North Adams Fire department asks for help with hydrants

TheTranscript.com
Article Launched: 12/28/2007 10:27:48 AM EST


Friday, December 28
NORTH ADAMS — With more snow on the horizon, the North Adams Fire Department is asking residents to help them keep the city's fire hydrants clear by adopting one in their neighborhood.
Firefighters and city workers have been busy digging out hydrants over the course of the last two weeks.

"We've mostly cleared them all out," Fire Director Stephen Meranti said Thursday afternoon. "We had some hydrants that were really buried under the snow by private plowing companies."

He said the department marks each hydrant with a yellow reflective marker that should be visible above the snow drifts.

"We're asking people to take care of the hydrants around they're homes and businesses," Meranti said. "We're asking that people not put snow on or around the hydrants — that they push the snow away from them. If someone's out there snowblowing or shoveling, we'd appreciate if they could make a loop around the hydrant — about four feet wide."

He said the people reaping the benefits from clearing out the hydrant are those living near it.

"It's really to the benefit of the property owners," Meranti said. "This way, if there's a fire, the department



doesn't have to spend time locating and digging out the hydrant before tackling the fire."
He's also asking drivers to watch out for firefighters who are out clearing the snow from around the hydrants.

"The other day, we actually had people yelling at the firefighters for being in the road," Meranti said. "If one of our trucks is in the road, our guys are out in front of it clearing a hydrant, and we need people to slow down around the trucks. It's something that's going to be going on all winter."

— Jennifer Huberdeau

Grant funds emergency antenna

By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 12/26/2007 03:04:57 AM EST


Wednesday, December 26
SANDISFIELD — A $42,125 grant from the Department of Homeland Security will enable the town to improve its emergency communications systems next year.
Fire Chief Ralph Morrison said last week that a majority of the funding will pay for a radio antenna atop Sandisfield Fire Station Number Two, located on Route 57.

Some of the money will also go to install a self-contained generator in Fire Station Number One on 79 South Main St., which will be used as a community center in an emergency, said Morrison.

The antenna will enable firefighters living in more remote portions of the town to better receive emergency tones from the county dispatch center in Pittsfield.

There are times, said Morrison, that weather conditions and geography conspire to mute the dispatch signals. This antenna, he said, will hopefully reduce that problem. At 52 square miles, Sandisfield is the largest town by area in the Berkshires. It is also one of the most sparsely settled.

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. John Olver, D-Amherst, explained that the grant is part of the federal Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters program.

A total of $490 million


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has been awarded this year. But, the spokesman said, the grant is extremely competitive, as fire departments and emergency medical teams from cities, tons and villages all compete for the money.
Olver, in a prepared statement, pointed out that these grants "are critical to smaller communities with limited resources. Whenever I meet with town officials, the message is always the same: Municipal needs always outstrip individual towns' budgets."

Morrison said last week that he hopes to begin these projects by the beginning of 2008. But his plans are contingent on when the town is awarded the funding.

"Obviously, I have to get the money before I start," he said.

Morrison credited his brother, Police Chief Michael Morrison, Emergency Management Director John Burrows and Burrows' wife Kathy Burrows, for assisting in writing the grant.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - FLOOD WATCH

CTZ001-013-MAZ001-025-NYZ038>040-043-047>054-059>061-064>066-084-
231130-
/O.EXA.KALY.FA.A.0010.071223T1700Z-071224T1100Z/
/00000.0.RS.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
NORTHERN LITCHFIELD-SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD-NORTHERN BERKSHIRE-
SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE-SOUTHERN HERKIMER-SOUTHERN FULTON-MONTGOMERY-
NORTHERN WASHINGTON-SCHOHARIE-WESTERN SCHENECTADY-
EASTERN SCHENECTADY-SOUTHERN SARATOGA-WESTERN ALBANY-
EASTERN ALBANY-WESTERN RENSSELAER-EASTERN RENSSELAER-
EASTERN GREENE-WESTERN COLUMBIA-EASTERN COLUMBIA-EASTERN ULSTER-
WESTERN DUTCHESS-EASTERN DUTCHESS-SOUTHERN WASHINGTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...TORRINGTON...OAKVILLE...NEW MILFORD...
TERRYVILLE...PITTSFIELD...NORTH ADAMS...GREAT BARRINGTON...LEE...
LENOX...HOUSATONIC...ILION...HERKIMER...LITTLE FALLS...MOHAWK...
FRANKFORT...DOLGEVILLE...GLOVERSVILLE...JOHNSTOWN...AMSTERDAM...
WELLSVILLE...WHITEHALL...GRANVILLE...COBLESKILL...MIDDLEBURGH...
DELANSON...ESPERANCE...DUANESBURG...SCHENECTADY...ROTTERDAM...
BALLSTON SPA...MECHANICVILLE...WATERFORD...ALTAMONT...ALBANY...
TROY...HOOSICK FALLS...CATSKILL...COXSACKIE...ATHENS...CAIRO...
JEFFERSON HEIGHTS...HUDSON...CHATHAM...KINGSTON...NEW PALTZ...
POUGHKEEPSIE...BEACON...ARLINGTON...PAWLING...DOVER PLAINS...
MILLBROOK...PINE PLAINS...AMENIA...MILLERTON...HUDSON FALLS...
FORT EDWARD...CAMBRIDGE...GREENWICH
331 PM EST SAT DEC 22 2007
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS EXPANDED THE

* FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT...
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK...INCLUDING
THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT...NORTHERN
LITCHFIELD AND SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD. IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS...
NORTHERN BERKSHIRE AND SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE. IN EAST CENTRAL NEW
YORK...EASTERN ALBANY...EASTERN COLUMBIA...EASTERN DUTCHESS...
EASTERN GREENE...EASTERN RENSSELAER...EASTERN SCHENECTADY...
EASTERN ULSTER...MONTGOMERY...NORTHERN WASHINGTON...
SCHOHARIE...SOUTHERN FULTON...SOUTHERN HERKIMER...SOUTHERN
SARATOGA...SOUTHERN WASHINGTON...WESTERN ALBANY...WESTERN
COLUMBIA...WESTERN DUTCHESS...WESTERN RENSSELAER AND WESTERN
SCHENECTADY.

* FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT

* A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL TRACK THROUGH THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES
REGION SUNDAY. IT WILL BRING VERY STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS AND
HEAVY RAIN TO THE CATSKILLS...ADIRONDACKS...SCHOHARIE
VALLEY...BERKSHIRES AND TACONICS...WITH TEMPERATURES RISING
INTO THE 40S. THIS WILL RESULT IN RAPID MELTING OF THE ONE TO
THREE INCHES OF WATER IN THE SNOW PACK ALONG WITH ONE TO ONE AND
A HALF INCHES OF RAIN SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE COMBINED
RAINFALL...RUNOFF AND SNOWMELT MAY RESULT IN STREAMS AND RIVERS
OVERFLOWING THEIR BANKS. FLOODING OF ROADS AND PARKING AREAS
WHERE PILES OF SNOW AND ICE PREVENT WATER FROM DRAINING AWAY IS
ALSO POSSIBLE.

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE
FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE
PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

Lee fires burn homes Two blazes erupt within minutes of each other in the town

Firefighters battle a blaze at a six-unit apartment building on Laurel Street yesterday in Lee, the first of two fires to break out in the town last night.

Caroline Bonnivier / Berkshire Eagle Staff

By Benning W. De La Mater, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 12/16/2007 04:25:36 AM EST


Click photo to enlargeFirefighters battle a blaze at a six-unit apartment building on Laurel Street yesterday in...«1»Sunday, December 16
LEE — Two separate fires just 1.5 miles apart broke out within 13 minutes of each other in town last night, forcing more than 40 firefighters from five departments to battle the blazes in 18-degree temperatures.
No one was injured in either fire, but two animals were killed. Fire officials had yet to determine what caused the fires as of press time, but state fire marshals were called in to investigate.

The first blaze broke out at 6 p.m. in a six-unit apartment building on Laurel Street (Route 20), adjacent to the Massachusetts State Police barracks. The second fire was reported at 6:13 p.m. at 130 Tamarack Ave.

No one was home at the time of the Laurel Street fire. Janna Delgado had planned to meet her boyfriend, Michael Newson, at the apartment for dinner. When she arrived, flames were shooting toward the trees, lighting up the sky. Newson was shopping at Price Chopper when Delgado called to tell him the news.

Newson, who has lived there since September, said the owner, Bob Holcomb, had just renovated the building — a light-yellow older home that had been turned into apartments — and that Holcomb's son was the only other tenant. A "For



Rent" sign was pushed into a snow-covered front lawn.
Cars were backed up for at least a mile to the north as police rerouted traffic on Route 20 at Cranwell and at the bottom of Laurel Street.

The owners of the Tamarack Avenue home, David and Trisha Sires, were not home at the time, but fire officials said a dog and cat were killed in the blaze.

Lee Assistant Fire Chief Ed North said when crews arrived at the fire, the hydrants were frozen, forcing firefighters to use water from a tanker.

"When we arrived, the fire was fully involved and the flames were spreading," he said. "We had tankers, so water was not an issue."

North said it appeared that the fire originated in the garage of the small Cape-style home.

It took several hours to contain both fires. Firefighters from Lee, Tyringham, Stockbridge, Lenox and Lenox Dale battled the blazes, which gutted both buildings. Tenants of both buildings planned to stay with families or friends last night.

North said it was "unusual" that two fires broke out at the same time. He said both South Lee and Lenox fire departments were celebrating their annual Christmas parties when the fires broke out.

"At least the wives are having fun," he said.

Eagle correspondent Dick Lindsay contributed to this story.

To reach Benning W. De La Mater: bdelamater@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6243

USFA Releases Two Topical Reports on Fire Department Runs

USFA Releases Two Topical Reports on Fire Department Runs
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has issued two special reports, part of its Topical Fire Report Series, examining fire department responses to all types of emergency situations. In addition to fighting fires, fire departments respond to emergency medical service (EMS) calls; technical rescues; explosions; hazardous threats and conditions; natural disasters, and false alarms. Fire departments are also called upon to respond to a wide variety of non-emergency situations.

"Throughout the history of our nation, fire departments have, and continue to provide the necessary response and services to the communities they protect," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "In today's community and emergency environment, fire protection is only one of the many functions of a fire department. As in the past, today's firefighters are trained to handle all types of incidents, including EMS and will continue to prepare themselves for all types of emergencies, threats and vulnerabilities in the future."

The two reports, the Fire Department Overall Run Profile and the Fire Department Fire Run Profile, were developed by the National Fire Data Center, part of USFA. To understand the full role fire departments play in a community, these reports explore fire department run activity as reflected in the 2004 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data.

The Fire Department Overall Run Profile looks at all types of fire department runs or calls including fire, whereas the focus of the Fire Department Fire Run Profile is strictly fire. Fifty-five percent of department responses require EMS and rescue services. False alarms account for 12 percent of all fire department runs, followed closely by good intent calls at 10 percent. About eight percent of all calls actually involve fire. Forty-two percent of all fire runs are to incidents involving structures, followed by outside fires at 35 percent.

The short topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in NFIRS. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information

Fire Departments Over All Run Profile (PDF - 1.1 mb

Fire Departments Fire Run Profile (PDF - 870 kb)

A dagger to the heart of Shelburne Falls: Assessing the fire's damage

BY DIANE BRONACACCIO AND JEREMY DIRAC RECORDER STAFF
email this writer


Recorder/Paul Franz
The top section of 33 Bridge St. in Shelburne Falls was demolished after a fire Sunday night damaged the building beyond repair.
Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007

SHELBURNE FALLS -- On an icy Monday morning, residents and bystanders huddled in doorways and beneath the Keystone Market awning, staring at what was left of 33 Bridge St. after Sunday night's fire.

On the first floor was the shell of four businesses: Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, Trans-itions hair salon, a T-shirt shop owned by Mike Johnson, and Kathleen Reagey's therapeutic massage business.

'It's right dead center in the heart of our community,' Shelburne selectmen's Chairman Joseph Judd said as he surveyed the damage. 'It's like it took a dagger right in the center of it.'

Had there been even a little bit more wind, the fire could have spread and destroyed even more of the Shelburne Falls downtown, Judd said. 'I really believe that in a lot of ways, (firefighters) saved this village.'

As of Monday evening, no cause for the fire had been determined. The state fire marshal's office said the blaze was still under investigation.

About a dozen fire departments answered the call after the blaze broke out about 6:15 p.m. Firefighters stayed throughout the night and into Monday. By late afternoon a crane began demolishing the building.

Many neighboring businesses along Bridge Street, the main commercial street on the Shelburne side of Shelburne Falls, were without power and closed Monday.

In short order, offers of help began to flow in.

Hope and Olive restaurant in Greenfield, whose owners lost a Shelburne Falls business to fire two years ago, is holding a benefit. Maggie Zaccara, a former A Bottle of Bread owner, said her new restaurant is holding an 'emergency' free soup and game night. The first Monday of every month, folks are invited to dine on soup, bread, and desserts, and to bring in games to play. While it's all free, those that come are invited to make donations to worthy causes.

The benefit is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Arthur Schwenger, executive director of the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, silently took a long look at the damaged building Monday morning.

'It's a major disaster for the downtown area,' Schwenger said. 'Something like this affects all the businesses in town.'

'I'm sure the (association) will want to do what they can to help out the businesses affected by this,' he said.

In response to calls from people wanting to help the fire victims, Shelburne Executive Secretary Terry Mosher said selectmen will let people know how they can help after they have a better idea of what is needed.

Had to come down

The blackened walls of the 33 Bridge St., built in 1895, were bowing after the fire and had to come down as soon as possible, said Shelburne Falls Fire Chief Rick Bardwell. Bricks had fallen off the top story, revealing the wooden 'balloon construction' beneath the facade. Balloon framing allows fire to race inside a wall from the first to upper floors without fire stops, which is one reason the fire spread so quickly, Bardwell said.

'The building has to come down. It's totally unsafe,' he said. 'The facade is in danger of falling.'

Firefighters had worked through the night to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent century-old commercial buildings in the heart of the village.

Ladder trucks from Shelburne Falls, Greenfield, Turners Falls and South Deerfield hosed down the rooftops of the other commercial buildings on the block in a successful attempt to prevent the fire from spreading, Bardwell said.

However, water from the fire hoses flowed into the cellars of those neighboring buildings.

'These old foundations were rubble-laid,' he explained. 'So you have water from the fire building flowing into these empty 'swimming pools' -- the cellars of the other buildings.'

He said some of the furnaces in adjacent buildings were under water.

According to Bardwell, the basements have to be pumped out, and electricity would most likely be restored later on today, following an electrical inspection.

Although hot coffee and breakfast fare may have been in short supply on the Shelburne side of the Iron Bridge, the selectmen's meeting room in the Shelburne Town Hall looked like a banquet had taken place. Tables were lined with steam trays that, on Sunday night, had included two types of pasta from the nearby Gypsy Apple restaurant.

'Gypsy Apple put on a feast' for firefighters, said Bardwell. 'We had pheasant,' he said, referring to the restaurant's pheasant cacciatore. 'We got (food) from the Rod & Gun Club, from the Red Cross. We had hot, baked cookies.

'People were fantastic.'

Mosher said town hall was overloaded with phone calls early Monday after Judd sent out a townwide voice mail, telling people about the fire and warning that part of Bridge Street was closed to traffic. She said people came in during the day with more food for the firefighters and others on the scene.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

EST TUESDAY.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM
EST TUESDAY...FOR SOUTHERN VERMONT...BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND MUCH OF
UPSTATE EASTERN NEW YORK EXCEPT THE HUDSON VALLEY FROM THE CAPITAL
DISTRICT SOUTH.

A WINTRY MIX OF LIGHT FREEZING RAIN...SNOW AND SLEET WILL
OVERSPREAD THESE AREAS LATE TONIGHT AND LINGER INTO TUESDAY
MORNING BEFORE CHANGING TO LIQUID RAIN. THESE CONDITIONS WILL
ONLY LINGER FOR A FEW HOURS...BUT PERSIST THE LONGEST IN THE DEEP
SHELTERED MOUNTAIN VALLEYS OF THE ADIRONDACKS AND CATSKILLS.

PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS WILL BE LIGHT...BUT A TRACE TO A TENTH OF
AN INCH OF FREEZING RAIN WILL MAKE UNTREATED SURFACES SLIPPERY.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Region 5 Meeting

The next Region 5 Meeting will be held. On Thursday, November 15th at 7pm at the Dalton Fire Department, Dalton, Mass. Following the meeting there will be a special presentation. Refreshments will be available.
If your planning on attending the meeting. Please call the MCVFA Office 1.800.551.3473
or email me at vpregion5@gmail.com

Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Hours

We are pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial

will be open on the following Saturdays:

November 10th

November 17th



9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ashburton Park

Massachusetts State House

* Rain or Shine *



We are pleased to offer this special opportunity to accommodate those who may not be able to visit the Memorial during normal Ashburton Park hours of operation, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Memorial is located on State House grounds and therefore only open during normal State House hours of operation. The Memorial plans to open the park on select weekends in the fall and spring.

For more information please visit www.mafirememorial.org or call toll free (888) ASK FIRE.

Local Man Receives State Police Promotion

- October 15, 2007


(iberkshire.com)
NORTH ADAMS - A city man has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Massachusetts State Police.

William C. Blackmer Jr., a 20-year veteran of the force, was among 44 other troopers and officers receiving promotions in a ceremony at State Police Headquarters in Framingham on Thursday.

The new lieutenant is currently assigned to Troop B Headquarters in Northampton. Troop B is comprised of 86 cities and towns covering an area of nearly 2,500 square miles in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. He was previously assigned to the Shelburne Falls and Cheshire barracks.

"It is now time to put all of the knowledge and years of experience into action," Col. Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the state police, told the newly promoted officers. "You chose to be a leader. You elected to take on the responsibility of command. The right decision is often times not the most popular, but a true leader must act in the best interest of the department and the public we serve."

Blackmer is a 1975 graduate of Northampton High School and has bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Westfield State College.

MCVFA ANNUAL STATE MEETING ***

Our next State Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at
10:00am at the Holiday Inn in Taunton (Exit 9 off Rt. 495).

Our Guest Speaker will be Brad Preston from VFIS-SNE.

Elections will be held for President, Secretary and Trustee At Large along
with a vote for 2008 Dues.

It is very important to RSVP 1 (800) 551-3473 with the number from your
department attending so we have an accurate headcount for the luncheon
at $5.00 per person. Also, check our web site (mcvfa.org) for other
important and updated information about your region and the association.

Larry Holmberg, President, MCVFA

2007 Village Ambulance Service Food Drive for Williamstown Food Pantry

Village Ambulance Service, in partnership with the Williamstown Food Pantry,
is preparing to launch our 2007 Food Drive. The mission of the food drive is
to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community and, thanks to your
help in 2006, we were able to chip away at this ever-growing epidemic. Over
400 lbs of non-perishable food items was collected in 2006, most of which
came from people like you and me donating a couple cans of vegetables or a
few boxes of cereal. It doesn't take much.
attached flier
If you would print out the attached flier and hang it in your respective
places of business, it would be greatly appreciated. We are setting an even
higher goal of 500 lbs of food this year, so any donation, large or small,
will certainly help.

In addition to non-perishable food items, we are also collecting grocery
store gifts cards. For some, this might make the ability to donate much
easier. Again, any donation, large or small, will make a difference.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions and thanks for your
support!

Best regards,

Shawn P. Godfrey
Operations Manager
Village Ambulance Service
30 Water Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
Business: 413-458-4889
Cell: 413-884-5729

Lenox fire chief gets top state honor

By Jenn Smith, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 10/05/2007 11:24:57 AM EDT


Friday, October 05
LENOX — There's no question that law enforcers and emergency responders are heroes. For every life saved and for all the preventative efforts made, every one of those men and women deserve recognition.
But yesterday was Dan Clifford's day to shine.

The Lenox fire chief and emergency management director was named the 2007 Massachusetts Emergency Manager of the Year.

"I'm overwhelmed," said Clifford, who was honored during a training session in Agawam yesterday morning.

Emergency management in New England is a partnership. Clifford's plaque was awarded through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.

According to MEMA coordinators, each state in the consortium, which includes all of New England plus New York and New Jersey, nominate an emergency manager for the award each year. Clifford was chosen as the top nominee among all of them.

An announcement through MEMA headquarters in Framingham credited Clifford for his work with his Local Emergency Planning Committee (Central Berkshire), his contributions to creating comprehensive emergency planning documents and specifically for his



effort and leadership in responding to a December 2006 ice storm that hit the Lenox area.
"He's kind of a one-man show up there in Lenox," according to a spokesman for MEMA Regions 3 and 4. "He's earned rightly deserved credit. He's an outstanding human being."

Clifford has served as the town's emergency management director for about 15 years, an unpaid volunteer position which is separate from his position as fire chief. He regularly attends training and planning sessions for the position.

The planning process includes creating response strategies for a range of disasters caused by either nature or man.

"I think it's a great honor," Clifford said of his award. "Every emergency responder is looking out for the interest of the commonwealth and our visitors."

To reach Jenn Smith: jsmith@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6239.

Fire Prevention Week Oct 7 - 13

Scheduled Open House for Fire Prevention Week:

Williamstown’s Open House will be Saturday Oct. 13th from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Not an open house, but the Alford fire Dept. is holding it's annual pancake breakfast on Sunday Oct. 7, 7:30 - 11:30 at the fire station at 86 North. Egremont Road. Alford, MA. The equipment is open to all that attend. They will be handing out fire prevention flyers and stickers to the kids and parents.


The North Adams Fire Department will host a fire safety open house in honor of National Fire Prevention Month on Sunday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the fire station, 40 American Legion Drive.
The open house will include firefighters demonstrating the way to escape a smoke-filled room, cooking safety tips, fire prevention tips, and Sparky, the fire safety mascot, interacting with the children.

State’s fallen hailed in unveiling of firefighter memorial (Tuesday 9/11/07)

By John J. Monahan TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
jmonahan@telegram.com


State’s fallen hailed in unveiling of firefighter memorial


BOSTON— The six Worcester firefighters who sacrificed their lives fighting the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire on Dec. 3, 1999, were given a special honor last night as the state dedicated a new memorial to all of its fallen firefighters at the Statehouse.

The six heroes of that fire were honored with a presentation of plaques bearing Worcester Fire Department patches that were flown 5.5 million miles in a NASA space shuttle last year.

James Dumont, commander of the Kennedy Space Center Fire Department Honor Guard, himself the son of a Worcester firefighter, presented Mary Jackson, widow of Lt. Timothy P. Jackson, with one of the plaques bearing his name in a small ceremony in Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray’s office.


Mr. Dumont, a Worcester native whose late father, James Dumont, retired from Engine Co. 13 in 1997 and died in 2001, organized the NASA tribute and made the presentation along with four other members of the Space Center Honor Guard who traveled to Massachusetts.

Five similar plaques, bearing the fire department patch, an American flag, signatures of the Atlantis space-shuttle crew and the director of the Kennedy space center, James Kennedy, were also delivered to local officials to give to the families of the five other firefighters who died in the warehouse tragedy.

Worcester Fire Chief Gerard A. Dio accepted a seventh plaque on behalf of the department.

The presentation came as thousands of firefighters and their families gathered to dedicate the new Massachusetts Fallen Firefighter memorial in Ashburton Park, next to the Statehouse.

The memorial honors all the state’s firefighters who have died in the line of duty and those who have spent their careers fighting fires.

The memorial includes a life-sized bronze stature of three firefighters in full gear and posed in firefighting positions at the center of a large circular memorial.

The memorial also features a silver firehouse bell and a marble monument engraved with the Firefighter’s Prayer.

Bricks around the statue and the sitting stations within the memorial are engraved with the names of fallen firefighters.

Two bricks on the north side of the monument carry the names of Worcester Fire Lts. Thomas E. Spencer, Jackson, James F. Lyons, Firefighters Joseph T. McGuirk, Paul A. Brotherton and Jeremiah M. Lucey, the six who were trapped in the mazelike interior of the building during a search for homeless people believed to have been inside at the time of the enormous fire.

Mr. Dumont, who attended the 1999 memorial service in Worcester, said he was so moved by the bravery of the men and the thousands who marched in their memory that he worked to have the patches flown in space in their honor.

He said he also formed the first honor guard for the Kennedy Space Center Fire Department after the Worcester tribute.

“I remember all the people who marched that day and lined the streets and the little children saluting,” he said.

Mr. Dumont said it took years of lobbying and phone calls, by himself and fellow Kennedy Center Firefighter Charles E. Stephenson, as well as some help from U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., to get the patches into space.

The effort was further delayed with the grounding of the space shuttle missions after the explosion of the Columbia shuttle on re-entry in February 2003, claiming the lives of seven astronauts aboard.

He said that during the course of his effort, he emphasized Worcester’s many connections to the space program, including the city’s being home to the father of modern rocketry, Robert H. Goddard, the manufacture of space suits by the David Clark Co., and WPI professor and astronaut Albert Sacco, who flew on the space shuttle in 1995.

“I’m nearly speechless,” Mrs. Jackson told Mr. Dumont after giving him a long hug.

“I’m so happy that I got to meet you. It meant so much to me to do this,” Mr. Dumont said.

“I’m so happy that you did, too. It’s going to have a place of honor in my house, and it is going to always stay there,” Mrs. Jackson said.

“I have just the spot for it. It’s going to be in the hallway, so everyone that comes in will see it,” she told him.



During the ceremonies unveiling the Fallen Firefighter Memorial earlier, officials recalled the Worcester warehouse tragedy, the 343 firefighters who died in the terrorist attacks six years ago yesterday, and the most recent deaths of two firefighters who died in Boston fighting a restaurant fire and were buried last week.

Mr. Murray remembered being a first-term city councilor when the warehouse tragedy occurred.

He said people often ask why firefighters would run into burning buildings while others are fleeing and said they explain their bravery, simply saying, “This is what we do.”

Gov. Deval L. Patrick said the memorial was “a long-overdue honor” to the firefighters of the state.

He told the firefighters gathered at the Statehouse for the dedication that the memorial would be “a constant reminder of your daily heroism.”

Thousands Of Firefighters Pay Tribute To Cahill

Paul Cahill, 55, joined the department in 1993 and served on Engine 30, Ladder 25.

CBS



Photos From The Funeral

(WBZ) WEST ROXBURY Thousands of firefighters turned out to say goodbye to a fallen comrade. Bagpipes played and firefighters from all over the country lined the streets of West Roxbury as Paul Cahill's casket made its way to the church.

Cahill's flag-draped casket, riding atop Engine 30, passed his fire house before arriving at Holy Name Parish Thursday morning.

Two firefighters carried Cahill's ceremonial soft hat and helmet into the church. They were placed on a table alongside Cahill's casket for the service and were then given to the family, along with the International Association of Firefighters Medal of Honor.

Cahill's son Adam spoke during the family remembrance part of the service. Before talking about his dad, he asked everyone to show their appreciation for the firefighters. He named two firefighters in particular, Joe Lohan and Joe Thornton.

Adam spoke fondly of his dad. "There is an absence of proper words to describe the love I have for my father," he said. "It's not due to lack of vocabulary, they just don't exist."

At home, Cahill was affectionately called Cat Daddy.

"Although we do not have him by our side anymore, we will have the lessons he has left to us," said Cahill's son, Brendan Cahill. "It is my belief that if we carry that little piece of Cat Daddy with us, he will never truly die."

Other relatives and friends also reflected on Cahill's life during the service -- calling him a passionate firefighter, a caring friend, great cook and a loving husband and father.

An estimated 15,000 firefighters from across North America came to Boston to attend the funeral. Many arrived on Wednesday for his wake. One firefighter got on a plane in Washington State Tuesday morning just after ending a 24-hour shift.

To mark the end of Cahill's funeral service, a bell was rung by a fellow firefighter. This bell not only means the end of an emergency and the return to quarters, it also symbolizes the end of service for a firefighter killed in the line of duty.

Cahill and his colleague Warren Payne, both of Engine 30, Ladder 25, were killed in a West Roxbury restaurant fire last week.

Payne will be honored during a funeral service on Friday. You can read details here.

WBZTV.com will carry the service live, starting at 11 a.m.

The West Roxbury fire fund has been established for their families. Donations can be sent to:

West Roxbury Fire Fund
c/o Boston Firefighters Credit Union
60 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-288-2420

LODD - Two Boston Firefighters killed in West Roxbury fire

News: LODD - Two Boston Firefighters killed in West Roxbury fire
The Boston Fire Department has reported the Line of Duty Deaths of Firefighters Paul J. Cahill, 55, of Scituate and Warren J. Payne, 53, of Canton. Both were killed last night at a fire in a restaurant on Centre Street in West Roxbury. Firefighters Cahill and Payne were both stationed at the Engine 30/Ladder 25 firehouse on Centre St. in West Roxbury.

See the following articles for additional details on the incident:
Firehouse.com: Restaurant Blaze Kills Two Boston Firefighters


Boston Globe: 2 firefighters die 12 hurt in blaze
Details on funeral arrangements will be posted when available.



West Roxbury Fire Fund


A fund has been established by the Boston Firefighters Credit Union and donations can be made to the following address:


West Roxbury Fire Fund
c/o Boston Firefighters Credit Union
60 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02124

Benefit Concert for the Adams Ambulance Squad

On Sunday, August 19, at 6pm a benefit concert for the Adams Ambulance Squad featuring “Changes in Latitude”

A tribute to Jimmy Buffett will be held at Bowe Field.

Businesses and residents who contributed to the service’s recent fundraising campaign received complimentary tickets to the concert.

The Adams Ambulance Services the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. Money raised will go towards improved training, new emergency medical equipment and the sponsorship of a girls’ softball or baseball team

Annual EMS Apparatus Parade & Firefighters Muster

Save the date! (and start polishing and practicing!)
Annual EMS Apparatus Parade & Firefighters Muster
Greenfield, MA Sunday, September 9 12 NOON

QUESTIONS? Call organizer Russ Hudson (413) 773-9841 or email him at
rhudson@lbtrucks.net


Chiefaroo U-II

Deb Parker has about 12 Chiefaroo U-II T-shirts left ($20 apiece, L, XL, and XX) and 10 copies of Vincent Dunn's just-off-the-press "Strategy of Firefighting" book ($69). Want more Bunker Kit boxes for your station mates? She's got those, too. ($10.) If you want any of the above, email Deb at ChiefarooU@yahoo.com to make payment and shipping arrangements

Massachusetts Fallen Firefighter Memorial Dedication, September 11, 2007

After more than seven years of planning, and more than 750 bricks sold, the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the Memorial construction has entered the final stages. This Memorial will be a living tribute to past, present and future firefighters. It will stand tall at our State Capitol to honor Massachusetts firefighters, our unsung heroes.


Join Us for the Unveiling and Official Dedication of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
6:00PM
Ashburton Park of the Massachusetts State House


This is an Outside Event and will take place Rain or Shine. VERY Limited Seating will be Available.


RSVP by September 6th to:
melissa@mafirememorial.org or 1 (888) ASK FIRE (275-3473)


Any Honor Guards and/or Pipes & Drum Corps Wishing to Participate - Please Contact Melissa Hurley at the above phone/email


Class A Uniforms Requested





Parking and Directions


Ashburton Park is located directly behind the State House on Bowdoin Street.

The nearest accessible MBTA Station is Park Street (Green/Red lines). The Memorial will be a 5 minute walk.


The following parking garages are both a 5-10 minute walk to the Memorial.

Boston Common Underground Garage located below the Common. Enter at Charles Street: $10 enter after 4PM


Center Plaza Garage across from Government Center. Enter at Somerset or Tremont Street: $10 enter after 4PM

NVFC Launches National Firefighter Health Week

As part of its ongoing effort to promote and strengthen the health and safety of firefighters and EMS personnel nationwide, the NVFC is launching the inaugural National Firefighter Health Week from August 13-17. The NVFC encourages all fire and emergency personnel, their departments, and their families to focus on health and wellness during this week.

Each of the five days of National Firefighter Health Week spotlights a different health issue of particular concern for emergency responders. These are:

Monday: Behavioral Health
Tuesday: Cancer
Wednesday: Heart-Health
Thursday: Nutrition
Friday: Lifestyle
Stay tuned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site at www.healthy-firefighter.org for more information about National Firefighter Health Week. Also be on the lookout at your department for a special issue of The Pulse newsletter that focuses on the important daily health topics of the week.

Benefit Chili Dinner to Help Family Who lost there home to a fire

- July 26, 2007

A Chili Dinner will be held on Wednesday, August 1st as a benefit for the Peter’s Family who lost their home to fire the night of June 25. Friends of Andrea, Tony, Damian and Haley will host the dinner at the First Congregational Church in North Adams beginning at 5 o’clock.

There will be a Chinese Auction, 50/50 Raffle and other activities. Cost is $6.00 and $4.00 for children and seniors. All proceeds will be added to the “A-Fire” fund to help the Peters Family get back on their feet and help replace the many items destroyed in the fire.

Anyone wishing to donate to this event may call Darlene Ellis at 664-6266. This benefit is supported by Target Hunger in collaboration with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

NVFC Calls For Department of Justice to Award Hometown Heroes Claims

(On July 11, 2007)



NVFC Calls For Department of Justice to Award Hometown Heroes Claims

Calls For Congressional Investigation Into the Award-Making Process
At a press event today in Washington, DC, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) called for the Department of Justice (DoJ) to begin awarding Public Safety Officer’s Benefits (PSOB) to families who applied for the benefit under the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act. PSOB is a one-time payment of nearly $300,000 to the families of fallen public safety officers. The Hometown Heroes Act, which became law in 2003, was supposed to make it possible for public safety officers who die from heart attack or stroke caused by participation in emergency response to qualify for PSOB. Since passage of the law, DoJ has made seven awards, denied 47 claims and has 199 claims that are still pending.

“From the language of the law to the clearly expressed intent of Congress, DoJ should be paying benefits in cases where a public safety officer died from heart attack or stroke within 24 hours of participating in emergency response,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “DoJ needs to start making these payments today, and Congress should investigate why three and a half years after passage of the law so few payments have been made and so many denials and pending cases exist.”

The press conference took place in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Also speaking were Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Congressmen Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Spencer Bachus (R-AL). The widows of three fallen firefighters and representatives from other public safety organizations also spoke.

DoJ has denied claims in which firefighters suffered a fatal heart attack during emergency response. Their justification is that emergency response doesn’t necessarily constitute “nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical” activity. A report that appeared recently in the New England Journal of Medicine would appear to contradict this, finding that firefighters are at an extremely heightened risk of suffering a heart attack not only during fire suppression but during alarm response and alarm return as well.

“I’ve got a news flash for DoJ,” said Stittleburg. “Emergency response by its very nature is nonroutine stressful and strenuous physical activity. Ask anyone who actually knows what it is like to respond to an incident and they’ll agree with me.”

“DoJ has been determining on a case-by-case basis whether or not the emergency response described in a PSOB application passes some illusory litmus test,” Stittleburg continued. “This puts tremendous pressure on public safety agencies to create a detailed narrative of the deceased officer’s activities that accurately conveys the physical and emotional strain of emergency response.”

For more information on Hometown Heroes, go to www.nvfc.org. The NVFC encourages supporters to contact their Representatives and Senators to call for a Congressional investigation into DoJ’s implementation of the Hometown Heroes Survivor’s Benefits Act.

USFA Announces New Web-Based Online Training System

USFA Announces New Web-Based Online Training System

News Release Date: June 25, 2007

EMMITSBURG, MD. - The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy
is pleased to announce the launch of a new Web-based online training
system - NFAOnline. NFAOnline provides an easy, one-stop Web site where
fire and emergency services personnel, first responders, emergency
management personnel, and the general public will find free training
and
education programs that they can complete at their own pace.

"Now is the time for us to embrace the future and improve our education
through distance learning," said NFA Superintendent, Dr. Denis Onieal.
"NFAOnline provides another option to help further the professionalism
of the nation's fire and emergency services and strengthen their
ability
to combat all hazard emergencies."

NFAOnline provides a user-friendly, state-of-the art training system
with technical support and the ability for the student to immediately
print a certificate and transcript. The primary effort of NFAOnline is
to make available training and materials for the fire service,
particularly those unable to attend resident courses in Emmitsburg,
Maryland.

There are currently eight courses available on the new NFAOnline.
Additional courses are in development and will be added in coming
weeks.
Course subjects include fire prevention, fire service supervision,
incident management (ICS 100 and ICS 200), emergency response to
terrorist incidents, and emergency medical services.

To enroll in NFAOnline, visit www.nfaonline.dhs.gov and select New
Students

NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter E-News.

June 12, 2007


Welcome to the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter E-News. The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program was designed to help firefighters and emergency medical personnel become more heart-healthy and lower the incidence of heart attack related deaths in the emergency services. We hope that you enjoy this newsletter and that it benefits not only you, but others in your department, family and community.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this issue:
Heart-Healthy Challenge Winners Announced
NVFC Conducts Free Health Screenings and Unveils Cookbook at Fire Expo
Stand Down for Safety on June 17-23
Sign Up for the New Heart-Healthy Firefighter Newsletter, The Pulse
Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol Levels
Focus on Health During Men's Health Week, June 11-17
Health Tip: Swim, Swim, Swim


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Heart-Healthy Challenge Winners Announced

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Merck/Schering-Plough (MSP) have announced five of the ten winners of the Heart-Healthy Challenge contest. The contest is part of the Sounding the Alarm for High Cholesterol program, a partnership between NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program and MSP’s Strike Out High Cholesterol program. The goal of Sounding the Alarm for High Cholesterol is to alert firefighters to the risks of high cholesterol and its role in heart disease.

As part of this program, firefighters and EMS personnel nationwide are encouraged to take the Heart-Healthy Challenge, an online quiz available at http://www.cholesterolalarm.com
to test how their heart-health knowledge stacks up. Ten markets across the nation were chosen to participate in a Heart-Healthy Challenge contest. The winning fire station in each market receives a $1,500 donation, as well as 75 tickets to a Minor League Baseball game and recognition at the game. The five winners are:

Memphis Fire & EMS Department Engine 35, Shelby County, TN
Earl Township Volunteer Fire Company #1, Berks County, PA
David Crockett Steam Fire Company #1, Jefferson Parish, LA
Willard Fire Protection District, Greene County, MO
Durham Fire Department Station 12, Durham County, NC.
The first baseball game took place on May 31 in Memphis, TN, where the Memphis Redbirds took the field. Members of Memphis Fire Department Station 35 and their families attended the game as part of their prize. Maurice Tolliver, a spokesperson for the station, addressed the stadium before the game to thank his station for winning the contest and to speak about the importance of firefighters’ health. “As a firefighter, I realize it is important to take care of my heart so I can protect yours,” Tolliver told the crowd.

Tolliver was accompanied on the mound by Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, the spokesperson for the Strike Out High Cholesterol program. Palmer was present to throw out the first pitch, which was followed by Tolliver throwing the second pitch.

The second game took place on June 6 in Reading, PA, home of the Reading Phillies. Brian Filby, a representative of Earl Township Volunteer Fire Company #1, also took the mound with Palmer, who insisted Filby throw the first pitch. Members of the Company and their families cheered Filby on from the stands. “The experience as a whole has opened our eyes, making us aware of the seriousness of heart disease and high cholesterol and how it plays a detrimental role in our job,” said Filby.

The remaining winners of the Heart-Healthy Challenge contest will be named over the course of the summer. Stay tuned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site at www.healthy-firefighter.org for more information, as well as to view photos from the baseball games. To learn more about Sounding the Alarm for High Cholesterol or to take the Heart-Healthy Challenge, visit http://www.cholesterolalarm.com






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NVFC Conducts Free Health Screenings and Unveils Cookbook at Fire Expo

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) made its presence felt at the Lancaster County Fireman’s Association’s 35th Annual Fire Expo on May 18-20 in Harrisburg, PA. In an effort to teach firefighters, EMS providers, and their families the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle, the NVFC partnered with L&T Health and Fitness to conduct free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol.

This year, the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program and Fire Corps teamed up to provide both booths in one location. As a result, attendees were able to take full advantage of the free health screenings while also learning how to increase the capacity and capabilities of their fire/EMS department through the Fire Corps program. The booth also featured cooking demonstrations performed by Chef Kevin Harris of Food for Love, Inc. to show attendees how to make meals that are both good for your heart and taste great. The recipes are available online at http://www.healthy-firefighter.org


Additionally, the NVFC unveiled its new Heart-Healthy Firefighter Cookbook at the event. The Cookbook includes over 60 delicious recipes that firefighters and EMS personnel can use either at home or at the station. To order your free copy of the Cookbook, go to http://www.healthy-firefighter.org/page/649/Cookbook.htm
The newly-released second edition of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Resource Guide was also available at the booth.

For more information on the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program and to view a full schedule of upcoming events, visit http://www.healthy-firefighter.org
To learn more about Fire Corps, visit http://www.firecorps.org


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Stand Down for Safety on June 17-23
The Third Annual Fire and EMS Stand Down will take place on June 17-23. This year’s theme, “Ready to Respond,” focuses on the proper training, preparation, and equipment necessary to answer a call and return safely. The Stand Down has an expanded schedule this year to provide departments with maximum flexibility for participating in the exercise, including weekend opportunities to better accommodate volunteers.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) urges every fire and EMS department to participate in the Stand Down by suspending all non-emergency activity in order to focus entirely on firefighter and EMS safety until all shifts and personnel have taken part. The NVFC joins the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and other emergency service organizations in encouraging participation in this event.

For more information regarding the Stand Down and related activities, visit http://www.iafc.org/standdown


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Sign Up for the New Heart-Healthy Firefighter Newsletter, The Pulse
The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program is launching a new printed newsletter later this month. The Pulse includes ideas, resources, advice, and information to keep you, your department, and your family heart-healthy throughout the year. Sign up to receive this great new bi-monthly resource free of charge. Simply send an email to lricardo@nvfc.org and request to be added to The Pulse distribution list. Remember to include your name and mailing address.

The Pulse also includes a special section for your contributions. Submit your success stories about becoming heart healthy, ideas or suggestions to others about aspects of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, or any questions you might have about the program or heart health. Please include your name, mailing address, email address, and fire department (if applicable) with your submission. If you are submitting a success story, before and after pictures are appreciated. Send your contributions to:

NVFC
Attn: Lillian Ricardo
1050 17th Street, NW
Suite 490
Washington, DC 20036
Fax: (202) 887-5291
Email: lricardo@nvfc.org


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Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol Levels
Regular exercise seems to help boost levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, according to researchers. A low level of HDL cholesterol is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The article was published in the May 28 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

The analysis, which reviewed 25 studies published between 1966 and 2005, assessed the effects of aerobic exercise on HDL cholesterol in a total of more than 1,400 adults ranging in age from 23 to 75. The studies lasted an average of 27.4 weeks. On average, participants exercised 3.7 sessions per week for 40.5 minutes each session, burning an average of 1,019 calories per week.

The combined findings showed that exercise resulted in an average increase in HDL cholesterol of 2.53 milligrams per deciliter. The minimum amount of exercise required to change HDL cholesterol levels was 120 minutes a week or 900 calories burned. Exercise had a greater impact in people with a higher total cholesterol level (220 milligrams per deciliter or greater) and in people with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 28 (obesity begins at a BMI of 30).

"In a previous observational study, every 1-milligram per deciliter increment in HDL cholesterol level was reported to be associated with a 2 percent and 3 percent decreased risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women, respectively," the review authors wrote. "If this observation were applied to our results, the increase in HDL cholesterol level by exercise determined by this analysis would, by a rough estimate, result in cardiovascular disease risk reduced by approximately 5.1 percent in men and 7.6 percent in women."

The authors noted that their analysis showed that only exercise duration, not frequency of intensity, was associated with a change in HDL cholesterol levels. To view the article online, go to http://archinte.ama-assn.org/current.dtl


Courtesy of HealthDay

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Focus on Health During Men's Health Week, June 11-17
Men's Health Week will take place June 11-17. The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. Hundreds of awareness activities have already been scheduled in the U.S. and around the globe. The Men’s Health Network (MHN) has also created a web site at http://www.Checkmensfacts.com that details male health issues. For more information about Men’s Health Week, visit http://www.menshealthweek.org


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Health Tip: Swim, Swim, Swim

Exercise should be part of everyone's healthy lifestyle, but some people may have difficulty with high-impact exercise like running. Swimming is a low-impact activity that offers a great workout for all muscles of the body. According to Epigee Women's Health, swimming may be a good option for people who need to be extra careful during exercise, including those who are:

Pregnant
Extremely overweight
Elderly
Disabled
Recovering from an injury
Courtesy of HealthDay

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Alert Hose Co. to observe National Fireman's Sunday

ADAMS,MA—On Sunday, June 10, The Alert Hose Company of Adams, Adams Volunteer Fire Department held it’s annual National Fireman’s Sunday. They designated the second Sunday in June for the National Firemen’s Sunday.

The Alert Hose Company honored this day with a memorial
Service which was held at 11am, at the Alerts Memorial Shaft in Bellevue Cemetery. This years principal speaker was fire chief
James Sullivan of the Pittsfield Fire Department.





The Alerts started the day attending church at 8am at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Commercial Street.
Following the church service, they attend breakfast at Adams Elks lodge on Center Street.
The Alert Hose Co and the public gathered for the program at Bellevue Cemetery at 11am.
They were led by Andrew Brown, foreman of the company .
The chairman of the program Thomas Romaniak, and his committee, William Gero and Brian Tatro,and members of Alerts.

The Alerts will be piped in and out of the Alerts Memorial Shaft area by Robert Tunnicliffe of the Berkshire Highlanders Pipe Band.

Mill buildings burn in overnight blaze - Turners Falls, MA

Mill buildings burn in overnight blaze
Sunday, May 27, 2007By MICHAEL McAULIFFEmmcauliffe@repub.com
MONTAGUE - Firefighters from throughout Western Massachusetts and from as far afield as Brattleboro, Vt., and Winchester, N.H., were called in early yesterday morning to battle a major blaze at the former Strathmore Paper Co. Plant in the village of Turners Falls here.

The cause of the fire, which was brought under control by firefighters from at least 35 fire departments after several hours, is under investigation.

Turners Falls fire Capt. James P. Bartus estimated the blaze caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

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No one was injured in the fire, Bartus said. The Turners Falls Fire Department received the call there was a fire shortly before 3 a.m., he said.

"We could see the fire from the top of the hill here in town," he said. "We could see the glow in the sky."

The fire, in a complex of 11 buildings that is now largely occupied by Western Recycling, destroyed a five-story structure in which were stored rolls of paper, skids of cardboard and large rolls of plastic.

"It overwhelmed the sprinkler system in there, if it was even working," Bartus said.

"We don't know how long it burned before somebody noticed it," he added.

Bartus said last night that while under control, the fire had not yet been extinguished.

"We have a few hot spots popping up," he said.

Fire Capt. David Dion said the owner of Western Recycling, Jerry Jones, had an apartment in the building that was destroyed. Another business in the area, Southworth Paper Co., sustained damage.

Among investigators probing the fire are state police and personnel from the state fire marshal's office.

Firefighters who responded to the blaze came from Agawam, Amherst, Ashburnham, Athol, Bernardston, Brattleboro Vt., Charlemont, Chicopee, Colrain, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Fitchburg, Gill, Greenfield, Holyoke, Leverett, Leyden, Montague Center, Northfield, Northampton, Orange, Petersham, Shelburne, Shelburne Falls, South Deerfield, Southampton, Southwick, Springfield, Sunderland, Wendell, West Springfield, Westfield, Westhampton and Winchester, N.H.

Firefighters from Amherst and Winchester, N.H., also covered the Turners Falls Fire Department during the fire.

Upcoming Events in Northern Berkshire County

Adams Ambulance Service "Open House":

On Wednesday, May 23, the station will hold an Open House to provide additional services to the community. The event will be held at the station, located at 185 Columbia St. in Adams, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Click to read the full story on the Open House:

Adams Ambulance Open House Article on iberkshire.com


FLORIDA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT "SPRING PANCAKE BREAKFAST":
FLORIDA,MA — The Florida Volunteer Fireman's Association will host its annual spring pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 20, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the fire department's main station on Route 2.
The cost is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 3-12, free for children under 3. Information: Mike Gleason, 664-9535.


North Adams Ambulance Service sets open house:
http://wwww. TheTranscript. com


NORTH ADAMS — Free food, fun games and a bevy of safety information will all be part of an open house at the North Adams Ambulance Service on Sunday, as the organization celebrates National Emergency Medical Service week.
John Meaney, director of the ambulance service, said the public is encouraged to come to station at 10 Harris St., at the corner of River Street, to join in on the fun. The event runs from 10 to 4.

"We'll also be dedicating a polished granite bench in memory of Barbara Wagner, who was the original founder of the ambulance service in 1977," Meaney said.

Wagner, who died last year, served as the organization' s president from 1978 to 2006. The bench will be dedicated at 2.

Meaney said the open house will feature children's games, including a large "bouncy-bounce, " the Safe House fire prevention truck, the North Adams Police Department's K-9 dogs, a car seat checkpoint, and a cookout with free food. The North Adams Police Department will also have a Triad booth, providing both the File of Life refrigerator magnets and Yellow Dot program information packets



VILLAGE AMBULANCE SERVICE OPEN HOUSE:

The VAS is hosting an May 26 Open House at the Water Street headquarters to celebrate the 25th anniversary. The public is welcome to tour the facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the scrapbooks will be available for public viewing, Miller said.

Click to read the full story:

Article on VAS 25th Annversary on iberkshire.com

Cheshire voters to decide rescue-vehicle purchase

From left, Capt. Shawn McGrath, firefighters Shawn Martin and Kim Martin, Capt. Corey McGrath, Capt. Tom Francesconi, firefighter Corey Swistak and Chief George Sweet pose with the department's broken-down rescue truck that they hope to get replaced. Ryan Hutton/North Adams Transcript


Friday, May 4
CHESHIRE — Firefighters are asking voters to approve $165,000 loan over five years at the May 16 town meeting to replace its rescue truck, currently immobile and sitting behind the firehouse.
A few weeks ago, the exhaust literally blew apart on the 21-year-old ambulance that the department uses to shelter accident victims from the elements until a certified ambulance arrives.

"We have a unique setup here because we don't have ambulance service for 15 or 20 minutes out here, and we have to at least stabilize our victims until it gets to the scene," Fire Capt. Fred Balawender, an emergency medical technician, said Thursday at the firehouse. Adams Ambulance Service is usually the closest service available.

The proposed rescue vehicle was designed by the Fire Department's truck committee, beginning with a wish list of features that were slowly whittled away to be more cost effective. Now, according to Capt. Corey McGrath, the department is hoping for a truck that has none of the frills but all of the necessities for modern emergency response.

"We have a unique situation here in Cheshire — we have the lake, we have two recreational trails, we have the


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schools, all with a volunteer department," McGrath said. "We've had accidents on Route 116 where we need to keep the victims out of the elements because we're so far from ambulance response."
The department is not currently licensed to transport victims but the new truck could easily be outfitted to do so for $1,300 extra, said McGrath. That makes sense, he said, because it could cost thousands of dollars to retrofit it in the future.

Town officials have talked positively about purchasing a truck, though some concerns have been raised about the price, which appears on the town warrant as Article 5.

The Board of Selectmen and the Advisory Committee discussed the truck's price tag at Tuesday's board meeting. Selectman Paul Astorino and committee member Joseph Greenbush wondered if a lower price could be had.

"The last time we bought a truck it was cheaper, (but) there have been significant market increases in firefighting apparatus," Capt. Shawn McGrath said. "Everything is twice as much as the last time we had to update equipment."

Selectmen Chairwoman Carol Francesconi agreed Thursday.

"I think that the Fire Department found a truck to best fit its needs," she said. "Yes, there are cheaper models but if it's not going to work for the town then we need to buy what does work for them."

Fire Chief George Sweet said the truck is specifically designed to fit all the needs of the town and will be an investment that lasts decades. The old truck, a 1986 ambulance used in New York state, was purchased for $10,000 by the department out of its own funds, so there was no cost to the town.

"We got it in the mid-1990s and it's been in and out of the shop ever since," Sweet said. "We just can't keep pumping money into that thing."

CHIEFAROO II Vincent Dunn at Greenfield Comunity College , July 28th

CHIEFAROO II:
2nd Annual Fireground Command Seminar

Fireground Tactics,
Leadership Challenges

0800 -Registration, Continental Breakfast & Vendors
0900 -Welcome & “Housekeeping”
0915 -Wooden Structures: Size-Up and Collapse

Dep. Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY

1015 -Break
1030 -Collapse Rescues

Dep. Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY

1200 -Chicken BBQ Under the Tent
1330 -Getting a Grip, and Then What

with Fire Safety Training Concepts, Inc.

Who’s in Command Here?

Command Issues Session for Chief Officers only

*

with Vincent Dunn.

1530 -Closing

Book signings, distribution of attendance certificates, vendors

* A DVD of “Getting a Grip” will be sent to each Chief attending the
closed door session with Dunn, so they won’t miss out on either!
LIMITED SPACE! Reservations CLOSE July 13. (Really.)
QUESTIONS? E-MAIL: ChiefarooU@yahoo.com
READY TO REGISTER? Call 413-775-1803 to reserve with


credit card – or mail form at right today.


Vincent Dunn, FDNY

is “Chiefaroo U.” The nation’s foremost authority and author
on fire ground tactics and firefighter survival returns to
GCC by popular demand. If you’ve never studied with Dunn,
you don’t want to miss this!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Dunn’s closed-door session for Chief Officers on those touchy
command issues that keep you awake at night. He’ll bring his
experiences from 46 years with
FDNY. You’ll bring yours.
VincentDunn.com

Fire Safety Training Concepts

Univ. of Nevada Fire Instructors Dan Eaton and Joe Aschenbrenner
are career guys in Lowell, MA and NYC, respectively. Their workshop
today will be on "maintaining focus when overwhelmed.” (As in, you’re
first on scene, and it really is The Big One.) Get some tools for
managing your own stress — and taking command.
Fire Training Concepts



$20
$48 $39
Order your copy of a Dunn bestseller or a Chiefaroo U II T-shirt
now to have them on arrival! Just add purchase to registration.
Click to Download the Registration Form
This year’s program is being brought to you by


GCC Fire Science Technology Program


Massachusetts Call/Volunteer
Firefighters Association


Montague Center Fire.org



Tri-State Fire Mutual Aid Association

Directions to GCC Main Campus:

Greenfield Community College’s Main Campus
is conveniently located near the intersection
of Interstate 91 and Route 2.


Take Exit 26 off I-91 and follow the traffic rotary
around as needed to get onto Route 2 West.


Once on Route 2, immediately take a right
at the first traffic light, onto Colrain Road.


GCC is located on College Drive,
six-tenths of a mile ahead, on the left.


Follow signage for parking and event locations.


and Fire Safety Training Concepts, Inc.

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH

NORTHERN LITCHFIELD-SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD-NORTHERN BERKSHIRE-
SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE-BENNINGTON-
310 PM EDT SUN APR 22 2007

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER
WATCH FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 1500 FEET IN SOUTHWEST VERMONT AND THE
BERKSHIRES IN MASSACHUSETTS AND FOR ALL OF NORTHWEST
CONNECTICUT...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING.

AN UNSEASONABLY WARM AND DRY AIR MASS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OVER
THE REGION TOMORROW. TEMPERATURES WILL RISE INTO THE UPPER 70S TO
MID 80S...WITH SURFACE DEW POINTS ONLY IN THE 30S TO LOWER 40S
DURING THE AFTERNOON.

THE COMBINATION OF RELATIVE HUMIDITIES EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN
30 PERCENT...DRY WEATHER SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY...SOUTHWEST TO WEST
WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS 30 TO 40 MPH MONDAY AFTERNOON
INTO EARLY MONDAY EVENING...AND DRY FINE FUELS IN MANY AREAS ARE
EXPECTED TO PRODUCE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS MONDAY
AFTERNOON INTO EARLY MONDAY EVENING.

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE
RED FLAG WARNINGS.

---------------------------------------------------------------

[MCVFA] Hindley Scholarship Application period closes May 1

Hindley Scholarship Application period closes May 1
The application period for the Hindley Memorial Scholarship closes on May 1. Please get your completed applications in ASAP.

Robert B. Hindley Memorial Scholarship page

High Wind Watch

/O.NEW.KALY.HW.A.0001.070415T1600Z- 070416T1000Z/ NORTHERN LITCHFIELD- SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD-NORTHERN BERKSHIRE- SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE- BENNINGTON-WESTERN WINDHAM-EASTERN WINDHAM- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... TORRINGTON...OAKVILLE...NEW MILFORD... TERRYVILLE...PITTSFIELD...NORTH ADAMS...GREAT BARRINGTON...LEE... LENOX...HOUSATONIC...BENNINGTON... JACKSONVILLE...NEWFANE... BRATTLEBORO...WEST BRATTLEBORO... BELLOWS FALLS 502 PM EDT SAT APR 14 2007
...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOONTIME SUNDAY UNTIL 6 AM MONDAY FOR WESTERN NEW ENGLAND...

AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE NEAR THE MID ATLANTIC REGION THIS EVENING WILL RAPIDLY DEEPEN AND INTENSIFY SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH THE AFTERNOON...AS IT MOVES NORTHEAST ALONG THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD. THE STORM WILL BE NEAR LONG ISLAND SUNDAY EVENING. THE LOW WILL STALL NEAR CAPE COD MONDAY MORNING. STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS COUPLED WITH WET SNOW MAY DOWN TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES IN SOME LOCATIONS.

THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE HIGHEST TERRAIN... INCLUDING THE SOUTHERN GREENS... BERKSHIRES AND LITCHFIELD HILLS...WITH THE WIND DIRECTION SHIFTING FROM SOUTHEAST SUNDAY MORNING TO EAST SUNDAY AFTERNOON...AND THEN NORTH OR NORTHWESTERLY SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS FROM 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. EAST AND NORTHEAST FACING SLOPES OF MOUNTAINS WILL BE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE.

A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS

Winter Storm Watch

/O.EXB.KALY.WS.A.0007.070415T1600Z- 070416T2200Z/ NORTHERN BERKSHIRE- SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE-NORTHERN SARATOGA- NORTHERN WASHINGTON-EASTERN SCHENECTADY-SOUTHERN SARATOGA- EASTERN ALBANY-WESTERN RENSSELAER-EASTERN RENSSELAER- EASTERN GREENE-WESTERN COLUMBIA-EASTERN COLUMBIA-SOUTHEAST WARREN- SOUTHERN WASHINGTON-BENNINGTON- WESTERN WINDHAM-EASTERN WINDHAM- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PITTSFIELD... NORTH ADAMS... GREAT BARRINGTON... LEE...LENOX...HOUSATONIC...SARATOGA SPRINGS... WHITEHALL...GRANVILLE... SCHENECTADY...ROTTERDAM...BALLSTON SPA... MECHANICVILLE...WATERFORD... ALBANY...TROY...HOOSICK FALLS... CATSKILL...COXSACKIE...ATHENS... CAIRO...JEFFERSON HEIGHTS... HUDSON... CHATHAM...GLENS FALLS...WEST GLENS FALLS... HUDSON FALLS...FORT EDWARD... CAMBRIDGE...GREENWICH...BENNINGTON... JACKSONVILLE...NEWFANE...BRATTLEBORO... WEST BRATTLEBORO... BELLOWS FALLS 416 AM EDT SAT APR 14 2007
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH FOR THE CAPITAL DISTRICT...LAKE GEORGE SARATOGA REGION...SOUTHERN VERMONT... THE NORTHERN TACONICS AND THE BERKSHIRES...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.

A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT THE WARNING AREA FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY WITH 9 INCHES OR MORE OF SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE. AT THIS TIME...THE HEAVIEST SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR AT ELEVATIONS ABOVE 1500 FEET. THE SNOW WILL LIKELY BEGIN AS RAIN IN THE VALLEYS ON SUNDAY...BEFORE CHANGING TO SNOW.

IN ADDITION TO THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY SNOW...STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS MAY DOWN TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES. THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE HIGHER TERRAIN WITH THE WIND DIRECTION SHIFTING FROM SOUTHEAST SUNDAY MORNING TO EAST SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND THEN NORTHERLY SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. EAST AND NORTHEAST FACING SLOPES OF MOUNTAINS WILL BE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE.

THE SNOW AND WIND ARE EXPECTED TO RESULT FROM A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES SATURDAY EVENING WHICH WILL MOVE TO THE DELMARVA PENINSULA SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND THEN INTENSIFY RAPIDLY AS IT MOVES TOWARD LONG ISLAND SUNDAY EVENING. THE STORM MAY STALL OVER CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND ON MONDAY. A SLIGHT CHANGE IN THIS STORM TRACK WILL LIKELY RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN PRECIPITATION TYPE AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS.

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW... SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Spring Street Fire:"A Business Owner's Worst Nightmare"

By Susan Bush - March 29, 2007


Williamstown Fire Chief Craig Pedercini
Williamstown - This morning's pre-dawn Spring Street fire is under investigation and has closed a trio of popular business indefinitely.

Town Fire Chief Craig Pedercini said that no cause has yet been determined for the fire that is believed to have started in a basement beneath the Perfect Blend coffee shop. The building, which also houses a Subway sandwich shop and the Purple Pub on Bank Street, is owned by Paresky family and is managed by Mark Paresky.

Purple Pub, Subway, Perfect Blend Closed

Town police Officer Joe Ross discovered the fire at about 3:38 a.m. while on patrol, said Pedercini. The town fire department was called to battle the blaze and about 10 minutes later, firefighters from the Pownal Protective Fire Association in Pownal, Vt.and the Clarksburg
Volunteer Fire department were called to the scene. The Clarksburg
department was called specifically for its RIT capabilities. RIT is a specially-trained firefighter unit that specializes in firefighter rescue.



Police tape bars access to a Spring Street building burned during a March 29 fire.
A subsequent decision brought Adams firefighters to the scene with a truck capable of refilling firefighter breathing equipment.

"[Purple Pub, Subway, Perfect Blend] are closed indefinitely," said Pedercini. "We're waiting for the building inspector, who will have to see what's going on in the [Subway and Purple Pub] buildings. The structure under the coffee shop is just about burned away. The heavy part of the fire was underneath the [coffee shop]."

Town Health Inspector Jeffrey Kennedy said he completed a preliminary inspection of the businesses' food service capabilities and agreed that the businesses will be closed for the immediate future and possibly beyond, depending on subsequent inspections.

"A Tough Fire"

Pedercini reported no firefighter injuries during the blaze.

"It was a tough fire," he said. "It was in the basement and that's where we encountered the heavy fire. Once we realized that's where all the fire was, we changed our tactics a little bit. We cut vent holes in the floor to let some of the smoke and heat escape."

Pedercini said firefighters brought the blaze under control at about 5:30 a.m..

Purple Pub owner Mary Michel and pub manager Liz Chesbro were at the scene during the mid-morning.

"Devastating"

"This is devastating, it's a business owner's worst nightmare," said Michel, who has operated the pub from the same location for 34 years.

"I have no idea when we can reopen."

The pub interior does not appear to be severely damaged, she noted.
Michel said that she was notified of the fire by an employee who'd been contacted by her father about the fire.

Firefighters and police would not be expected to notify business owners of the blaze, Michael said and added "They were doing what they should be doing; fighting the fire."

Michel said that pub employees ceased daily operations at about 12:30 a.m. and noticed nothing out of the ordinary at that time. Ross should be credited for his police investigation into the smell of smoke some three hours later, she said.

"He's the one that saved the building," Michel said.

Building damage estimates had not been calculated, Pedercini said.

Michel said that the costs to the businesses will be high. All three business will lose revenue for every day they are closed, and employees will lose their daily wages.

Pedercini said the building was insured and Michel said her business is also insured. Pedercini said he believes the coffee shop and the Subway shop also carried insurance.

Two state fire investigators were at the fire scene this morning.

Additional information about the Spring Street fire may be found at www.iberkshires.com/story.php?story_id=22721

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or 413-663-3384 ext. 29.

New MEMA Courses being offered

The following new courses have been added to the Massachusetts
Emergency Management Agency's training calendar:

Incident Command System 100 at Pepperell Senior Center on April
10, 2007

Incident Command System 200 at Buckland Police Station on April 10,
2007

Incident Command System 200 at Adams Fire Department on April 21, 2007

Incident Command System 200 at Pepperell Fire Station on April 28, 2007

Incident Command System 300 at Malden Police on April 9, 2007

Incident Command System 300 at Lanesborough Fire Station on May 15,
2007

Incident Command System 300 at MEMA Region III HQ on June 19, 2007

Incident Command System 300 at Cummington Town Hall on July 17, 2007

Incident Command System 400 at VTA Authority on April 28, 2007

NIMS-700/ICS-100 at Belmont Fire on April 26, 2007

NIMS-700/ICS-100 at Ma-Task Force 1 on May 17, 2007

National Fire Academy (NFA) Training Opportunities

(current as of March 8, 2007)

Vacancies exist in the following NFA courses at the National Emergency
Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. You may refer to the Internet
at www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa for more information, or contact the Admissions
Office via e-mail netc-admissions@dhs.gov or by phone at (301)
447-1035.
Completed applications may be faxed to (301) 447-1441. If interested,
apply immediately!

Note: The NFA policy of only one stipend-supported trip per fiscal
year
remains. However, a qualified individual may seek to participate
without stipend assistance. PLEASE INDICATE with your application that
you are aware of this restriction when you apply for the course.

All vacancies are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and
qualified by using the Student Selection Criteria listed on our Web
site: www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa

R108 Evaluating Performance-Based Designs
8/5-8/10/07 5 vacancies

R114 Fire Service Course Design
8/6-8/17/07 8 vacancies

R152 Emergency Medical Services: Special Operations
4/16-4/27/07 7 vacancies

R203 Fire Dynamics-Fire Modeling
7/9-7/20/07 3 vacancies
9/24-10/5/07 6 vacancies

R220 Fire Inspection Principles
9/10-9/21/07 3 vacancies

R222 Principles of Fire Protection Structures & Systems
9/24-10/5/07 16 vacancies

R225 Management of Fire Prevention Programs
8/6-8/17/07 4 vacancies

R227 Fire Protection Systems For Emergency Operations
4/29-5/4/07 8 vacancies

R243 Hazardous Materials Incident Management
9/16-9/21/07 3 vacancies

R247 Advanced Life Support Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents
9/24-10/5/07 12 vacancies

R314 Command & Control of Fire Department Operations at Target
Hazards
6/10-6/15/07 11 vacancies

R362 Developing Fire & Life Safety Strategies
8/19-8/24/07 5 vacancies

R628 Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist
6/10-6/15/07 24 vacancies


VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM


R815 VIP: Challenges for Local Training Officers
9/9-9/14/07 12 vacancies

R831 VIP: Command & Control of Incident Operations
9/9-9/14/07 7 vacancies


Wait list opportunities exist in second semester offerings of the
following courses:

R102 Plans Review for Inspectors
6/11 - 22/07
7/23 - 8/3/07
8/6 - 17/07

R107 Fire Service Communication
8/6 - 17/07

R116 Presenting Effective Public Education Programs
7/22 - 27/07

R150 Management of Emergency Medical Services
6/18 - 29/07
9/24 - 10/5/07

R208 Interview-Interrogation Techniques and Courtroom Testimony
4/30 - 5/11/07
6/18 - 6/29/07
8/6 - 17/07

R229 Hazardous Materials Operating Site Practices
8/6 - 17/07

R233 Chemistry for Emergency Response
4/30 - 5/11/07
7/23 - 9/3/07

R331 Organizational Theory in Practice
7/23 - 8/3/07

R333 Fire Service Financial Mgmt
7/23 - 8/3/07

R342 Training Program Management
5/21 - 6/1/07

R348 Changing American Family at Risk
9/16 - 21/07

Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training Program Class #14 Graduation

Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Fire Academy:

-- Great Barrington,Mass
Recruit Firefighters Graduate From Call/volunteer firefighter training program

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) Deputy Director Richard Farrar presented certificates of completion to members of the Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training class #14 in a graduation ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on March 1, 2007. The recruit graduation took place at the Mahaiwe Theatre, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA.

The Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training program is unique in that it delivers a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of firefighters in suburban and rural areas. Bringing the training closer to the firefighters often means more firefighters can participate. This program was held at the Great Barrington Fire Department. The Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts persuaded the Legislature to financially support this innovative delivery of off-site training.

The twenty-two graduates, twenty men and two women, represent the ten fire departments of: Alford, Cheshire, Egremont, Great Barrington, Monterey, New Marlborough, Richmond, Sheffield, Tyringham, and Wilbraham.

Today’s Fire Department Does Much More than Fight Fires

Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle accidents. They test and maintain their equipment, ranging from self-contained breathing apparatus to hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.

In this Massachusetts Firefighting Academy program, they learn all these skills and more from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires and to contain and control them. They are also given training in public fire education, incident command, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, self-contained breathing apparatus, stress management, water rescue procedures, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling. The intensive program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live firefighting practice. Graduates have completed 180 hours of training on nights and weekends

Basic Firefighter Skills

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training program, these firefighters are now be eligible to take an examination for certification to the level of Firefighter I or II by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
Congratulations Class #14