Four Firefighters Held Hostage, Gunman Shot Dead by SWAT

SUWANEE, Ga. (AP) — A gunman who held four firefighters for hours in a suburban Atlanta home was shot dead by SWAT members and all the hostages are slightly injured but should be OK, authorities said Wednesday. 

Minutes before the police announcement, one big explosion followed by several smaller ones or gunshots were heard in the Suwanee neighborhood about 35 miles northeast of Atlanta. A SWAT officer was shot in the hand or arm, but should be fine, said Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter.

The firefighters mainly suffered cuts and bruises in the explosion that authorities used to distract the suspect before they rushed the house, said fire department Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Ritter said the gunman, who has not been identified, demanded his power and cable be turned back on. According to public records, the home is in foreclosure and has been bank-owned since mid-November.

"It's an unfortunate circumstance we did not want this to end this way," Ritter said. "But with the decisions this guy was making, this was his demise."

Five firefighters responded to what seemed like a routine medical call and were eventually takenhostage by an unidentified suspect inside the house, Ritter said. The gunman released one of the firefighters to move a fire truck.

The gunman's motive was unclear to police and fire officials. SWAT team members had surrounded the home and a hostage negotiator had been in contact with the suspect.

Rutledge said the medical call seemed routine and firefighters did not believe there was any danger. One engine and one ambulance responded.

"Our firefighters responded to a call they respond to hundreds of times, and that's a medical emergency," he said.

The explosion rocked the neighborhood of mostly two-story homes and well-kept lawns and set off car alarms all over.

Two ambulances could be seen leaving.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Volunteer Firefighter hit by Sheriff's Deputy patrol car Jefferson County, New York 05.18.2012

 (YNN) JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- A firefighter from Jefferson County is recovering after he was hit at an accident scene.
Rescue crews and sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a two car accident at the intersection of Routes 411 and 37 in the Town of Theresa Friday night. Officials said Lance Willix, 67, was directing traffic when he was hit by a deputy's patrol car when the deputy tried to drive around one of the fire trucks.

He was flown to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with leg injuries. Willix is listed in fair condition.

Sheriff John Burns said the patrol car was moving at a crawl, and that neither the driver nor the firefighter saw each other due to congestion at the scene.

Both accidents remain under investigation.

Firefighter directing traffic hit by sheriff’s patrol car - YNN, Your News Now

While directing traffic at a motor vehicle accident, a fire police officer was hit by a sheriff deputy's SUV responding to the same crash. Firefighter Lance Willix was air lifted to University Hospital in Syracuse with a broken femur.




“We were involved in traffic control and at that time, one of my fire police on scene was actually struck by a vehicle,” said Theresa Fire Chief Mark Savage.

 
Mr. Savage said he was only a few feet away from Mr. Willix, 67, Theresa, when he was hit. “I heard the impact,” Mr. Savage said. “I turned around and there he was. All I could do was try to keep him still.”

Mr. Willix was taken by helicopter to Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, where a nursing supervisor said he was listed in fair condition late Friday.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Navy F/A-18D Crash 04.06.2012

Navy jet crashes in Virginia Beach, wiping out part of apartment complex





Firefighters work to extinguish a fire that erupted after an F/A-18D fighter jet after it crashed into a a Virginia Beach apartment complex, tearing the roof off at least one building that was engulfed in flames. The crash happened in the Hampton Roads area, which has a large concentration of military bases, including Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. Both pilots ejected from the jet





Media reports say a Navy jet crashed in Virginia Beach and the two aviators aboard are believed to have ejected before the impact.











Two hero pilots have been praised for preventing scores of potential deaths by dumping plane fuel as their doomed F-18 Navy fighter jet plummeted to the ground in Virginia Beach, Virginia - decisive action that authorities saved the craft from sparking a 'massive, massive fireball'.

Although the plane crashed into an apartment building, ripping the roofs off condos, town houses, and a retirement community, the two crew members safely ejected from the craft. There are no known deaths - but fears remain over three elderly people who are unaccounted for.

The two pilots managed to eject just before impact, suffering minor injuries along with five others on the ground. Several residents described hearing a loud explosion and looking out their windows to see the red and orange blaze. In the confusion that followed, two men helped one of the bloodied pilots from the two-seat F18 Hornet move to safety.

The plane had dumped loads of fuel before crashing, though it wasn't clear if that was because of a malfunction or an intentional maneuver by the pilots, said Capt. Mark Weisgerber with U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The jet went down less than 10 miles from Oceana.

Five civilians, as well as the two pilots, who were a student and an instructor, were taken to hospital to be treated, but their injuries were not serious and all but one, a pilot, had been released by Friday evening.

Rescuers continued to search the wreckage of the Mayfair Mews apartment complex for victims on Friday night; the whereabouts of three residents who live in the block are unknown, Reuters reported.




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

FIREFIGHTER VIDEO NEWS for 3.12.2012:

Colby, Wisconsin Firefighter Laid to Rest
Kampmeyer worked as a deputy for Marathon County and was a volunteer firefighter.


















COLBY (WAOW) - Thousands gathered in Colby to bid a final farewell to a fallen firefighter. People across the state have come to know Jamison Kampmeyer and the legacy he leaves behind. Kampmeyer died while battling a blaze at the historic Abby Theatre in Abbotsford on Sunday. He worked as a volunteer firefighter in Colby. And was also a deputy for the Marathon County Sheriff's department.

A final farewell: Remembering Jamison Kampmeyer - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports


Oklahoma City Firefighter Faces New Challenge
Oklahoma City firefighter battles fires and Parkinson’s disease

OKLAHOMA CITY (News9) - A metro firefighter is fighting more than fires. Right now, he's in a battle to overcome something that could transform his life. But he's still on the job every day. "When he came to me and told me about his condition, I was really rather shocked," Maj. Mike Coker said. Kidd was scared that his calling might be in jeopardy when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 29.

Local Firefighter Takes On Different Kind Of Fight - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |


Massachusetts Firefighter Apologizes to Mayor for Fatal Fire Remarks

Haverhill firefighter apologizes after saying mayor should be charged with murder.



The Eagle Tribune - Haverhill firefighter Todd Guertin apologizes to Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini for his comments after a deadly fire on Washington Street March 7, 2012.


Worcester Community Honors Fallen Firefighter and Surviving Partner
Worcester Firefighter Brian Carroll honored by community remembering deadly fire.



WORCESTER, Mass. (WHDH) - Firefighter Brian Carroll was honored for his bravery in Worcester on Wednesday after he was seriously injured in a December fire that took the life of his friend and fellow firefighter.“The first five minutes was absolute hell,” said Carroll, speaking out for the first time since the deadly fire.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

1 dead, 2 hurt in Waverly NY Apartment House Fire

Waverly firefighters, the Sayre Fire Department and Greater Valley Emergency Medical Services from Sayre, Pennsylvania, responded to an early morning fire 2:30 Friday morning at 7 Ithaca Street, Waverly NY in Tioga County. Waverly-Barton Fire Officials said when they arrived at the scene; smoke and fire were spewing out of the home. "On arrival, we found the house fully involved in fire," said Jeff Wheeler, first assistant fire chief of the Waverly Barton Fire Department.

There were two other people in the upstairs apartment that had to jump to safety before we were on the scene" said Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Waverly. Firefighters pulled one person out of the downstairs apartment. A Waverly man that was taken to Robert Packer Hospita is dead after the fire that took place in Tioga County, New York. The two other persons taken to the hospital had non-life threatening injuries.

After about an hour of firefighting the fire was knocked down and brought under control, with firefighting crews staying on the fireground scene till 10 a.m. to ensure no rekindle of fire would happen.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Tioga County Fire Investigators and Waverly Village Police are conducting the investigation.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

FIRE VIDEO NEWS for 3.2.2012:

Two alarm house fire in Adams County leaves one dead

A tough day for responding emergency crews knowing someone trapped inside a burning building.

(CBS21) When first responders arrived, the fire was already out of control with heavy smoke and flames coming from the window. A police officer discovered the fire at the home on the 100 block of Charles Street while he was on patrol. He tried to get in, but was unable. (Mar 1)

This Video Appears in:

Video: UPDATED(2): Two alarm house fire in Adams County leaves one dead

Oklahoma City Firefighters Describe Being Caught in Roof Collapse

Trio of firefighters back to work after close call during strip mall fire.



OKLAHOMA CITY (News9.com) - When the roof caved in during a massive fire at the old Hobby Lobby building in northwest Oklahoma City, it sent three firefighters tumbling several feet to the ground. (Mar 1)

OKC Firefighters Back At Work Following Fall During Roof Collapse

Three Camden Firefighters Hospitalized after Bailout During Fire

Explosion forced firefighters to dive out windows in effort to escape.

Camden Firefighters Hospitalized After Blast: MyFoxPHILLY.com

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) - Three firefighters who were helping to fight a Camden house fire were hospitalized after an explosion occurred at the residence.

Officials would not provide details on the firefighters' injuries, but said they were not considered life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.

The blaze broke out at the Atlantic Avenue home around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, and the explosion occurred in the home's basement a short time later.

The cause of the fire and the blast remain under investigation. (Mar 1)

Springfield, Mass., Firefighter Honored Nearly 60 Years After Dying in the Line of Duty

Bernard Caffrey's granddaughter discovered it was a line-of-duty death that had been overlooked

Three Camden Firefighters Injured in Fire

Mayday called as firefighters tried to escape blaze

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) - Three firefighters were injured battling a two-alarm blaze in Camden on Wednesday morning. The exact nature of their injuries was not immediately known. All three firefighters were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. The fire chief tells Action News that all three firefighters were alert and talking when they were transported. (Feb 29)

This Video Appears in:

Video: Three Camden Firefighters Injured During Two-Alarm Fire

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

VIDEO: NEWS for 1.31.2012

At Least 10 Killed in Florida Crash

A long line of cars and trucks collided one after another early Sunday on a dark Florida highway.

Associated Press - A long line of cars and trucks collided one after another early Sunday on a dark Florida highway so shrouded in haze and smoke that drivers were virtually blinded. At least 10 people were killed, and at least 18 were taken to the hospital. (Jan. 29)

This Video Appears in:

Fiery Florida Highway Crash Claims 10 Lives

FDNY Battalion Chief: Bronx Basement Fire Details

Companies had to cut a hole in the first floor to remove smoke and heat.

1 Dead, 1 Hurt In Bronx Basement Fire: MyFoxNY.com

BRONX (MYFOXNY.COM) - The FDNY says one man is dead and one woman injured in a basement fire in a Bronx apartment early Sunday morning.

This Video Appears in:

Video: One Dead in Bronx Fire

Massachusetts Firefighters Injured as Ladder Hits Wires During Fire

Three firefighters were taken to the hospital.

Several firefighters hurt battling Cambridge blaze: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Maryland Firefighter Injured During House Fire

Large fire destroyed Glenn Dale home.

Electrical Problems Blamed for Glenn Dale House Fire: MyFoxDC.com

GLENN DALE, Md. (WTTG) - GLENN DALE, Md. - Investigators say a massive house fire in Glenn Dale, Maryland was caused by some sort of electrical problem. Flames were reported at the single-family house on the 8000 block of Wingate Drive just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Everyone got out safely, but one firefighter was treated for minor injuries.

This Video Appears in:

Maryland Firefighters Battle Well-Advanced Fire

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Chicago Fire Department - Everyone Goes Home

NFFF News Release: In an effort to make personal safety a top priority, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) today released a new video, Chicago Fire Department – Everyone Goes Home®. Members of the CFD and families of fallen firefighters share their stories in this compelling and moving testimonial of the importance of adhering to safety standards and accepting personal responsibility for following procedures.

Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff was impressed by a video that the NFFF and the Fire Department of New York produced several years earlier to educate members about the importance of training and safety standards. The FDNY leadership had noticed behavioral improvement among its members following the release of their video. Hoff felt that the members of the CFD could benefit from hearing first-hand accounts of the lessons learned by their colleagues and invited the NFFF to collaborate on a video for Chicago.

“The culture of firefighting requires us to do everything we can to make sound decisions so we can be in a position to help the people we serve when they most need it,” said Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “With this video the firefighters and leadership of the Chicago Fire Department are clearly showing the rest of the fire service you can still be a firefighter and at the same time do your best to make sure Everyone Goes Home®.”

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

3-Alarm Fire Destroys Ballymeade Townhouse, No One Injured

There was a three- alarm fire yesterday, 12/19/11 at 2:30 pm in the afternoon, in the 800 block of West Boxborough Drive in the Ballymeade Community just outside Wilmington, Delaware. The fire destroyed one house and causing heavy smoke & water damage to several other homes.





The Claymont Fire Company responded and was assisted by many surrounding fire companies fighting the townhouse fire. During the fire there was a radio transmission of a “Mayday” in which initiated a firefighter accountability count of all firefighters on the fire ground. All firefighters were accounted for. At 8 minutes 32 seconds into the following YouTube audio, the Claymount DE fire departments “Mayday” call was canceled. The dispatcher working this alarm transmitted that the “Mayday” restriction was lifted with all firefighters on the fire ground accounted for.



The fully engulfed townhouse that caught fire, in flames with fire shooting out top-floor windows and with fire extending into the exposed connecting housing units collapsed into a pile or rubble. The Townhouse was completely destroyed with adjacent homes damaged with one missing a roof, and the other home in pretty bad shape.



Dozens of firefighters were on-scene combating this three-alarm blaze for several hours.



It has been reported the no one was injured in the fire. Official cause of the townhouse fire fire is being investigated. The Red Cross will be assisting & helping the victims of this three-alarm fire who are now without a home days before Christmas Day.


(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Fighter Anthem - This One's For The Firefighters

Today is Friday, and over on Twitter every Friday there's this thing called #FollowFriday that you tweet out those that you follow over on that social meda platform. Well, I decided for my #FollowFriday for today to do a "SHOUT OUT" to all Fire Fighters, EMS, and Emergency Services people to say Thank-You for all you do.

The following video with Carlos Pozo's created 'Fire Fighter Anthem" song is one that just gets you pumped up with emotion for the career field.

This video was played during the Department of Defense - DoD Fire and Emergency Services Awards Banquet that was held in Chicago at the end of last month (August). Special Thanks to Fire Fighter Carlos Pozo for the song and Sarah Brockman for putting the video together.

Please visit Carlos Pozo's website and consider donating: http://firefighteranthems.com/index.html.

Let Us Not Forget Those Brother & Sisters We Have Lost.

We Will Never Forget, We Will Always Remember!

Thank You Fire Fighter Carlos Pozo for the song!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

ARFF TRAINING: First Responder Safety

Training and being prepared to do what is at hand is important for any critical job. Knowing before hand, or at least having the general knowledge of what is expected of you on any fire ground scene is equally important.

In the Fire Protection Service, if you’re a paid or a volunteer fire fighter, getting and having the required training is of core importance for each one of us. Passing along pertinent training information can only enhance one's ability to perform as best they can when called upon.

We all know as Fire Fighters, EMS and Police that we get “SAFETY” drilled into our heads during all our training classes. There should be no compromise to safety.

In Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) there are many hazards at the crash of an aircraft and the surrounding crash site. On all the responses on ARFF incidents I ensured that I’m safe on my approach into the scene and watch how the fire ground may develop as well as keeping my eyes open to watch my fellow fire fighter’s back. By doing so I knew the fire fighters I’m responding with will be watching my back.

As small aircraft and helicopters have become more complex, technology has provided systems that have enhanced operational safety. In the event of an accident, many of these systems have presented additional hazards to first responders or any potential rescuer at an aircraft accident scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in cooperation with General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), various manufacturers and first responder professional organizations, has developed training for safety at an aircraft accident scene with the following training modules:

(Click To View):

Module 1: Systems and Material Hazards

(27:06 minutes)

Module 2: Aircraft Type Familiarization and Mission Specific Hazards (7:00 minutes)

Module 3: Command and Recovery

(10:46 minutes)

Module 4: Ballistic Parachute System Familiarization

(21:38 minutes)

Module 5: Systems and Material Hazards for Rescuers

(27:20 minutes)

The primary purpose and goal at any ARFF emergency is to save lives, just like for any Fire Fighting or EMS situation or response. ARFF emergencies have very unique and specialize situations that could entail a combination of a house fire, motor vehicle fire, haz-mat, and medical emergency at one aircraft crash site. Safety is and always will be paramount on any emergency response.

ARFF fire fighters are trained to establish what is called a rescue path to the aircraft once at a crash site, and prepared to battle large volumes of acrid smoke, rapid heat build up, fight fire, lots of fire depending on the amount of fuel is being carried on the aircraft, and perform rescue. The ARFF fire fighter receives training includes structural firefighting tactics, aircraft familiarization, confined-space training, aircraft rescue, vehicle familiarization and aircraft egress.

I feel the above FAA’s training modules are a great training resource for those emergency responders that may be called upon from local community fire departments, medical squads, and law enforcement agencies. Incorporating these FAA Training Modules into a fire department’s or other agency’s training program can only increase the First Responders awareness of the many dangerous hazards that could be present at a aircraft crash site.

Lets Be Safe Out There!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)