fire news, southern new england edition 12-12

ServingFire, Rescue

& EMSHeroes

Since 1973W W W.FIRENEWS .COM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013VOLUME 1, NO.1

-Southern New England Edition-WWW.FIRENEWS.COM

The Hanson Fire Departmentresponds to a vacant structureblaze, one of several suspiciousfires. Please turn to page 26 forthe full story.

-Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Fire News Wishes All A Safe,Happy Holiday & New Year

Fire News, December/January 2013,

A Service for Massachusetts,Connecticut and Rhode IslandFirefighters and EMS Providers

Founded 1973146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, PublisherTIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor

DENNIS WHITTAM, EditorGARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/SalesLYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFF CHIESA, Production ManagerAdvertising Sales:

BARBARA CONNOLLY,EVELYN ALOISIO

Graphic Artist: GREG JONES,

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSTHOMAS CARMODY, PATRICK DOOLEY, GLENN DUDA,KEN LABELLE, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE,

CHARLIE MCGRATH, PAUL SHEA, PHIL SULLIVAN, PAT TRAVERS, ROB REARDON, STEPHEN WALSH

COPYRIGHT 2013, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDFor advertising rates and information,

call (631) 776-0500 Press 3Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854

Internet: http://www.firenews.come-mail: [email protected]

Proud Member Of:

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers andphotographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right toedit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the costof advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The plac-ing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents arecopyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permis-

In this issue...

PLUS:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4

Looking Back, Summer 2012 . . . . . . . .page 24

Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30

Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 31

Quincy Battles Three-Alarm Blaze

Fast Moving Blaze in Grafton

Hard Hit in Worcester MVA

Firefighters Battle Fire In Abandoned Motel

Woonsocket Garage FireAn aggressive attack by theWoonsocket FD keeps this fire con-tained to the one-story concrete blockgarage.

Arson sparks this November 27thBlaze.

Residents of a Colonial style dwellingescaped a fast moving fire.

Companies from Webster Square werefaced with an entrapment on arrival.

Overnight blaze consumes the formerAlpine Motel in Middleboro.

See story page 7

See story page 18

See story page 23

Suspicious Fire DestroysVacant BuildingCover story coverage of Hanson’sresponse to this November 27thblaze.

See story page 26

See story page 8

See story page 14

This Issue of Fire News Is Dedicated To

and

LieutenantRussell F. Neary

CaptainDavid Mowbray

President of the Easton Volunteer Fire Company #1

North Kingstown Fire DepartmentWho Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

in the Line of Duty

, Fire News, December/January 2013

From theEditor’s DeskDennis Whittam, Editor

Do you remember what thefire service was like in the 60sand 70s? I am sure if you sitaround the firehouse coffeetable and talk to the seniormembers of your department,you will find that fighting firesin what became to be known as"The War Years" was quiteintense. You may have a fewphotos hanging on the wall ofyour firehouse that show whatthe fires were like back in thosedays. It was during this time, in1973 to be exact, that a mannamed Jeb Ladouceur who,according to legend, held courtin the Firehouse Pub inSmithtown, decided that itwould be a great idea to honorall firefighters by publishing amonthly newspaper aboutthem. Hence, Fire News' firstedition reached the firehousesof Long Island in August of1973. Forty years later FireNews is still going strong andhas editions in seven states. It iscommendable that Fire Newsstill has advertisers and photog-raphers that have been with thepaper since its founding.

In March of 2000, Frank C.Trotta purchased the paperfrom Jeb. Frank's intentionswere simple. He wanted tomake sure that Fire News con-tinued producing a publicationknown for its quality. He alsowanted to see the paper growand expand so that first respon-ders in other states could havethe same thrill of seeing them-selves in action. Frank's team ofeditors, advertising specialists,artists and production staffwork hard to bring Fire News toyou, our readers.

In continuing with whatwas envisioned for Fire News

in 1973 and again in 2000, weare happy to be publishing FireNews in Massachusetts,Connecticut, and Rhode Islandsix times per year. As has beenthe case with our other editions,Fire News is about you and allof the sacrifices you make foryour communities. We encour-age your DepartmentPhotographers and PublicInformation Officers to submitarticles and photos from fires,motor vehicle accidents, train-ing, awards, installations, andupcoming events. We alsoencourage you to offer yoursuggestions - tell us what youthink about Fire News. Ourgoal is make each issue betterthan the previous one.

The quality of Fire Newsspeaks for itself. Our circula-tion continues to grow on adaily basis. Our Facebook pagecurrently has well over 6100friends, and photos andannouncements that we post areviewed by thousands more.How great was it when a photoof Hagerman Lieutenant RalphLettieri's homecoming after aserious illness was viewed over6500 times? Despite the elec-tronic age, our publication isstill a very popular fixturearound the firehouses and con-tinues to be the premier sourceof information for the fire, res-cue and emergency medicalservices.

On this New Year's Eve, theball will drop in Times Squareto bring in 2013. It will alsosignify the start of remember-ing 40 years of excellence inrepresenting the fire service.Stay safe in 2013. Happy NewYear!

- Dennis

Where Are Your Department’s Photos?

As the Southern New England edition of Fire News starts regular publishing, we would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories.Feel free to e-mail your photos to [email protected]. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution

(300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter orreduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us.

Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include abrief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, whichincludes basic “who, what, when, and where information.”

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.

Go To FireNews.com and Click on Link

like us on&

follow us on

Forty Years ofPublishingExcellence

2013 LONG ISLAND FIRE,RESCUE & EMS MEGA SHOWThe 2013 Long Island Fire Rescue & EMS Mega Show is coming

to the Expo Center at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum onHempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday,February 24, 2013. This is the Tri-state's fastest growing show. The lat-est and most innovative turnout gear and newest product lines for thefire and rescue community will be on display. Hundreds of vendors willbe present to explain and demonstrate their products and services.There will also be a two-day extrication competition.

Competing at this year’s competition on Saturday are Hagerman,North Babylon, Montauk, Ridge, Nesconset and Great Neck Alert. OnSunday it will be Sayville, West Babylon, North Bellmore, Blue Pointand Selden.

Show hours are from 100 to 1700 both Saturday and Sunday. Ticketsare on sale at the door the day of the show; $13.50 for GeneralAdmission or have your department call for a pre-registration form.Children under 12 are free. Don’t miss the 2013 Fire, Rescue& EMSMega Show on February 23 and 24 at the Nassau Veterans MemorialColiseum in Uniondale.

25TH ANNUAL FDSOAAPPARATUS SYMPOSIUM

MOVES TO NEW LOCATIONThe Fire Department Safety Officer Association is celebrating its

25th Annual Apparatus Specification and Vehicle Maintenance &Safety Symposium , January 20th-23, 2013, by moving to a new loca-tion at the Wyndham Hotel Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida. The moveto the Hotel Buena Vista, across from the Disney Village Markplace,will offer attendees the same great programming at reduced room rates,free wi-fi and free parking.

Keynote speakers for the 25th Annual Apparatus Symposium willinclude Stephen Raynis, Chief of Safety for FDNY and the ever-popu-lar James Juneau, Attorney, Juneau, Boll, Stacy & Ucherek Attorneys.Programs will include EPA Changes on Engines, Maintain versusPurchase New and Budget Realities from a Business Manager. Break-out seminars will include Braking & Roll Stability, New Governmentregulations on Tires, Electrical requirements and writing specifications,and more. An all-new Ambulance Track will include sessions on thePatient Compartment, the new NFPA 1917 Standard and specifyingyour next ambulance. The 2012 Emergency Vehicle of the Year willalso be announced during the General Session.

To register and for more details on the current program guide, go towww.fdsoa.org


A Woonsocket police officer radioed that he had heavy smoke show-ing in the area of Hamlet Avenue and Wells Street just before 1300on October 16, 2012. City Fire Chief Gary Lataille arrived andreported that he had a detached three-bay garage with two cars onfire at the rear of Hamlet Avenue. Companies were tied up for sometime at a major motorcycle accident which EMS Rescue had totransport to the Trauma Center in Providence. There was a steadywind in the area blowing from the rear of the garage. This winddirection kept the fire away from the several three-story woodframed tenement houses on the Charlie side. The vinyl siding of thetwo-story exposure on the Bravo side was starting to ripple due tothe intense radiated heat. Several minor explosions occurred from

the garage. Engine 3 arrived first due and stretched a 2-½ inch han-dline. Engine 1’s crew secured water supply to Engine 3’s pump andthen also assisted with stretching a second 2-½ inch line. Squad 4grabbed a 1-¾ inch line to protect exposures. This aggressive attackkept the fire contained to the one-story concrete block garage.Engine 2 and Tower 2 arrived to assist once they cleared the acci-dent scene.The OIC had firefighters survey the exposures on theBravo, Charlie, and Delta sides for extension with thermal cameras.There were no reported injuries. Woonsocket Fire and PoliceDepartments investigated the fire. Two vehicles that were parked onthe Delta side also received heat and smoke damage.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Woonsocket Garage Blaze


Firefighters responded to a report of fire in the area of Fitch Street and Whalley Avenue justafter 2200 in the city's West Rock section. The first-due truck arrived reporting the pavilioninside Edgewood Park "going good." Companies had long lays due to lack of hydrants with-in the park, prompting the transmission of a second alarm for brands and water supplyissues. The pavilion itself is an A-frame chalet-type structure with a one-story attached oneither side. The fire took about an hour to bring under control. The pavilion was not beingused at the time of the fire causing the FMO to classify the fire suspicious.

- Fire News photos by Glenn Duda

Around 0145 hours on the cold morning of Tuesday, November 27,2012, the Quincy Fire Department struck their box 2412 and respondedto a reported building fire at 488 Quincy Avenue, at the corner of EastHoward Street.

Companies arrived to find a fire in a large 2.5-story wood framedstructure that appeared to be vacant. A working fire was requested.Shortly thereafter, a second alarm was ordered after companies foundheavy fire on floor two, and had fire through the roof. Due to the heavyfire conditions, all companies were ordered out of the vacant building.

A defensive attack was initiated with several handlines in operation.Once the heavy fire, that was venting through the roof, subsided andthey heavy fire was knocked down crews returned to make an aggres-sive attack inside the building, overhauling and hitting hot spots.

As crews worked inside again, heavy fire was once again found inthe attic area. A third alarm was ordered, and the companies were againordered out of the building. Companies used hand lines and deck gunsto knock the remainder of the fire down.

The Quincy Fire Department utilized the State Fire Marshal’s officein investigating this early morning blaze. It was determined to be anarson fire, that was started in an inside stairwell of the building. TheMarshal's office wouldn't say that the fire was related to a string of arsonfires that have recently plagued the South Shore of Massachusetts butthey did comment that it does not fit the pattern of the other suspiciousfires in the area. No injuries were reported at the scene.

-Fire News photos by Pat Travers

Quincy Firefighters BattleThree Alarm Blaze

Quincy Firefighters BattleThree Alarm Blaze

New Haven 2 Alarm Fire


Shortly after 1700, on November 6, 2012, Johnston fire alarm oper-ators began receiving numerous calls for a house fire on HarbourdRoad. An assignment consisting of Engines 3, 1, 2 and 4; Ladder 1;Rescue 3; and the battalion were dispatched. Engine 3 was first toarrive and reported heavy smoke showing from the one-storyranch. Crews stretched in but had difficulty locating the fire.Ladder 1 was ordered to the roof and reported heavy smoke push-

ing from the attic. Engine 3 found the fire in the attached garageand knocked it down but not before it spread into the house. Severallines were stretched and were able to bring the fire under controlwithin 30 minutes. The occupants of the house were not home at thetime of the fire and no one was injured. The cause is under investi-gation.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Election Night Fire DestroysJohnston Home

Election Night Fire DestroysJohnston Home


Two Alarm in

VernonVernon, CT, firefighters responded to a second alarm

on Park Street on November 6, 2012. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Four ProvidenceFirefightersInjured in

Multi-AlarmFire

As the sun began to rise on Halloween Day, a still-box went out inProvidence firehouses for a building fire on President Street. Onarrival, Engine 5 found fire showing from the Joseph B. McIntyreHouse, a historic building built in 1911. As crews began to fight thefire, they realized the fire had spread to all floors of the house anda second alarm was transmitted. Two firefighters were injured

when they fell through a hole in the second floor, another suffered ashoulder injury and the last was transported due to smoke inhala-tion. All were released from the hospital later in the day. The causeof the fire is under investigation.


Fast Moving Fire Stopped in Woonsocket

A fast moving fire tore through a vacant two-story office complex onOctober 2, 2012 on Mendon Road in Woonsocket. Engine 4 arrivedto find heavy fire in the center stairwell of extending rapidly intothe attic. The roof was constructed of lightweight trusses with nofirewalls. A second alarm was sounded bringing all of the city'sapparatus to the scene. The fire quickly burned through attic and

the trusses quickly failed. The fire was rapidly knocked down onceLadder 1 and Tower 2 established LDH water supplies to their rigs. Crews reentered to overhaul the structure once the master streamswere shut down. The building appeared to be a total loss.



Two Alarm inGlastonbury

Glastonbury, Connecticut. was called out on November 14, 2012,for a two-alarm blaze on Great Swamp Road.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Quick Thinking at N.Worcester Blaze

This is 27 North Worcester Avenue shortly after 0900. Off-dutyCaptain Perkins who was nearby entered the building after it wasthought there was still an occupant inside. One person was trans-ported with burns. Companies made a quick knock down.

- Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Drain & Roll LDHin 30 secondsSystem Handles ALL hose

No LDH roll lifting

No one rides on moving apparatus

to load hose - EVER!

Prevent Injuries

Work Fast and Smart

Hose Testing Will Never be the Same!

The Safest Hose Handling System on the Market - Period

www.rollnrack.comEmail: [email protected]

P: 262-363-2030 F: 262-363-2034


The residents of this Colonial style dwelling at 48 Blanchard Roadquickly escaped a fast moving fire that originated in their garage around2200 on November 19, 2012. Grafton Car-1 arrived to find heavy fireconditions on the Delta side of this large dwelling. The fire was quick-ly spreading up the D-side gable end and overlapping into the sky. Therewere two cars inside the garage that were fully involved and another carclosely nosed up to the garage doors that sustained heavy fire damageto its front end.

Grafton Engine 3 arrived and began an aggressive attack on the firewith big lines. Tower 1 set up in the roadway at the driveway entranceand placed its master streams into action. The fire breached through the

exterior siding and sheathing and was traveling into the adjacent roomsand main attic space. Water supply was established using LDH feederswith engine companies pumping the hydrants due to lower pressures.

The OIC struck the second alarm for coverage with a special call forthe Town of Sutton’s Ladder 3. Sutton set up on the Alpha-Bravo cornerand threw their stick to the roofline. Ground ladders were set up foregress from the upper floors if needed. Crews entered the dwelling with1- ¾ inch handlines to extinguish the interior fire. Sutton made a venthole on the main roof exposing the trapped heavy fire. The OIC pulledall companies out so the ladder pipes could knock down the fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle

Fast Moving Blaze in Grafton


New England Responds To Sandy

Hurricane Sandy in Rhode IslandThe State of Rhode Island Urban Search and RescueTask Force was activated to be on the ready if the cit-izens of the state became endangered by HurricaneSandy. The team deployed three strike teams to thetowns of Westerly, Narragansett and Middletown.The Mobile Command Post (MCC) was set up at theCache in Scituate. The MCC monitored the team'scommunications via the state’s 800mhz P25 system,the webEOC software, and all local fire/police/EMSfrequencies. The team was placed on alert onSunday October 28 through October 30, 2012. OnSunday, teams readied their gear and deployed totheir bases. The storm made its appearance lateSunday into Monday morning bringing heavy rainand wind to the region. The strike teams encoun-tered downed trees, downed wires and high surf. OnTuesday morning the teams were deployed to theTown of Westerly. The area of Atlantic Avenue alongthe Misquamicut Beach front was devastated byhigh surf that had damaged or destroyed severalhouses and also moved several feet of beach into thearea. The teams split up into two squads and beganto search the area for occupants who may havedecided to ride out the storm. Buildings weremarked for damages along the search.


WhitmanFirefighter andWife Help NYSandy Victims

Whitman, Massachusetts, call-Firefighter Robert Figgins, Jr., andhis wife, New York native, Mary Figgins, began a drive to collectdonations in the form of relief supplies for the numerous victims ofHurricane Sandy in New York. After sufficient donations were col-lected, Robert and Mary made the lengthy trip to deliver thesemuch needed supplies to the residents of the Belle Harbor area ofRockaway, located in the borough of Queens, New York. The twoWhitman residents networked with local fire departments to set updrop off locations at the Bridgewater, Hanson, Rockland, WestBridgewater & Whitman Fire Departments who helped collect thesupplies. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers

HurricaneSandy WreaksHavoc On TheSouth Shore

To deal with the storms predicted destruction, Whitman Fire ChiefTimothy Grenno ordered all Whitman Fire-Rescue personnel, 20-full time firefighters as well as several call-firefighters, in to workat 0800 hours on Monday. Many firefighters worked 48-hoursstraight during the storm.



Semi Flips, Closes 95 Ramp

A tractor trailer dump truck carrying a load of gravel and rockstipped over on the Route-95 Southbound ramp from SmithfieldAvenue in Providence on the afternoon of November 9, 2012. Theload was dumped out over an embankment onto the southbound

lane of 95. The driver was self extricated and transported for minorinjuries. Heavy wreckers righted the rig shortly after while theRhode Island State Police Truck Team investigated the crash.


Two-Car Crashin WhitmanInjures Two

Around 1500 hours on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the WhitmanFire and Police Departments responded to a reported motor vehi-cle accident at the intersection of Bedford Street at Temple Street,Route-18 at Route-27. Crews arrived to find a two-vehicle accidentin the intersection with two people injured. A second ambulancewas requested to the scene and Whitman Ambulance-3 responded,to assist Whitman Ambulance-1, Engine-2 and Car-2 who werealready on the scene. One victim was transported to the SignatureHealthcare Brockton Hospital and the other victim was transport-ed to the South Shore Hospital. Both had what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. Whitman Police are investigating the acci-dent.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Crash AfterPursuit Kills

BrocktonWoman

Around 1630 hours on Friday, October 12, 2012, the BrocktonPolice Department initiated a pursuit of a vehicle that was report-edly wanted for narcotics violations. The pursuit came to a tragicend at the intersection of Centre Street and Quincy Street, whenthe suspect’s vehicle ran a red light and struck another vehicle,causing a situation that would kill one woman and send eight peo-ple to area hospitals.Engine-4, Squad-A, the TSU and 2-AMRambulances responded to the scene on the initial report of thecrash. Engine-4 arrived and reported they had one person trappedand immediately requested an additional company to respond,along with the deputy and requested Boston MedFlight to land atthe Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, less than a mile away.Ladder-1 responded to the scene, along with Engine-7 that laterresponded. The driver of the fleeing vehicle, identified as AntwoinMoore, 27, of Brockton has been charged with manslaughter,assault with a dangerous weapon, operating to endanger and sev-eral other motor vehicle violations, according to Plymouth CountyDistrict Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Brockton Police ChiefEmanuel Gomes.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers


Hard Hit in Worcester MVA

Wo rc e s t e rfirefighters responded to an MVA shortly after 1600 on October 22,2012, at Main Street and Great Post Road in Worcester. Companiesfrom Webster Square were faced with an entrapment on arrival.Ladder 4 started work with their jaws until Rescue 1 arrived and

put their tools in service to help extricate all parties from the vehi-cle. The roof had to be removed. There was heavy impact from theFord Expedition which made its way into the passenger compart-ment of the smaller sedan.

- Fire News photos by Paul Shea

FIRE HOSE TESTING

• Your crew hates doing it

• Your crew won’t risk injury

• Your crew can use time saved for

training, education etc

• No risk of damage to your engine

• We’re ISO certifi ed

• Reduced Liability using third party

.... Waterway

• We’ve tested over 60 million feet

in 20 years

• We can repack the hose as you’d like

• We can test up to 20,000 ft in a day

• Chief has 24/7 access to test records

• It will be done quickly and effi ciently

11 REASONSWHY YOU SHOULD USE WATERWAY

www.waterwayinc.com

TM

Because your hose knows

2 REASONSTO TEST YOUR FIRE HOSE IN-HOUSE• You’ve got the crew

• It’s cheaper

For free estimate...

Call Steve Jackson, at 845.242.6114 in Hudson Valley & Northern Westchester, NY

Call Tom Tobin, at 518.461.3356 in Capital District, NY

Call Jim Conboy at 570-934-2296 in the Twin Tiers of PA & NY

Call Steve Schuman, at 516.731.1616 in Long Island & Southern Westchester, NYFor free estimate...Call Steve Jackson, at 845.242.6114 in Connecticut, Hudson Valley & Northern Westchester, NY


Duxbury GetsImproved Station

1971 MaximWorcester Engine 8

Restored

Restored 1971 Maxim Engine 8 with the current Engine 8 from The Worcester Fire Department.

-Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Duxbury Fire Department’s new firehouse which was recentlydedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

- Fire News photos by Rob Reardon


Shortly before noon, members of West Haven's Center District andWest Shore Fire Department were sent to the April Street boatramp for a report of people stranded on a sand bar. The four vic-tims, who were attempting to fish in the harbor area had to beachtheir inflatable raft on the sandbar after the water in the harborbecame to rough. A representative of the Sound School Regional

Vocational Aquaculture Center saw the four people in the water andcalled 911. The four men were stranded on a rapidly disappearingsandbar in waist deep water. Members from each departmentplaced their respective boats in service to effect the removal. Therewere no injuries.

- Fire News photos by Glenn Duda

The Tide Also Rises … in West Haven


911 CallUnconfirmedin Providence

A 911 caller reported a man having possibly jumped off the Rte-195 I-Way Bridge into the Seekonk River on November 9, 2012. AMarine Task Force was deployed to the area to begin the search.Boats from East Providence Fire, Providence Fire and Police,Warwick Fire, and Barrington Fire combed the region for hours.An USCG Jayhawk helicopter also was deployed to assist. Diversentered the water to inspect the SONAR hits but came up emptyhanded. The search continued on the next day with negativeresults. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

For more information and to order:Loughlin Enterprises

PO Box 385 • Sayville, New York 11782800-803-0447 • Fax: 631-589-0027

www.ladderbeacon.com • [email protected]

have provided

Fires Services with

Safety Fire Beacons

for 25 Years!

Heat sensors alarm when temperatures

reach 250 degrees with a flashing light.

LoughlinEnterprisesLoughlin

Enterprises

Loughlin Beacons penetrate and

withstand the most rugged

conditions... water, heat, smoke

and chemicals.

Powered by only 3, AA

batteries, the solid state

designed circutry is built

for long lasting depend-

ability. Loughlin Beacons

outer shell is made

durable materials and

come with a

TWO YEAR GUARANTEE.

They are built to last as long as

10-15 years. The brilliant LED

strobe flashes 24-30 hours of

continuous use.

NOW WITH HEAT SENSOR!

Mark The Way In & Find Your Way Out

#1001 Portable Ladder Beacon w/automatic switch#1002 Portable Ladder Beacon w/automatic switch

& manual On/Off override switch

Door Hinge Hanger

Door Hinge Hanger

All Loughlin Fire Beacons

Available with Blue or White LED


Firefighters Battle Fire In Abandoned Motel

Firefighters battled flames at a vacant building off Route-28. Thefire was in an abandoned motel, the Alpine Motel, on WarehamStreet in Middleboro. This is the second time firefighters haveresponded to the abandoned Alpine Motel for a fire. Firefightersimmediately went to a defensive attack mode. The flames wereintense early on but the firefighters were able to get the fire undercontrol. Firefighters managed to knock down the fire around 6:30

in the morning, with some residual flare-ups. The building is locat-ed in a commercial area with no houses nearby, and no other build-ings affected by the fire. Parts of Wareham Street was shut downTuesday morning. Carver, Wareham, Lakeville and the DFS Rehabunit responded mutual aid to the scene.

- Fire News photos by Rob Reardon


Looking Back at Summer 2012


Fast Work on LincolnHouse Fire

- Fire News photo by Thomas Carmody

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley - Fire News photo by Paul Shea

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers - Fire News photo by Thomas Carmody

Woman Dies inProvidence Fire

Quick Knockdown in Holbrook

Tankers Work inCharlton Blaze

General Alarm in Southington

4 FFs, 2 Civilians Injuredin Dorchester 5 Alarm


Firefighter I/II Class in Plymouth

Firefighters from across Plymouth County are in a Firefighter I/II class which started in October 2012

and will run until March, 2013. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers


Cover Story

Suspicious Fire in HansonDestroys Vacant Commercial

Building

Just before 0530 hours on a cold Tuesday, November 27, 2012 theHanson Fire Department responded to the area of 1000 Main Street,Route-27, for a possible structure fire.

Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thompson was the first to arrive on-sceneand reported a working fire in a vacant structure. Chief Thompsonimmediately requested a working fire assignment, and requested anadditional engine to the scene. This would bring Whitman andPembroke engines along with Hanson’s already responding apparatus.

The vacant 20 x 100-foot commercial building at 999 Main Streetwas fully involved when crews arrived. Hanson Engine-3 dumped theirmonitor while a supply line was obtained. Whitman Engine-2 grabbed ahydrant and used their deck gun and a Blitz gun off a three-inch hand-line at the rear of the building. Pembroke’s engine laid a supply line forHanson Tower-1 which utilized its master stream.

The State Fire Marshal’s office was requested in the early stages of

the blaze. A string of suspicious fires has plagued the South Shore areaof Massachusetts, with suspicious fires occurring in two neighboringtowns in the early morning hours just one day before. Another suspi-cious fire that went to three alarms occurred in Quincy, just a few hoursprior to this blaze.

The Hanson Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the StateFire Marshal, the Massachusetts State Police, and the ATF. K-9s couldbe seen sniffing through the debris throughout the morning as snow flurries covered it.

The State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan asks that anyone with informa-tion regarding any of the recent fires throughout the Southeastern partof Massachusetts, or that may have seen something suspicious to callthe arson hotline at 800-682-9229. All information can be confidentialand people that report information could be eligible for a $5,000 reward.

-Fire News Story and photos by Pat Travers


Odor Brings HazMat Responsein Stoughton

Around 1145 on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, the Stoughton FireDepartment responded to Page Street for a report of a strange odorin a building. Crews arrived and investigated the commercial build-ing that was occupied by Honorcraft, Incorporated. Fire crews thatentered the building noticed stinging in their eyes and throats. Theyimmediately backed out and the officer in charge requested a tier-1response from the Department of Fire Services HazardousMaterials Team. Around 1700, after several hours of testing and

monitoring the building, no immediate hazard to humans was dis-covered. Stoughton Fire ventilated the building, and companiespicked up from the scene. Following all of the testing that was com-pleted the hazardous materials team was unable to determine thecause of the strange odor that brought crews to the location in thefirst place.

- Fire News photos by Pat Travers


Pink Heals at Lincoln FD

Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Station #144 presented the SaintEdith Stein Church in Brockton, MA, with four turkey dinners forfamilies in need. Pictured left to right are: Fire & Iron MC Station#144 members Whitman, MA; FF Pat Travers, Rockland, MA; FFMike Mullins; and Pat Galligan.


The Rhode Island Chapter of the Pink Heals visits local firedepartments during the month of October for Breast CancerAwareness month. On May 20, 2010, the RI State Association ofFirefighters officially adopted the "Cares Enough to Wear Pink"campaign. Pink T-Shirts are worn from October 21 throughOctober 28 to show support for the cause. On October 24, 2012 thePink Heals tour visited Station 4 of Lincoln. Members were able topose for photos, sign the rigs with names of cancer victims and sur-vivors, and buy merchandise to help support the cause. All of thepink vehicles have been named after someone who inspired thechapter running the vehicle or the agency that donated the vehicle.For more information on the pink heals tour please visit their web-site: www.pinkfiretrucks.org.


Fire & IronMotorcycle ClubDonates Turkey

Dinners


INDUSTRY News

Rick will be assigned to the Apparatus Division of Five Star Firerepresenting the Sutphen, Toyne and SVI lines of fire apparatus inwestern Massachusetts and Tolland County, Connecticut.

With more than 20 years of experience as a Volunteer Firefighter,Rick currently is a Captain in his department and also serves as theIncident Safety Officer. Rick also holds numerous certifications inmany areas including being trained to Haz-Mat operational level.His sales experience spans three decades which included fire appa-ratus & ambulance sales, construction equipment, parts & serviceand as a manufacturer's representative covering several states.

Five Star Fire serves volunteer and municipal fire departments, aswell as industrial and government agencies in CT, MA and RI. Proudto represent Sutphen Fire Apparatus, the oldest, continually ownedand operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the U.S., Five Star Fireoffers an Emergency Vehicle Service Center with a staff of industrytrained service professionals. They are an authorized warranty andservice center for Hale,

Waterous & Darley fire pumps; Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar,Cummins & MBE Engines, Allison Transmissions, Command LightProducts, Smart Power & Harrison Generators and the is the largestprovider of On-Spot Tire Chains in New England. A division ofFreightliner of Hartford, the largest over-the-road truck sales andservice facility in New England, Five Star Fire can work on anymake truck chassis or fire body.

Five Star Fire is Pleasedto Announce That

Rick McDonald HasJoined Their Sales Team


A 1909 Westinghouse horse drawn fire engine was put on perma-nent display inside New Haven City Hall. Originally placed atEngine Co. 9, the piece remained with the department for 50 yearsand then was decommissioned. It made its way into a collector'shands and a barn in Massachusetts before being rediscovered. Itwas traced back to the department by the builders plaque on it.The project took five years to complete.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

SpencerOpen House

Spencer Fire Department held an open house during fire preven-tion week. The festivities included a pancake breakfast, LifeFlighthelicopter display as well as vehicle extrication and fire extinguish-er displays.

- Fire News photo by Paul Shea

CLASSIFIEDAdsGET RESULTS. TO ADVERTISE, CALL 631-776-0500 EXT. 3

Terry Farrell FireFighters Fund“Surplus Equipment Program” has assisted fire departments throughout

upper New York State with much needed turnout gear, hoses, tools and even several vehicles. All of this is possible through

the generous support of Long Island Fire Departments.We now need the help of volunteers to assist us with

• Equipment deliveries• Drive our vehicles in parades• Man our booths at Fire Dept. tournaments, festivals & functions • Assist with the collection of gear from donating department

No one is paid in our organization but the feeling of helpingfirefighters who receive our donations and assistance and

the gratitude they show to us is payment enough. To Volunteer of for more information about our fund

please go to our website terryfarrellfund.org. Or email [email protected]

Thank You, Brian FarrellTerry Farrell FireFighters Fund

NaplesFloridaVacation home,monthly rental

avail. 3bdrm, 2bth,LV/DR/EIK, lushprivate property.

Ask about special fireman discount

see:www.vrbo.com/103000

NaplesFloridaVacation home,monthly rental

avail. 3bdrm, 2bth,LV/DR/EIK, lushprivate property.

Ask about special fireman discount

see:www.vrbo.com/103000

or call 516-732-5691

Firefighters • EMS • Police

www.FireandRescueStore.comdiv. Larry Fox & Co.,Ltd.

GiftsT-ShirtsDecals

Rubber DucksInfant and Youth itemsand much, much more!

WANTED!TRAVELAGENTS

Needed to work remotely. Great income,Firefighters, EMT, Police, Teachers, or any individual with a following.

E-mail [email protected]

New Haven Fire Department

Old Engine 9Dedication


Up Close & Personal

No Dogs Allowed?Rhode Island USAR

Task Force on thebeach after

Hurricane Sandy.- Fire News photo

by Ken LaBelle

From left: Lt. John Kennedy, Ladder 4; Lt. John Franco, Engine5; unknown; South End District Chief Decourcey during a shift

change at an MVA in Worcester, MA. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Ellington FD provides mutual aid at Vernon two-alarm fire.- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Big Burrillville Structure Fire.- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Providence Engine 3 Captain

in action.- Fire News photo by

Amanda Carmody

ProvidenceFirefighter

Paul Doughty in Action.


Glastonburytwo-alarm blaze

November 14, 2012. - Fire News photo by

Patrick Dooley

Vernon, CT, two-alarm on Park Street on November 6, 2012.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

fire news, southern new england edition 12-12

Documents

story page

special features page

news llc

news photo

pat traversfire news

advertising copy

com decemberjanuary

new york