a few tips: • Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and designate a family meeting place outside. • Practice your plan at least twice a year. • If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if there is smoke on your way out, turn and use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Did you know there are two types of smoke sensing technologies available in smoke alarms? An ionization smoke alarm responds more quickly to flaming fires, whereas, a photoelectric smoke alarm responds more quickly to smoldering fires. Ionization alarms are more likely to alert during normal cooking than photoelectric alarms. It is recommended to have both types of smoke alarms or dual sensor type alarms in your home. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Interconnected smoke alarms are most highly recommended because when one smoke alarm activates, all of them will. A licensed electrician should install hard wired smoke alarm systems. However, new technology exists with the emergence of wirelessly interconnected smoke alarms that can be easily installed by the homeowner. Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries at least once a year and replace the entire smoke alarm every ten years. Smoke alarms are also available for individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing. Visual smoke alarms have a bright strobe light that flashes while sounding an alarm. These units can be enhanced with notification appliances that shake pillows and beds. Marylanders should consider purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm if they live in a home that has liquid-fueled space heaters, an attached garage, gas appliances, oil heat, wood stove and/or fireplace. Carbon monoxide detectors should be located on every floor of the home. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:02:42 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=74 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=73 It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Bowling Green VFD member and Association Executive Committee delegate John Wolford. John had been a patient at the Western MD Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to medical conditions early this morning. John was a life member of the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department where he held numerous offices since joining in 1962. He has served as the delegate to the Association's Executive Committee and was currently serving as co-chair of the Safety Committee. He was a member of the Allegany Co. Sheriffs Office Fire Police, formerly served as Assistant Treasurer of the Maryland State Fireman's Association and a candidate for the office of MSFA's 2nd Vice-president this past June. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6th at the Adams Family Funeral Home, Decatur Street Cumberland, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Bowling Green VFD and the Association will hold a joint Memorial Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 7th at the funeral home. Internment will be at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery where full military rites will be accorded. Following the services on Friday, friends are invited to the Bowling Green VFD to gather with John's family to share in remembrances and celebration of John's life. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:47:46 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=73 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=72 Donna Struntz, W. MD Regional Coordinator, recently announced that the application period for the MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention contest will open Saturday, October 1st and continue through Saturday, December 31st. The Jr. Miss Fire Prevention pageant will be held at the Flintstone Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, February 12th beginning at 1:00 p.m. Rules pertaining to the competition include: 1. Must be between eleven (11) and fifteen (15) years of age. 2. Must be single, never married, and have no children or be pregnant. 3. Six regional contests will be held with each region selecting a winner. Those six young ladies will work together over the course of the year to represent the Junior Miss MSFA program across the State of Maryland. The six regions will be as follows (in accordance with current MFRI regions): a. Western Maryland — Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties b. North Central — Carroll, Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery Counties c. North East- Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore Counties as well as Baltimore City d. Upper Eastern Shore — Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline, and Anne Arundel Counties e. Lower Eastern Shore —— Worcester, Wicomico, Dorchester, and Somerset Counties f. Southern Maryland — Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's, and Prince Georges Counties 4. The contestant must reside in the region in which they are competing. 5. Each contestant will be interviewed by a panel of judges in the preliminaries and the same judges will officiate the finals. An exception to this rule may be made at the discretion of the Miss Fire Prevention Committee in the event of an excessive amount of applications in a region. 6. Judges will not be affiliated with any fire department or auxiliary in the region that they are judging. 7. Preliminary judging will be held prior to, but on the same day as final judging. Contestants will be notified of the place, day, and time upon receipt of application. 8. Judging will include the following point assignment with the highest earned points determining the winner: a. General Appearance 0 - 15 points b. Poise and Personality 0 - 15 points c. Speaking Ability 0 - 30 points d. Fire Prevention Knowledge 0 - 40 points 9. Preliminaries will include: a. One general fire prevention questions selected from a list that will be sent to the applicants. b. A three to five minute presentation by the contestant on a fire prevention topic of their choice at a private session with panel judges. All presentations must be completed on poster material and/or presentation boards. No PowerPoint presentations will be allowed. This presentation must be the original work of the contestant. c. General interview questions from the judges. 10. The finals will be completed on-stage and will include: a. The question "Why is fire prevention important to you?" b. One randomly selected fire prevention questions from the list provided. 11. Applications must be received to the Regional Coordinator by December 31. Contests will be held in each region during the month of February. Winners will be crowned on the day of their contest and begin serving their one year term at that time. 12. Winners of each regional contest must attend the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Contest held in Ocean City in June of the same year as a part of the MSFA Annual Convention. This contest is held on the Monday afternoon of convention week. Junior Miss MSFA regional winners are encouraged to attend more of the convention if possible. 13. This is not a talent or beauty contest. 14. Judges decision is final. Score sheets will be kept for one year in order to identify runners-up if the reigning MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention must vacate her term. 15. MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention may not run for any other fire department related titles during her reign as the MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention. This includes company, county, and state titles regardless of whether they are in the Junior Miss or Miss Fire Prevention category. If she chooses to compete in another fire department contest prior to the end of her reign as the MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention, then she must forfeit this title first. 16. Each regional MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention may only serve one term in her office. 17. MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention representatives will be responsible for sending a report of their monthly activities to the Miss Fire Prevention Subcommittee Chair and her Regional Coordinator at the end of each month. 18. MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention must be chaperoned by a parent/guardian at all events she attends. 19. it will also be Junior Miss Fire Prevention's responsibility to contact the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Chair if she cannot fulfill her duties as Junior Miss Fire Prevention. At this time, she will need to hand over her crown and sash. 20. Dress code requirements: When Junior Miss Fire Prevention is wearing the crown and sash at special or formal occasions such as parades, dances, and at dinners, she should dress appropriately for the occasion. The Junior Miss Fire Prevention should NEVER appear in shorts, jeans, tank tops or t-shirts while appearing as Junior Miss Fire Prevention. 21. Any expenses incurred for travel, clothing, etc. are the responsibility of Junior Miss Fire Prevention. She may ask local fire departments and county associations for support if they are willing to oblige. 22. The MSFA Junior Miss Fire Prevention representatives are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Any conduct unbecoming of Junior Miss Fire Prevention may be cause for removal of their title as a decision of the Fire Prevention committee and the executive officers of MSFA. 23. Additional information such as Regional Coordinator contact information, etc. will be provided on an additional sheet at the same time as this list of rules and the application. Any questions or requests for applications should be directed to: Donna Struntz, W. MD Regional Coordinator MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention 11610 Poplar Avenue SW Cumberland, MD 21502 (240) 727-0312 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:31:37 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=72 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=70 The 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is set to open on Monday, August 15th and will continue through Friday, September 9th. The Program Guidance was released today in two parts. It can be downloaded by going to http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm then clicking on the link for the FY2011 AFG Program Guidance. Two other helpful guides are also available on the same webpage, the 'Get Ready Guide' and the 'Narrative Assistance Guide.' Also remember, successful grantees must be registered with the Central Contract Register (CCR). If you're not already registered, go to http://www.bpn.gov/CCR and complete the form to receive your identification number. This is now required in addition to your DUNS number. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:29:47 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=70 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=64 To All Allegany County Departments: Please keep in mind its that time of year again and your tax incentives information must be submitted to Cheri Llewllyn at the Allegany County Department of Public Safety via fax or mail. If you have questions or concerns regarding what needs to be submitted or how your Department should do this please contact Cheri at cllewellyn@allconet.org. If you are new to the Points Coordinator position and have questions, please contact us! Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:01:27 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=64 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=63 Press Release - Towson, Md. (January 20, 2011) -- The Baltimore County fire community today mourns the loss of Mark G. Falkenhan, the Lutherville volunteer firefighter who died in last night's four-alarm blaze at a Hillendale apartment complex. In addition to his affiliation with Lutherville VFC, Falkenhan, 43, was a member of Baltimore County's career fire department for 16 years, from 1990 to 2006. He was a paramedic/firefighter whose assignments included the Fire-Rescue Academy, where he was an instructor. He served at many stations, including Woodlawn, Dundalk, Golden Ring, Essex, Eastview and Fullerton. Falkenhan resigned in 2006 and was most recently employed with the U.S. Secret Service. In addition to his membership at Lutherville, he was a life member and past chief of the Middle River Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Co. The call for the fire at 30 Dowling Circle came in to fire dispatchers at 6:18 p.m. The call came in as a kitchen fire; however, fire investigators have not determined that the fire originated in the kitchen. The fire remains under investigation. Fire Chief John Hohman has asked the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for assistance. Engine 11 was the first-arriving engine. The fire quickly escalated to a second-alarm, and eventually four alarms worth of equipment were dispatched. About 30 pieces of fire equipment and 100 fire personnel responded. At some point, Falkenhan called a mayday, indicating he was in distress. He was on the third floor, searching for fire victims. His partner was able to escape through a window on the third floor. Firefighters found Falkenhan on the third floor and moved him to the balcony, where crews delivered him to paramedics. Medic personnel administered advanced life support measures and transported him to St. Joseph Medical Center. Fire crews rescued two civilians who were critically injured. An adult female was transported to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, and an adult male was transported to Sinai Hospital. Firefighters contained the fire to a single garden-apartment building. About 30 residents were displaced. Baltimore County's Office of Emergency Management has been working with the Red Cross and the building management to help those victims. There are twenty residents have been able to return to their apartments. A firefighter has not died while engaged in firefighting operations in Baltimore County since the Shiller's furniture store fire in Dundalk 26 years ago, where three firefighters were lost. Standard Fire Department procedures call for a full investigation of any line of duty death. That investigation already is under way. Falkenhan is survived by his wife, Gladys, and two children aged 14 and five. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:36:59 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=63 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=62 Annapolis and Hanover, MD - Two packages, addressed to the Governor and the Secretary of Maryland Department of Transportation, were received through each buildings mailrooms. Press reports state that these two packages were delivered and activated to the Jeffery Building in Annapolis, MD which acts an auxiliary building to the State House and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in Hanover, MD. Both packages fizzled - one flamed. Forensic efforts are in process to find the origin of said packages, return address are found to be false. Multiple State and Federal and local agencies have been alerted. Packages were delivered in similar package to what a book would be delivered. See attached photo. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:13:04 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=62 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=61 EMT-B class set to start January 8, 2011. This Class has 6 individuals already registerd, however in order to start the class more students are necessary. If you are intersted in participating in this class please contact MFRI's Western Maryland Regional Training Center at 301-729-0431 to register. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:50:43 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=61 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=60 Over the last few years an organization has been formed at Northern and Southern Garrett County High Schools getting students involved in emergency services at a high school level. Under the direction and supervision of Todd Dyche, Past President of the Garrett County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and educator; Phil Rook, County EMS; Brad Frantz, Garrett County Department of Public Safety; Wayne Tiemersma, County EMS; and Matt Krause, County EMS, the club has experienced increasing numbers of interested students. Additionally, the clubs have been involved in several demonstrations over the last few years promoting the once known "Prom Promise". These students along with area volunteer fire and rescue personnel, have demonstrated what can happen when drinking and driving. The demonstrations have featured a car accident and several student "victims". Also showing what happens to these victims and the driver who was driving under the influence. In addition to the previously mentioned demonstrations, the Emergency Services Clubs have recently completed work on retrofitting a FEMA trailer into a Fire Safety Training Unit that can be taken to events, such as: the Autumn Glory Festival, area committees, civic groups, schools, etc. "During the Autumn Glory Festival we ran over 100 elementary-age students through and handed out information on fire safety, dialing 9-1-1 and also handed out free fire extinguishers and weather monitors", stated Brad Frantz. These clubs have an insatiable thirst for knowledge in the fire and rescue field, they have proven themselves to be dedicated and engaged in the overall goal as Emergency Services personnel. While many of the students are not yet old enough to join a local department, many have aspirations of doing just that when they come of age. Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you all in the field one day! Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:14:43 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=60 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=59 Have a fundraiser coming up? A new addition to your roster? Christmas party? Let us know... The AGCVFRA Bulletin is always looking for newsworthy fire and rescue information going on right here in Allegany and Garrett Counties. So if your department has something to share, send an email to the Editor of the AGCVFRA, Denny Mallery at drm21555@yahoo.com . He will be happy to post your news and upcoming events in the monthly bulletin. Happy Holidays to all! Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:46:38 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=59 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=58 This past week Garrett County Fire and Rescue experienced a great loss within their community, Commissioner Denny Glotfelty passed early Thursday morning. Commissioner Glotfelty and the current administration, has been instrumental in helping the fire and rescue companies gain funding for a multitude of projects. Listed below are just a few of those projects. Throughout their term, Garrett County Commissioners have continued to prioritize funding to the Fire and rescue companies via the Fire tax levy. Since the levy was instituted in fiscal year 2005, the levy amount has more than tripled, meaning that each of the eleven departments has seen significant annual increases. In addition to the levy, the Commissioners also authorized funds be set aside each year for the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), accruing yearly since its inception in 2008. This program, in essence, provides a moderate retirement benefit to those volunteers who have been in the system for a set number of years. Several grants have also been pursued by the county in order to gain necessary equipment, communications, training and other vital resources the individual departments would not otherwise be able to attain on their own. While these are huge attributes to the fire and rescue community in Garrett County, money and funding aren't the only resources the administration has provided; the Commissioners have also hired a total of seven full-time EMS Providers to supplement the volunteer squads. Since this program has been in place, the paid EMS division has responded to approximately 1/3 of all EMS calls in the county, states current statistics provided by Garrett County Department of Public Safety. As previously stated these are just a few of the projects the current administration has been involved in and they continue to support fire and rescue in Garrett County. While, Commissioner Glotfelty has past he will not be forgotten, he will be remembered through his accomplishments. He has been fundamental player in the fire and rescue community and he will surely be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers go to the Glotfelty family. On behalf of the fire and rescue community, we too, mourn your loss. Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:01:47 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=58 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=57 Fire and rescue associations nationwide are joining in to reach out to the public expressing the need for smoke alarms in households, the AGCVFRA is no different. We are jumping on this very important bandwagon as well. While we have all heard why smoke alarms are important and the statics surrounding fire related deaths. What we haven't been privy to, is your story. Tell us at the AGCVFRA how a smoke alarm helped you. Go to the Contact Us portion of this website, send Alison Northcraft a message. We will post your story online all this week! Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:18:29 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=57 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=55 MIEMSS is hosting a Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Officer Course on November 15 & 16, 2010. Location: MIEMSS, 2nd Floor - Room 212 653 West Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201 Registration Point of Contact: Leesa Radja Region V Secretary MIEMSS email: lradja@miemss.org office: 301-474-1485 Fax: 301-513-5941 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:22:12 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=55 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=54 Despite the drizzling rain, sprits were high during the 2010 AGCVFRA awards ceremony. The following members graciously accepted their much deserved awards during the ceremony this past Saturday: Travis Moses, Good Will V.F.C., "Jr. Firefighter of the Year" award; Rickey Nicol, Good Will V.F.C. "Firefighter of the Year" award; Barbara Knippenburg, Midland V.F.C., "Robert Shimer" award; Zack Wilt, Mt. Savage V.F.C, Fire & Rescue Program at CCTE received an award for "Excellence in Academics"; Potomac V.F.C., "Fire Prevention Award" for their Fire Prevention book, accepted by Billy Kight. Ten new members were inducted into the AGCVFRA "Hall of Flame": Delose Murphy (deceased) of Corriganville V.F.C; Charlie Lambertson, Good Will V.F.C.; Alex McAlpine, Good Will V.F.C.; Joe Inskeep, Good Will V.F.C.; Donald Dolly, Sr., Flintstone V.F.C.; Richard Robison, Mt. Savage V.F.C.; Dana M. Green, Northern Garrett Rescue; Past President Jeremy Jack, Bowman's Addition V.F.C.; Past President Kathy Bever, Bloomington V.F.D.; Past President Harry Michael, Grantsville V.F.D and Past President Janet Elbin, Orleans V.F.C Congratulations to all the award winners and Congratulations to Good Will V.F.C for hosting a tremendously successful event! Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:07:32 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=54 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=53 Location: Northside Park, Ocean City, Maryland Date: June 14, 15, 2010 Format: 3 Game Guarantee Entry Fee: $280.00 per team Awards: 1st place: Sponsors Award, MVP, Championship T-Shirts 2nd Place: Sponsors Award 3rd Place: Sponsors Award Proceeds will benefit the Maryland Fireman's Association For more information or to enter Tournament Contact: Mile McGowan @ 240-362-8873; michael_r_mcgowan@csx.com OR Carol Holland @ 443-496-1304; ocbeachsoftball@aol.com Tue, 25 May 2010 15:25:11 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=53 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=52 In 1993, The Clinton Administration created Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). This initiative works hand-in-hand with the American Automotive industry to develop a "clean car" that could operate up to 80 miles per gallon. The industry came out with three prototypes - all of which were hybrids. However, it wasn't until early 2000 that Toyota released the Prius - the first hybrid four-door sedan available in the United States. Over the last ten years the hybrid car phenomenon has grown; more and more hybrids are hitting the highways. While fire and rescue personnel have grown accustomed to the ever changing automotive industry and the new technology concerning each new model, this article will touch on a few basics about hybrids, including: location and construction of battery compartments, "powering-down" the vehicle, extrication procedures, and much more. There are many myths out there related to hybrids, which can give way to some uneasy feelings when dealing with these vehicles. However, they are not that much different than your average automobile. Ryan Chapman, Bomb Technician, Fire Investigator, and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) Instructor, explained some of the myths related to Hybrid vehicles. For example: you cannot be electrocuted by touching a hybrid vehicle unless the vehicle is in contact with external high voltage lines – even if it is in water. Chapman stated that the power system is isolated from the body and chassis of the vehicle. One of the most important facts that Chapman wanted to stress is the "look before you cut," procedure. Manufacturers do not put wires and cables containing hazardous voltage where emergency services personnel are going to have to cut for extrication purposes; but after market modifications made by the owner are done in the quickest and most cost effective ways, it is truly advisable that on-scene personnel adopt a vital "look before you cut" procedure with these hybrids. Prior to cutting, it is imperative to remove interior covering from posts and floor and look for the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) and high voltage cabling. Another important fact to keep in mind when dealing with hybrids is to "power-down" the vehicle by removing the key from the ignition and the key fob from vehicle itself. Chapman suggested a minimum of 30 feet away - after moving seat, lowering windows, etc. It must be noted that the vehicle may remain active and "energized" for up to ten minutes. According to hybridcars.com: the color orange is used to designate high voltage cables and the location of fuses that will isolate the electrical system, all of which are marked. By removing the ignition key and disconnecting a vehicle's 12-volt battery, this disables the hybrids high-voltage controller. The changing technology and the ever growing popularity of these "clean cars" makes it vital that emergency services personnel know what they are looking at when arriving on scene where a hybrid vehicle is involved. The United States has become the global market leader with 1.6 million hybrids registered by December 2009 - of which 814,173 are the Toyota Prius. While Maryland is not the leading market, (California has that title) it is still necessary to know how to handle a scene involving hybrids. Hybrid Manufacturers have created a several different methods with the hopes of educating emergency responders on the interworking of Hybrids. One resource available is called, "Emergency Responder Guides" (ERG's). While these guides do come in small pocket versions for quick reference and can be used in the field; they were not intended for that purpose alone. ERG's target company officers or training officers primarily for training purposes. For more information on Emergency Response Guides, visit http://www.extrication.com/ERG.htm. There is no substitute for continuing education. The world is constantly changing with newer, faster, and more advanced technology coming out every day. It's imperative to know what you - as emergency services personnel - will be dealing with in the field. MFRI offers courses that will cover the basics of these new technologies in vehicles such as a "Site Operations" class which is the equivalent of the first half of Rescue Technician, followed by "Vehicle Machinery Rescue". While these classes do not go into specifics about each and every make and model of vehicles (this is where ERG's may come in handy) they do, however, cover the basics of what to look for in all vehicles hybrid or not; keeping yourself and others safe on-scene. Fri, 21 May 2010 15:30:06 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=52 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=50 The Fair is coming up just around the corner and we need departments to participate in the apparatus display. Apparatus displays will be Monday July 19th thru Saturday July 24th. Display times will be from 5:00p.m (rides open) until 10:00p.m. We had a fantastic display last year, at least 3-5 pieces each night were on display, I am hoping for the same amount of participation this year! For those who are interested please let me know in advance what days you would be interested in displaying your vehicles. Please keep in mind we would like to have a diverse grouping of vehicles each night. Instead of having all engines one night we would like to have a different vehicles there representing their departments. Shine 'em up and let the public see your department's pride and joy! Also, Ads will be placed in the Cumberland Times informing the public which department's apparatus will be on display each night, so please let me know in advance so we can get your department the positive exposure it deserves! Please note: times frames are flexible, if your department cannot attend until after 5p.m. or cannot stay the full 5 hours, please don't let that deter your members from participating, We can work around that. I look forward to hearing from all of you!! Alison N. Northcraft Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Allegany County Department of Public Safety 11400 PPG Road S.E. Cumberland, MD 21502 Office: 301-876-9155, Ext. 112 Cell: 240-580-0410 anorthcraft@allconet.org Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:05:24 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=50 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=49 Construction on the new 911 Center in Constitution Park is wrapping up. We are installing the final components to bring the center to a fully operational status. We have scheduled an open house for you, first responders, to have an opportunity to tour your communications center. The open house is scheduled for this Friday, April 30. The center will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM for all first responders and their families. Dispatchers will be on hand to give you the tour of the new facility. We hope to see you there! Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:06:44 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=49 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=48 In the mid to late 1800's mining towns were beginning to spring up all over Western Maryland. According to the Maryland Online Encyclopedia, The Town of Lonaconing was a mining and service town along George's Creek and was the center of the early iron industry. Midland, between Frostburg and Lonaconing, was the site of Ocean Mines, aptly named because the coal that was mined there often found its way into the holds of ocean-going ships. After World War I, the coal industry started to see a decline with the Great Depression and forced many coal companies out of business with annual production at 4 to 4.5 million tons until after WWI. By this time, the Pittsburg Vein or the "big vein" as local miners referred to it - had been exhausted and was putting a strain on local mining companies forcing many to close down. While many of these companies are no longer in existence, their mines still exist today and Maryland alone has 450 abandoned mines. These abandoned mines, in many cases, have remained untouched, simply marking a piece of history of what Western Maryland once was. On March 14, 2010 our history became a present day problem and marked the beginning of a very long week for area volunteers and supporting agencies. The Town of Lonaconing was being engulfed by rapid water flowing out of the mountainside, creating a waterway where none had previously existed. Good Will Volunteer Fire Company was first on the scene of this incident. The town itself is their first-due response area, as well as their home. Bobby Ritchie, Chief of Good Will Volunteer Fire Company, was "Incident Commander" of the operation that was to encompass the next three days. Throughout the course of the first day, several agencies were notified and came to Lonaconing's aid: Allegany County Department of Public Safety (ACDPS), Company 48 (Allegany County Special Operations, Collapse Team and Water Rescue), Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) Mines, State Highway Administration (SHA), Company 18 (Midland V.F.C), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Bureau of Police (BOP), and the Allegany County Fire Police. In this unusual event, there could have been much more at stake and more lives injured. During a telephone conversation with Fir Chief Ritchie, he explained that if this event had taken place during the summer months instead of mid March, children could have been outside playing on the streets and in the neighbor's yards, and could have been directly impacted by the flooding, thereby increasing the possibility for loss of life, injury, and property damage. Instead, five houses were directly impacted by the Lonaconing incident; fifty houses had the potential of flooding, only three of which did in fact, flood. Throughout the course of the three-day incident, residents were warned of the potential flooding in their area and crews recommended to the local residents that vacating the area would be a good idea. Although some residents left for a short time, none left their homes for and significant length of time. In this case, the event was under a "Unified Command," procedure - meaning that all agencies operated under one incident commander -- in this case: Mr. Ritchie of Good Will Volunteer Fire Company. During the course of the first night, "standby" crews were stationed at Good Will Fire Department, where routine checks were made each hour, with surveying the area and the progression the flood waters had on the nearby Koontz stream and George's Creek, inspection of houses (Douglas Avenue), the filling and placement of sandbags, refueling equipment used throughout the course of the night, and administering of a flyer informing the public of what has happened. While these "standby" crews were not stationed at the site of the incident itself due to safety concerns for the crew, they were still nearby. Each hour a team was sent on site to do numerous checks. Ritchie explained that while the station house is equipped with some modern comforts, a bunk room is not one of those comforts. Taking this into consideration, Midland V.F.C provided cots to exhausted crews, while others were found sleeping in their personal vehicles. "Needless to say," stated Chief Ritchie, "no one got much, if any, sleep during the incident." While acquiring adequate sleep is essential to prevent fatigue, nourishment is another - Good Will V.F.C's Auxiliary and Junior members were instrumental in this endeavor. Preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to the on-duty and standby crews. By the second day, visual checks went from every hour to every 2-3 hours. Throughout the day, crews made door-to-door visits to area residents, letting them know the status of the situation and offering sandbags to prevent water from entering the homes. By nightfall, routine checks were done again on an hourly basis to make sure the potential for landslides/mudslides were at their minimum. During this time, crews found that there was no change in elevation of the streams, and noted that the water flow from the mountainside has depleted as well, so there was no need to evacuate. Given the unique situation at hand, volunteer departments and other agencies did what was necessary to get the job done. Quick thinking and creative planning were vital in this situation, "We (Good Will V.F.C.) may not get 300 calls per year, but the calls we do get are big ones," stated Ritchie. Sources: Maryland Online Encyclopedia (www.mdoe.org/coal_indus.html) The Maryland Coal Mine Mapping Project: Prociding Access to Historic Maps for Today's Uses, Frostburg State University (All Photographs Courtesy of Erica Mowbray, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:49:06 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=48 http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=47 Miss Shelby Simmons from Accident, Maryland, was chosen to represent Western Maryland as the MSFA Regional Jr. Miss Fire Prevention 2010. Shelby was crowned early 2009 as Jr. Miss Fire Prevention of Allegany and Garrett Counties' Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, upon receiving her title as MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention 2010, she was to relinquish her title to the runner-up for the AGCVFRA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Miss Tara Holshey. Congratulations to both Shelby and Tara!! We look forward to the great things these two will accomplish for Western Maryland! Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:00:19 GMT http://www.agcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=47