Palm Beach County Fire Rescue News

Station 32: The Reconstruction (Part II)

Pictures of the progress of the construction of Station 32.

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Posted on October 1st , 2009.

PBCFR Provides Skid Control Training for North Lauderdale

North Lauderdale's Ladder 44 navigates on wet pavement through the EVOC course as part of a 6-hour re-certification curriculum being held at PBCFR. All members of the North Lauderdale Fire Department will be attending the training during November which consists of 3-hours of classroom instruction, 1 1/2-hours on the driving simulator and 1 1/2-hours on the driving range. Similar skid control training is planned as on-duty training for PBCFR in early 2010.

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Story and photos by Captain Doug Watson, Training and Safety Division
Posted on November 18th , 2009.

Crash in Fog on US 27 Near Okeelanta

At 5:22 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 74 responded to a reported crash involving 2 semi-trucks and a minivan, in front of the Okeelanta Sugar Mill. Crews arrived to find a minivan pinned between the two trucks. Fortunately, the driver of the minivan was able to remove himself from the van before the crews arrived.

One person was taken to a local hospital. The crash is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on November 18th , 2009.

Crews from Station 31 Receive PBSO Honors

On Friday, November 13, members of two crews from Station 31 received awards at the Annual Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Awards luncheon held at the Kravis Center. Captain Ed O'Berry received the Combat Cross for his heroic effort in saving the life of a police officer (the first civilian, non-law enforcement type to ever receive one). The other PBCFR individuals received the PBSO Samaritan Award. Over 750 people were in attendance and the local media covered the event. Captain O'Berry received a standing ovation.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on November 16th , 2009.

3 Semi-tractor Trailer Signal 4 in the 7th Battalion

On October 27th, units from the 7th Battalion were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving 3 big rigs. The location of the accident was at the Martin/Palm Beach county line on US Hwy 441, a long distance from the nearest station.

E72 with Capt. Jennifer Johnson was first to arrive. Arrival report indicated two semi-tractor trailers and one low-boy were involved. All hands were busy until units from Station 73 arrived. One person was trapped and required extrication. Two of the trucks suffered heavy damage and the low-boy was reported to have had its trailer thrown through the air, landing in a construction parking lot. The truck without the driver trapped also had a small engine compartment fire shortly after initial arrival of units. One saddle tank was torn off a truck and another was ripped open.

Command was established, a protective hoseline pulled, scene and patient evaluation initiated and extrication was begun by Station 72 personnel. Trauma Hawk arrived and determined its best LZ was on top of the Levee just north of the incident. Units from Station 73 along with command staff arrived to assist units on scene. One person was airlifted to the regional trauma center.

Units on scene, E72, R72, T72, E73B, R73, DC7, EMS7, TH1.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on November 13th , 2009.

New District Chief Vehicle for Battalion 7

The 7th Battalion "The Glades" took delivery of their new District Chief's vehicle last month. Realizing things are different in the west and off road trips are common, Battalion Chief Michael Arena decided to go with something more suited for the cane fields and rural roads than the standard Suburban. The answer was a 3/4 ton, Ford F250, 4 doors, 4 wheel drive.

The basic platform was selected as it has increased ground clearance and load carrying capabilities. It better accommodates off road operations and towing of the various vehicles that may be used out west, such as Airboat 73 or the Mule for search and rescue in the Holey Lands.

Shop Mechanic John Vasko was responsible for putting the whole package together. The three DC's worked on the basic layout that they felt would allow maximum use of the space available. John was invaluable in making suggesting that allowed the DC's ideas to work much better. He prefabricated the top shelf which doubled the storage capacity and features a backboard storage area for MCI's.

By selecting a pickup instead of the Suburban, we were given more options. There is no longer any equipment or contaminated gear stored inside the cab. There are no storage compartments that open into the cab requiring gear to be moved to gain access. People can be transported in each seat. The rear seat area can be utilized for a command center when a controlled environment is required. All the gear that the DC carries is now easily accessible from the two side doors on the topper. A white Plexiglas sheet was installed on the inside of the rear tailgate. This allows it to be used as a huge command board or a platform for maps when Airboat 73 is deployed.

The truck features additional LED emergency lights, PIAA fog lights, a Rumbler siren, a slide out tray in the bed and a 9,000 lb winch. Due to the potential for MCI's and extreme response times with limited backup, the top deck has a special compartment to transport disposable backboards. It is a welcome addition to the Tri-cities area.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on November 13th , 2009.

2009 Golden Palm Award Nomination for Captain Craig Prusansky

Captain Prusansky has been with Palm Beach County since 1991 and has been in the Glades since 2007. He presently serves as an EMS Captain overseeing the paramedics on his shift for the Glades response area.

As is typical of him Captain Prusansky always takes on additional work not necessarily related with his primary job functions. He is a key person in the Battalion 7 Hurricane/Disaster planning staff. He organized the Command staff and set up a communication process which routinely keeps everyone in the communication loop when a storm is possibly threatening Palm Beach County. He maintains this 24/7 even when he is off duty. I could go on describing all of the additional duties and responsibilities he has taken on but I would like to highlight the addressing project he is working on.

His most recent and notable accomplishment has received recognition in the entire Glades community, local media and recognition from other county departments. He took it upon himself to correct incorrect addresses in the Glades. This is a tremendous undertaking since emergency calls were delayed because of improper addresses.

He started out by working with the GIS folks in improving the maps; this quickly evolved in is attendance of several home owners meetings and involvement with the GTAC (Glades Technical Advisory Committee) which is coordinated through the OCR (Office of Community Revitalization). He has received several public accolades in meetings from Mr. Houston Tate and his office, the Canal Point Community, The Palm Beach Post, The Sons of the American Revolution and the Palm Beach Sheriff's office.

He took it upon himself to personally visit every residence in the Canal point and Lake Harbor areas and one by one is correcting their addresses. He has even been working with the United States Post office.

The bulk of this effort has been on his own time and utilizing his worn resources. Several news stories have been done in the Glades and I have attached a packet illustrating an example of some of his efforts.

In fact he maintains a website for people to contact him in order to continue this project for all of the Glades. The site is http://can911findyou.kkpss.info

Captain Prusansky is a go to person and truly deserving of this recognition and consistently goes the extra mile to benefit the Citizens and employees of Palm Beach County.

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Battalion Chief Michael Arena
Posted on November 10th , 2009.

Busy Weekend for the Honor Guard and the Pipe and Drum Band

On Saturday Nov 7, the honor guard and Pipe Band presented colors on the track at the Palm Beach Kennel Club for the kick off of South Florida Fire Fest. That night the band split and half went to play at Slaintes for the after burner party for Fire Fest. The rest of the band were the guests of the United States Marine Corps. 4th ANGLICO. The band played at the USMC 2009 Birthday Ball celebrating 234 years of the USMC. PBCFR's own Tony Acosta and Lee Bronco were in attendance also.

The band than went and played at the Combat Challenge Teams fundraiser in PB Gardens. On Sunday, Nov. 8. both groups went and marched in the Veterans Day parade down Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Special thanks to the Black Pearl , Browards Bravest Pipes and Drums and Engine 24 "C" for the help over the weekend.

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Posted on November 10th , 2009.

Funhouse Fright Night

Halloween night was extra special for the Amberwoods neighborhood just east of Station No. 55. A-shift personnel decided to take it to the streets and hand-out treats making it a night to remember. Getting into the spirit of things, our very own FF Kevin Loaiza was transformed into the "Tin Man" due to the creative efforts of PM Dominick Potenzano. This Tin Man proved to have a big heart handing out treats to nearly 100 neighborhood revelers.

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Story and photos by Captain Sean Pamplona
Posted on November 9th , 2009.

Operation Trick or Treat: Halloween '09

Station 32 went out on Halloween night and gave out candy in two of our local neighborhoods. Both engine and rescue had a great time. The children liked getting the candy and the parents were absolutely amazed at what we were doing. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They liked it a lot!!!! I hope that we get some good feedback from this. We had a great time doing it and are thinking about making it an annual thing to do ,for the station. We went to the neighborhoods of Florida Gardens and Palm Beach National and ran out of candy after only two streets in Fla. Gardens. Next time we'll have more candy.

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Story and photos by Captain Kevin Kimberly
Posted on November 3rd , 2009.

PBCFR Basketball Team Wins Gold in National Firefighter Games

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Basketball Team won the gold medal in the National Firefighter Games this past weekend (Oct 31 / Nov 1) for the second consecutive year. During the games, we beat the likes of Orlando Fire Rescue, West Palm Fire Rescue and former reigning champs Metro Dade fire rescue- twice to bring 'home' the Gold for back-to-back championships! There was a great display of support from PBCFR employees and family members during the tournament and happily- No Injuries! We are excited about this accomplishment and eager to win more in representation of Palm Beach County!

The team consists of Chad Snyder, Lee Bronco, Joe Bostic, Lamar McThay, Casey Maher, Ray Gordon, Pierre Simbert, John Mends and Coach Bryan Lancey. Congrats to all involved!!!!

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Story and photos from Joe Bostic
Posted on November 2nd , 2009.

Captain Roy Morgan Recognized as Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce's Firefighter of the Year

Captain Roy Morgan was on his way to work on the morning of September 1 and witnessed a vehicle roll over and go into the canal on State Road 80. The vehicle was going east bound and he was going west wound. He immediately turned around and went to help. The vehicle was well into the canal when Captain Morgan arrived at the canal bank. He pulled over to help and was assisted by another gentleman who also pulled over to help.

He immediately dove on the car several times in an attempt to remove the victim and was unable to break the glass. Keep in mind he had no special gear or dive equipment as he was in his personal car.

Obviously, this being in the vicinity of Hatton Highway and SR 80, it was a very long response for Fire Rescue Crews to get there. Capt Morgan worked tirelessly trying to free the person from the vehicle but was unable to. Capt. Morgan stayed in the water to assist and the vehicle was eventually pulled out by a PBSO truck winch and the victim was pulled out and Fire Rescue crews entered the water to assist with victim removal Rescue crews were able to provide emergency resuscitation efforts and pt was flown by Trauma Hawk to Delray Community Hospital.

Unfortunately the gentlemen (who was a PBSO employee) did not survive. It was not because of lack of effort on Fire Rescue's part. Many people drove by that morning but did not stop. The efforts by Captain Morgan were truly heroic and his recognition is indeed worthy of being the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce Firefighter of the year!

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Story and photos by Battalion Chief Mike Arena
Posted on October 27th , 2009.

Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial

The Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service was held in Ocala on October 09, 2009, with the name of Lt. Raphael Vazquez being one of three added this year to the large blocks of black granite.

The permanent Fallen Firefighter Memorial is located in the courtyard of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, and holds the names of Florida firefighters who have died in the line of duty. It is much like the IAFF memorial in Colorado Springs, and the National Firefighter Memorial in Emmittsburg Maryland, on the campus of the National Fire Academy. It is smaller in scale, but no less meaningful, nor does it have less of an impact on the families and firefighters who attend to honor the Fallen.

Members of the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps, as well as Chief Jerauld, Chief O'Bannon, Chaplain Jeremy Hurd, and Jack Norris, were there to represent PBCFR and to accompany and provide support to Ray's wife, Michelle, and their youngest son.

After the formal service at which Michelle was presented a flag and medallion in Ray's honor, we had a private meeting so that we could present to Michelle, the flag and other memorial items the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps accepted on her behalf at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Emmittsburg in September.

Honor Guard Members Present:
Sean Pamplona, Commander
Steen Eriksson, Lt. Commander
Rick Gass
Pipe and Drum Corps Members Present:
John Fischer
Khristy Osment

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Story by Steen Eriksson, photos by Jack Norris
Posted on October 27th , 2009.

Palm Beach County, Martin County Automatic Aid Response

With the closing of station #11, automatic aid responses are now in effect with Martin County Fire-Rescue. MCFR will be covering the northernmost PBC pockets, and second-due with station #18 on southern Jupiter Island. Station #18 is second-due with MCFR in southern Martin County.

In preparation for this, MCFR stations #32, #33, and #36, as well as EMS and command staff, met with the crews of stations #18 and #15, and EMS1, DC1, and BC1 at station #18 to meet and learn about each other and the units and equipment.

All shifts had these meetings in September with the effective date being October 1, 2009. It gave us the opportunity to discuss the differences and similarities in our EMS and fire SOGs.

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Story and photos from Steen Eriksson
Posted on October 14th , 2009.

Honor Guard, Pipe and Drums Travel to 2009 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial

Recently, members of the Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums traveled to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD for the 2009 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial. This year Lt. Rafeal "Ray" Vazquez received national memorial recognition. Our Honor Guard members received memorial honors on behalf of the Vazquez family. These honors were brought back to Palm Beach County and will be traveling up to Ocala, Florida accompanied by Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums on Friday, Oct 9th for the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Florida State Fire College. There the honors will be presented to Michelle Vazques, the widow of Ray, and his children who will be in attendance.

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Story and photos from Captain Sean Pamplona
Posted on October 6th , 2009.

Fire Safety Month Demonstration at Home Depot

Photos from our participation with the Home Depot's Fire Safety Month demo at their store on Jog and Lantana Roads.

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Story and photos by Kevin Rao
Posted on October 5th , 2009.

Anthony Acosta Promoted to Chief Petty Officer

Chief Petty Officer is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, just above Petty Officer First Class and below Senior Chief Petty Officer, and is a senior non-commissioned officer. The Grade of Chief Petty Officer was established on April 1, 1893 for the Navy.

On Sept 18, 2009, our own Capt Anthony Acosta of Battalion 3-C shift joined the reanks of Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. At a ceremony attended by fellow Sailors, Family and friends in Miami, Chief Acosta was promoted with 14 others. The fifteen newly promoted Chiefs were the only promoted among almost 1500 Sailors that are on active duty or reserve in South East Florida, not including Key West.

Among those pictured, attendees included Capt Larry Doelling 36-C and FF/PM J.R Scarso of Batt 7-B, Scarso also serves in the US Navy with Chief Acosta.

Unlike Petty Officer First Class and lower ranks, advancement to Chief Petty Officer not only carries requirements of time in service, superior evaluation scores, and specialty examinations, but also carries an added requirement of peer review. A Chief Petty Officer can only advance after review by a selection board of serving Senior and Master Chief Petty Officers, in effect "choosing their own" and conversely not choosing others.

Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer grades is the most significant promotion within the enlisted naval ranks. At the rank of Chief, the Sailor takes on more administrative duties. In the Navy, their uniform changes to reflect this change of duty, becoming identical to that of an officer's uniform except with different insignia. Sailors in the three Chief Petty Officer ranks also have conspicuous privileges such as separate dining and living areas. Any naval vessel of sufficient size has a room or rooms that are off-limits to anyone not a Chief (including officers) except by specific invitation.

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Posted on October 1st , 2009.

Structure Fire in Canal Point

At 10:44 pm on Monday, September 28, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72 and 73 responded to a residential structure fire in a house on the 12,000 block of Bryant Avenue in Canal Point. When crews arrived they found smoke and flames coming from the roof of the single-story house. No one was home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries.

The crews were able to confine most of the fire to the attic. However, the entire house sustained significant smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Fire Investigation Bureau, but it does not appear suspicious.

Units on scene: E72, E73, E73B, R72, R73B, DC7, EMS7, IV4

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on September 30th , 2009.

Guardians of The Corridor ... Literally

The customer service team is pleased to recognize and reward the crew members of Station 31 for living up to their name as "Guardians of the Corridor". Crews from 31 House responded to a call to assist PBSO with an 18-month old female who wandered outside her home unnoticed and was attempting to cross Maleluca Ave when a passerby called 911. Upon arrival the crews were directed to attend to the pediatric which they did while PBSO was taking care of locating the parents or where the child even came from. Meanwhile the crews continued to keep the child in the air conditioned truck. The crews realized that the child would be much more comfortable if they set her up at the station with some age appropriate comfort items. You can only play with a "medical glove smiley face balloon" for so long.

The crews coordinated with PBSO to take the child back to the fire station instead of staging at the intersection. First they stopped and picked up groceries, snacks, a juice box/sippy cup, diapers, baby wipes and a stuffed animal toy from money that the crews contributed out of their own pocket. The crew made the 18mth old something to eat back at the firehouse as well as set up a comfortable bed/sitting area in the day room with blankets and a TV so she could watch the Disney Channel while law enforcement found Mom & Dad. PBSO did locate the parents 90 min later and there was a warm reunion between baby and parents. The family was so impressed at how compassionate the firefighters were with their child and especially how thoughtful they were while living up to their station logo as Guardians of the Corridor!

Thanks to all crew members involved. Not seen in this picture is DO Terrell Patterson despite how instrumental he was in accomplishing this Frequent Fire Mile. Mile Slips go to all involved: Cpt Dave Iman, DO Terrell Paterson, FM Scott Schanke, LT Andrew Lombardo, PM Melissa Jones, PM Chris Gray, Cpt George Springthorpe and DC Billy Schmidt

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Story and photos by Customer Service Team
Posted on September 29th , 2009.

Paying it Forward in Battalion 9

Another Wolfe Pack (and cougar) sighting was confirmed on Saturday, September 26, 2009. A very welcomed visit was received at Station 32 by Courtney Wolfe and her entire family. Courtney is the daughter of Captain Larry Wolfe (station officer of station 32B) who was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (A.L.L). Her story and progress has been closely monitored by many in our department. Currently she is undergoing a 59 day chemotherapy session and blood transfusions (as necessary) on a daily/weekly basis.

Station 32 certainly holds the Wolfe family close to their hearts and wanted to extend a little something extra to their family. Courtney is one brave girl who is putting up a great fight which in turn still allows her to go into many public places even with the potential of being exposed to other risks. However, she spends a great amount of time at home resting and being home schooled when not receiving her treatments.

Recently, Station 32 was recognized as a top collector during the department's annual MDA boot drive. As a result, they had received one of the incentive prizes of a PlayStation 3 game console that was offered up to the different battalions. While such a prize is certainly a great incentive, the big picture is one that reveals that our efforts to go out and collect is one that comes from years of tradition and is an activity we do out of the pride of being firefighters and to uphold such a tradition. The crew(s) at Station 32 thought instead that this prize would be better suited as a gift to a teenage girl who would get more enjoyment out of it during her time of recovery and isolation at home. The gift, as well as a collection taken up by the crews so she could get herself a few of her favorite games, was very graciously and humbly received by this amazing young woman.

Coutney's visit to the station also brought another surprise: The veterinary office next door had received an after-hours call for assistance to treat a 200-pound cougar. The cougar arrived at the office via its owner/handler already sedated, however the office staff had requested our help and strength to move this very impressive animal into their surgical room. This opportunity allowed for a number of photo opts for Courtney, her family and the crew, as well as a very rare chance to be so up close to such an animal.

Kudos should also go out to Captain Pete Mcgrane of Station 47 with a very similar idea of "paying it forward". Station 47 also won the incentive prize for their battalion and expressed a challenge to the other winners to seek out those who would be more in need of such an item. We encourage others to do the same.

We will continue to track Courtney's progress and ask all to continue to keep the Wolfe family in your thoughts and prayers.

One final reminder, there is an upcoming benefit for Courtney on October 4th at 1:00 p.m. at the Gypsy's Horse in Wellington. Contact Lt. Tony Andrewson at Station 57/C for details.

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Story and photos by Station 32
Posted on September 29th , 2009.

House Fire in Suburban West Palm Beach

Units were dispatched to a fire in a single family home at 2136 Bonnie Dr in suburban West Palm Beach around 11:30 am on 9/24. On arrival they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence. A quick initial fire attack was started by the crews from Station 36 and additional help brought the fire under control. Fire in the attic created a good bit of additional labor. A good rotation process with the crews compensated for the overall heat and humidity.

Units on scene included E36, E33, E31, R36, EMS10, DC10, BC4, Q29, PI1, IV3, E24, R31, LA24.

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Story by photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on September 29th , 2009.

Structure Fire in Belle Glade

At 4:54 am on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue stations 73 and 74 responded to a residential structure fire in a duplex on the 600 block of Southwest 2nd Street in Belle Glade. Crews were met by heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure. Steel grates over the windows initially hampered the firefighting efforts, but the crews were able to gain access and bring the fire under control in about 30 minutes.

All of the residents were able to escape the fire without injury. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Investigation Bureau.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, E74, R73, R73B, DC7, EMS7, IV3

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Story by photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on September 29th , 2009.

IAFF Memorial 2009 Colorado Springs

On September 19, 2009, members of PBCFR Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps honored our fallen brother Lt. Tony Falzarano at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Lt. Falzarano was one of 122 LODD memorialized at this year's service by having their names inscribed in the black granite wall situated in Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park in the shadows of Pike's Peak.

An encased IAFF flag, and a memorial medallion from L2928 were presented to Tony's family by the Honor Guard while the PBCFR Department flag was dipped as a show of respect.

This honor was bestowed on all 122 firefighters and their families during the very moving ceremony, with approximately 800 Honor Guard and 300 Pipe and Drum members from the United States and Canada in attendance. It was the largest such group ever assembled.

The IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial takes place each year in September, and is one of those events that every firefighter who is a true firefighter at heart, should attend at least once in their career. There were hundreds of non-Honor Guard uniformed personnel as well. It helps to place things in perspective.

Honor Guard : Steen Eriksson, James Hernandez, Ron Macleod
Pipe and Drum Corps : Jon Ferguson, John Fischer, Lee Forshner, Ed Peek

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Story by Steen Eriksson
Posted on September 21st , 2009.

E28 A-Shift Rescues Two Kittens

E28 was called out for a public assist in Royal Palm Beach. While en route Dispatch updated the call to kittens trapped in the grill of a vehicle. Upon arrival E28 found a PBSO deputy on scene with a U.S. Postal Service truck.

The kittens were in the front grill behind the headlight of the mail truck with no way of getting to them without removing part of the front grill. With tools from E28, the crew and deputy were able to remove the bolts and pull the grill loose from the front left side and remove the kittens. In the process one kitten escaped and climbed back into the mail truck near the rear axle. Similar methods had to be used to remove the kitten for a second a time.

Both kittens were turned over to a women who was willing to find a home for them. The mail truck and its driver were left on scene awaiting a mechanic to put the truck back together and E28 and the deputy cleared the scene.

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Story by Ken Druggan
Posted on September 17th , 2009.

40-Hour First Responder Course

The Training & Safety Division completed their first 40-Hour First Responder Course. This course is a pre-requisite for the Firefighter I class starting in January. A total of 12 people completed the course offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

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Posted on September 15th , 2009.

Investigator Pam Summers Wins Prestigeous International Photo Award

Investigator Pam Summers entered the International Association of Arson Investigators photographic award competition. This award is given in two categories (Arson and Accidental) fire photography. The photos are judged on content, technique, and composition. This was her first time entering the contest and she won first place in the arson category. Her winning photo was published in the July 2009 Fire & Arson Investigator magazine and she was also awarded a plaque. This IAAI contest was open worldwide to all of its members.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia, photos by PBCFR Video Department
Posted on September 11th , 2009.

Lunch at Station 23 with Chief Brice

On Thursday, August 18th Station 23 � A shift welcomed Chief Herman Brice for lunch. Even though Chief Brice retired the week before, he was happy to come by the station, take a few pictures and have lunch with the crew.

Also in attendance were the Battalion Chief, District Chief and EMS Captain. The crew at station 23 cooked up a big lunch, and a good time was had by all. Chief Brice was caught saying "I remember these days, when we used to sit around the table for a good meal." The crew was very grateful to the Chief for everything he has done for the department, and wishes him and Mrs. Brice a great life after retirement.

Thank you to station 17 � A for covering the "Rock" while we were taking the photos.

Pictured in photo are:
Sitting: Captain Mike Ellis, District Chief Jim Gribble, Chief Brice, Battalion Chief Ron Beesley, Captain Matt Willhite
Standing: Firemedic Chris Gutierrez, Firemedic Dale Batten, Lieutenant Shawn Niedbalski, Lieutenant Dwayne Hodges, Firemedic Graeme Gilmour, Driver Operator John Wilson, Firemedic Victor Hernandez, Firemedic Doug Taylor

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Story by Matt Willhite, photos by Sergio Ornelas
Posted on September 3rd , 2009.

Station 32: The Reconstruction (Part I)

Station 32 was commissioned in 1975 as TPVFD (Trail Park Vol Fire Dept); dedicated to Fred G. Rankin for his services. Upon consolidation in 1984 Station 32, was acquired by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and is currently in Batt.9 and services unincorporated areas of Lake Worth.

In August of 2009 construction began on a completly new two-story station. The new 32 will be two stories, have 2 bays, a workout room, and will have ample space if 32 is upstaffed, (sorry, no more murphy bed) and sit directly behind the current location of St.32.

The new building is being constructed approximately 10 feet from the current building and crews will continue to work out of St.32 until the new building is complete. The new station will have drive-through bays and the exit driveway will run directly through St.32's current location. I have also been told by the contractor that the floors in the bays will be "floating floors" with a one inch control joist around the perimeter to minimize vibrations as the trucks come in and out of the station.

If you have ever been to St.32 then you have seen the property directly behind the station, this is where the parking area will be. It's been slow going, however the contractor says once the foundation sets and the exterior walls go up, construction will move along pretty quickly... We can only hope! Stop by 32 anytime to check the progress, I will be sending pictures periodically to document the progress.

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Story and photos by Drew Craig, E32-B
Posted on September 8th , 2009.

The Passing of the Bugle

Our Fire Chief for the last 25 years has retired. Chief Herman W. Brice decided it was time to enjoy life, family and friends without the daily stresses of running a large County department. His departure w as not without accolades and presentations.

When Chief Brice and newly appointed Chief Jerauld went to the County Commission chambers for the official ratification of Steve Jerauld's appointment as new Fire Administrator, our outgoing Chief was given a proclamation signed by all of the Commissioners honoring his 25 years of commendable service to the County and to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

On Thursday August 27, a ceremony was held at Fire Rescue Headquarters. Traditionally, in the military, when command is changed, a formal "passing of command" ceremony is held. This tradition has been added to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and was accomplished with the assistance of our Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums. County Administrator Robert Weisman gave an opening address and the formal Bugle Trophy was passed from Chief to Chief.

To view a video of the County Commissioners' ratification of Chief Jerauld's appointment and the proclamation for Chief Brice, please click here. Another video of the actual Passing of the Bugle ceremony held at Fire Rescue Head Quarters can be found here. (NOTE: Both of these videos require RealPlayer.)

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Posted on August 31st , 2009.

Lunch with Chief Brice at Station 55

On Friday August 21, 2009 Chief Brice and his wife came to station 55 B shift for a farewell lunch. Chief and his wife were at the station for over three hours. We talked about old times (before Palm Beach County) and new ones ahead of the two of them. I told Chief he was going to have to come back for another party when we merge with Boca Raton Fire Rescue. He just laughed.

We found out he liked collecting and playing guitars. Of course we had one available for him to play. We enjoyed listening to him play a few songs. Thanks Chief sorry to put you on the spot. After the songs we all enjoyed an ice cream cake from Carvel.

Chief Brice, thanks for all the time you dedicated to this department over the last 25 years. If you are half as successful in retirement as you were in your career you have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy your time off.

Present at the lunch was: Justin Schainuck, Jeff Berry, Adam Neiheisel, Ana Novell, BC Todd Blake, DC Vince Cannuscio, Mike Baselice, Eric Harden, George Campa, Geoffrey Cooper and David Dugger.

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Story by Justin Schainuck, photos by Derek Wiley
Posted on September 3rd , 2009.

Small Aircraft Incident in Lantana

This is an aircraft incident that occurred on 08/29/2009. The aircraft is a Mustang 2 experimental aircraft. There were 2 people onboard with 26 gallons of fuel. The incident was ruled an aircraft accident by the FAA inspector on August 31, 2009. No injuries were reported.

Damage to the aircraft included wing damage, main gear damage and what appeared to be some structural damage to the aircraft fuselage. Also, a small fuel leak was found coming from the left wing. The aircraft came to rest at the edge of the lake. No fuel spilled into the lake.

This incident was an aborted take off due to mechanical issues. The incident is still under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.

Units on scene were DC 3, DC 8, DC 9, EMS 3, SPECIAL OPS 34, E 34, E 35, E 43, R 34, R 35, B 43.

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Story and photos by John Boike
Posted on September 1st , 2009.

Channel 5's Captain Julie Helps Locate Missing Fishermen

On July 25th, members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR), Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office (PBSO), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and WPTV Channel 5, worked together to locate and rescue two missing men who were on an alligator hunting trip on Lake Okeechobee. One of the men was reported as being a diabetic.

The boat captain's daughter found their truck and trailer parked at the Belle Glade marina and reported them missing. FWC was responding from Moore Haven with a 15 minute ETA. Airboat 73 was the first rescue boat on the water for this search.

E73B, Airboat 73, DC7 & EMS7 arrived at the marina. DC7 Curtis Rice established command while members of E73B prepped the airboat for deployment. The family was able to provide information that allowed FWC to determine where they might be hunting. The family gave a description of the airboat and confirmed we were looking for two men and the father was a diabetic.

Capt. Frank Cote (73A) who is also a licensed trapper for the state was contacted for his advice on where the best location to start the search might be. He provided this info to Command as well as Capt Dan Smith who would be operating airboat 73. It turned out that the area Capt. Cote selected was exactly where the missing men were found.

Now armed with a search plan Airboat 73 launched with Capt Dan Smith, FF Andy Kirchner and PBSO Lt. Mike Morris on board. As airboat 73 left the dock, FWC arrived.

At this point news channel 5's helicopter was circling overhead. Trauma Hawk was on the coast re-fueling as was PBSO's Eagle. DC7 contacted PIO Don Delucia to see if Helicopter 5 would help in the search. DC7 was put in touch with Channel 5's new room and provided info on what we were looking for as well as the most probable location. Within minutes Captain Julie reported that they had located the missing men. Airboat 73 and the FWC airboat were directed to their location. Both men were found to be in good condition standing on part of the airboat. Their airboat had overturned and sunk approximately 11 hours prior to the rescue. The men were transported to the dock, one on each airboat.

Units involved E73B, AB73, DC7, EMS7, PIO and Capt. Julie

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on August 28th , 2009.

Building Futures: Habitat for Humanity and PBCFR Employees

A group of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue employees got together once again for a "Labor of Love" - building affordable houses for deserving families. Working in the Kennedy Estates subdivision near the Town of Jupiter on a recent Saturday the five teamed up with other volunteers to aid Habitat for Humanity in their mission to wipe out substandard housing. The work they performed included constructing and installing the interior stud walls and installing the furring strips.

"This place is ready for the electrician now" said Randy Sheppard as he wiped the sweat from his forehead while cleaning up and calling it a day.

The houses on this street are not foreign to this group who pointed out the different ones they've worked on over the past months while enjoying the sight of hard working families now occupying them. John Harsch, another volunteer on the site shared this thought while looking at all the brightly painted new houses on the tree lined street: "It's a great feeling to know that you're making a lasting contribution."

Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing all over the world and recently completed their 200,000th unit. They accept all types of support in their mission including volunteer help, monetary donations and they accept used furniture, building materials and vehicles for resale. If you want to help Habitat for Humanity call them at (561) 433-3351.

Although it was a hot day the team did enjoy working under the shade provided by the plywood roof installed just the day before.

Pictured from left to right are: John Harsch, Bob "Wheels" Grosbeck, Jack Norris, Randy Sheppard and Vicki Sheppard.

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Story and photos by John Norris
Posted on August 27th , 2009.

Little Smiles: Junk Food Run in July

Once again, in July the local fire service came out to assist on the JUNK FOOD RUN but this time it was St. Mary's Childrens Hospital and not JUST PBCFR.

Personnel from West Palm Beach Fire Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue met the organization Little Smiles to assist children and families at St. Mary's Children's Hospital. They donated their time to bring smiles and laughter to these little ones that are admitted for various medical issues.

Room by Room and Floor to Floor they battled with nerf guns, handed out candies, chips and treats. The Smiles and Laughter overcame some very gloomy situations. One boy laughed because of Mike Politi's antics for the first time since he had been there - the Nursing Staff was amazed!

Thanks to all the Fire Personnel that were in attendance:

PBCFR Sam Eaton
PBCFR Mike Politi
PBCFR Paul Dixon
PBCFR Paul Koski

WPBFD Brian Lamb
WPBFD John Slack
WPBFD Bianca Clements

It was great to see our fine organizations working side by side (if you want to call it work).

INTERESTING AUGUST TWIST ! : In August, Raina, of the organization Little Smiles, got a request from Palms West Children's Hospital. The request came through as it normally does when a child that is in their care has a need or want. The request simply was: Young teen child just admitted with Leukemia has a need for a lap top computer. She's worried about finishing a project that is due at school. They delivered the request by the next day not knowing that they were fulfilling a request from Courtney Wolfe (CP Larry Wolfe's daughter). She received a brand New Toshiba Lap-Top (loaded with the necessary MS Word software), Back Pack, Mouse and Assessories. This is the kind of awesome benevolent service this Little Smiles Organization is doing & They just help one of our own! After speaking with Larry Wolfe, I relayed to Raina Ruelle his heartfelt thanks and our thanks for doing the service that they do.

Little Smiles sends a great big thanks once again to the personnel from West Palm Fire and PBCFR that came out for this.

If you are interested in helping out with the monthly Junk Food Run or Nerf Gun Fight, contact Little Smile's Executive Director - Raina Ruelle: rruelle@littlesmiles.org.

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Story and photos by District Chief Sam Eaton
Posted on August 17th , 2009.

Little Smiles: Junk Food Run in June

In June, personnel from Battalion Two generously gave of their time to help out an organization called Little Smiles. Little Smiles is a local organization that provides benefits and fun to sick or injured children that are in our local children's hospitals. They are non-for-profit and will answer needs that a family might have and many times things that a child JUST wants.

Additionally, each month at the hospitals (Palms West Childrens and St Mary's Childrens) they do what's called a JUNK FOOD RUN! They go to Costco or Sams and load up on treats and toys and hit the children's floors. Its like Halloween but the treaters are coming to YOU.

The children and their family are given bags and are allowed to load them up. The organizations also brings Nerf Guns and there is a lot of playing going on with the kids and a lot of little smiles.

Palm Beach Couty Fire Rescue personnel were honored and pleased to be part of the Junk Food Run in June at Palms West Hospital. It was truly a pleasure to see this fine organization do what it does best, BRING LITTLE SMILES, and our firefighters added some extra smiles in support of their cause. The organizers from Little Smiles and Palms West Hospital were very pleased that we came out to help and conveyed that our personnel made this trip an extra special one.

A BIG THANKS GOES OUT TO...

Jay Ackerman,
John Gratton,
Cody Nevad,
John Jones,
Rickey Rodriguez,
Phil Olaverria,
Janice Weisman,
Chris Combs
James Hernandez
Nigel Baker

If you are interested in helping out with the next Junk Food Run or Nerf Gun Fight, contact Little Smile's Executive Director - Raina Ruelle @ rruelle@littlesmiles.org.

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Story and photos by District Chief Sam Eaton
Posted on August 17th , 2009.

A Hot July in Belle Glade

With the city in the process of prepping the old City Hall/Police department building for demolition, several old firearms along with boxes of potentially important paperwork were found. The building had long ago been condemned and was considered a toxic building with no entry allowed.

Because of the concerns of what unknown toxins may be inside PBSO requested the assistance of Special OP's to locate and remove any sensitive items in the building. Wearing protective encapsulating suits and using their high-tech camera equipment they were able to move through the building and show the PBSO command staff exactly what they were looking at to determine what needed to be removed and decontaminated. All systems worked well and all personnel completed the operation with no problems. E73 assisted in the De-con of the entry team and R73 provided medical and rehab.

On scene units. OP's 1, DC7, DC9, E34, R34, SPLOP's 34, E73, R73 and PBSO command staff

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Story by and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on August 10th , 2009.

2nd Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Run

The Firefighters Paramedics Benevolent Fund is proud to present the 2nd Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5k Run. The race will be held September 12th, 2009 at Okeeheelee Park. Starting time is 8:00 am. Please arrive early as large race day crowds are expected.

Last year over 531 runners participated in the event including over 100 firefighters. This year will also include a kids fun run 1 kilometer in distance. More information can be found at JeffAnnas5k.com

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Posted on August 6th , 2009.

Mike Thompson Memorial Service

On July 18, 2009, PBCFR Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps rendered honors to retired DO Mike Thompson in Fentress Co. TN. Mike passed away after his battle with cancer.

The ceremony took place in the local park with 100+ members of the community, family, and Fire-Rescue personnel, both current and retired.

Honors included a flag fold with presentation to his wife, a helmet to his daughter, and a helicopter fly-over, all set in concert to the music of our Pipe and Drum Corps.

After the 30 minute service, local fire apparatus led a small procession to the Coffee Stop Cafe owned by Mike and Heather for a reception.

This was a cooperative effort of Local 2928 and PBCFR Administration to make this happen for Mike's family. They were truly overwhelmed by the show of support, and expressed their heartfelt thanks to all.

Honor Guard : Steen Eriksson, Lenny Collins, Ron Macleod
Pipe and Drum: John Fischer, Jon Ferguson, Lee Forshner

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Story by Steen Eriksson and photos by Kit Howes and Jeff Galloway.
Posted on August 6th , 2009.

Vehicle Accident in South Bay

On August 4, 2009, a Palm Beach County Fire Rescue unit returning from mapping in the Lake Harbor area came across a motor vehicle accident that had just happened in the 300 block of US Hwy 27 North in South Bay.

Initial reports were that the SUV lost control after going through some standing water, rolled over, crossed the median and struck a car. Both vehicles received major damage. There were a total of four patients. With the exception of one engine company, all units in the 7th Battalion were at this call.

Assessment of the patients determined that two of the injured met trauma transport criteria. A landing zone was set up at the Branch Packing House parking lot adjacent to the incident. The other two patients were transported by rescue to Glades General Hospital.

On scene units included OP's 7, DC7, EMS7, E73, E73B, R73, R73B, R72, Trauma Hawk.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on August 6th , 2009.

Station 81 Gets Two New Dragons

Photos of two new airport fire/rescue vehicles just received at Station 81. They are Oshkosh Strikers. Each unit carries 3000 gallons of water, 420 gallons of AFFF foam, and 500 pounds of Purple K dry chemical agent. Both vehicles can be operated by one operator however, have seating for 3. Both vehicles are equipped with Forward Looking Infared and Color cameras. The crews at Station 81 will be doing extensive training on these vehicles in the next few weeks, prior to being placed in service. The new trucks will be called Dragon 2 and Dragon 3. Dragon 2 will replace a 1997 1500 gallon vehicle, and Dragon 3 will be replacing old Dragon 4 (also a 1997 vehicle which will become a spare).

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Story and photos by John Boike
Posted on August 3rd , 2009.

Larry's Going Away Party

Station 34 hosted a going away party for DO Larry Lawler, Sgt. US Army National Guard. A house full of his family and friends were on hand to wish him well. Chief Brice and many more of his fire department brothers and sisters were also on hand. "Sahlen's" hotdogs, flown in from Larry's hometown of Buffalo, were on the menu for this special occasion. Much to Larry's relief, the hotdogs were perfectly grilled and not "ruined" in boiling water.

Larry and his reserve unit were called upon to serve and protect this country in Iraq. His unit will train for approximately 1 month in Indiana before being deployed for about a year overseas. Waiting for him at home are his wife, Virginia, and two daughters, Christine and Jessica. Please keep Larry and his family in your thoughts as we await his safe return.

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Story and photos by Station 34 C-Shift
Posted on July 15th , 2009.

Drive Through Rent-A-Center

Shoppers in the Rent-A-Center on SW 16th Street in Belle Glade received a big surprise. The driver of a vehicle, for an unknown reason, failed to stop at the curb in front of the store. The car traveled up and over the high sidewalk and through the front window. It appears the vehicle was then backed out of the store and abandoned. Fortunately no shoppers inside the store or at the shopping center were injured. There were apparently no serious injuries in the car and the building did not suffer any structural damage.

On scene units E73B, R73B, DC7.

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Story and photos by Curtis Rice, District Chief
Posted on July 9th , 2009.

Vehicle Fire in Belle Glade

On Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at approximately 4:02 pm units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 responded to a vehicle fire in the 1500 block of Torry Island Road on the west side of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find a pickup truck fully involved in fire. It took crews about five minutes to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but does not appear to be suspicious.

Units on scene: E73, R73, EMS7

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on July 6th , 2009.

Triple Header for Pahokee

June gave Station 72, Pahokee, and Station 73, Belle Glade a very interesting C-shift. Right after change of shift, the two stations were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Conner's Hwy. Crews reported seeing a column of smoke early into the response. Due to the very long distance to this location, after the fire the crews also talked about the column becoming less the closer they got. This was because at the time of dispatch, the small residential structure was fully involved. Upon arrival of the ST72 units the structure had already collapsed. The fire was determined to be suspicious as there was no power to the structure and no one had lived there for some time. An investigator was requested.

Once the overhaul of this structure was complete and most of the support units had been released, it was decided to look into another structure on the property that we would not consider an exposure however, it too had no power and had not been lived in for some time. Early into the first fire, this structure was quickly looked at with no obvious signs of any problems. Investigator Summers entered the structure and once inside came across obvious signs of arson. She immediately backed out of the structure and notified the IC, Capt Duran. Inv. Summers had found burns on the floor and saw sparks fall from a door with burn damage.

Capt Duran closed up the structure and called for units to back them up. As there was no water on the property, T72 was not on site as DO McCarroll was at a distant site refilling. E72 at this point was also extremely low on water. The decision was made to standby for support and water. Once units arrived and a water supply was established, exterior ventilation was done on the Bravo side windows and crews entered with a charged hoseline. It was found that this structure had been set on fire, probably at the same time as the first structure. Due to its being closed up tight the fire went out. Burn trailers were noted in different rooms on the floor, doors had been burned at the bottom and a can of what was believed to be gasoline was found on the floor next to one of the burned areas. The incident is under investigation.

Later that afternoon the very same units were dispatched to a trailer on fire on E. 7th Street in Pahokee. E72, R72 & T72 arrived to find smoke showing and the living room of the trailer on fire. E73 and E73B assisted. The fire was quickly knocked down.

Units on scene: E72, R72, T72, E73, E73B, EMS7, DC7, INV

Just another day in the 7th Battalion.

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Posted on July 1st , 2009.

Fully Involved Structure Fire in Pahokee

On Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7:12 pm, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue stations 72 and 73 responded to a residential structure fire in the southern section of the City of Pahokee. Crews arrived to find an abandoned double-wide trailer fully involved in fire.

A defensive attack was initiated by the first arriving crews. Due to the large amount of fire, it took crews about 25 minutes to bring the fire under control. No one was injured during the fire. The fire is currently under investigation by the Palm Beach County Bomb/Fire/Arson Unit.

Units on scene: E72, R72, T72, E73B, R73B, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on June 19th , 2009.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's Video Production Team Receives Top Honors

Members of Palm Beach County Fire Video Production team were recognized for their work at the 24th Annual Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon held by the Traffic Safety Committee of the Palm Beaches. The Video Production Team, consisting of Jack Norris, Sergio Ornelas, and Derek Wiley, have produced public information programs on the subjects of automobile and bicycle safety, as well as PSA's that stress the importance of motorists yielding the right of way to oncoming emergency vehicles.

The Traffic Safety Committee of the Palm Beaches is an organization that was founded in 1983 with the mission to enhance traffic safety awareness and programs in Palm Beach County.

We salute our Video Production team for another outstanding job. Congratulations!!!

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Posted on June 9th , 2009.

Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge

On Saturday, May 30, 2009, several of our firefighters competed in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge at Old Town in Kissimmee. Our firefighters did extremely well in the events.

Participating in the events were: Wendy Arnold (on loan from City of Clearwater), Jason Cabal (on loan from Seminole County), Leilani Kamalu (Batt 4), Tricia Kamalu (Batt 3), Elizabeth Martino (Batt 7), Jason Martino (Batt 7), Lynnette Reid (Batt 7), Amy Tuminski (Batt 7), Laura Villiers (on loan from Miami-Dade)

Here are the highlight of the results:

Female Relay Team: 1st Place - Ladies of Palm Beach County - Leilani Kamalu, Tricia Kamalu, Elizabeth Martino, Lynnette Reid, Amy Tuminski, Laura Villiers
Female Tandem Team: 1st Place - Wendy Arnold, Elizabeth Martino
Female Tandem Team: 2nd Place - Amy Tuminski, Laura Villiers
Co-Ed Tandem Team: 1st Place - Elizabeth Martino, Jason Martino
Co-Ed Tandem Team: 2nd Place - Jason Cabal, Amy Tuminski

Congratulations to these fine athletes and firefighters! We are proud of all of them!

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Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky, photos by DO Jason Martino
Posted on June 4th , 2009.

Station 28 Goes the Extra Mile

Recently crews from station 28 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in a residential neighborhood in Royal Palm Beach. Crews arrived to find a Ford F-150 pickup truck lodged inside of a home. In addition, the truck had actually driven in and out of a second home. The driver of the truck had suffered a significant medical emergency which led to the accident. The driver was transported to JFK Emergency Room.

Crews were then faced with two homes with large openings in them, while the two families of seniors trying to figure out what to do next. One family decided to stay in their house while the other planned to stay with their daughter.

The crews from station 28 began to inventory what was available to them. Between what was back at the station, at their near-by private homes, in their personal trucks and from neighbors, the crews were able to set a plan on how to help secure these two homes.

After the building official declared the homes safe, crews removed most of the debris inside the homes, cleaned up the outer surfaces and secured plywood over the openings. Both families were grateful that their homes had been secured and they could begin to recover and repair after a night of unexpected and unwanted excitement.

All crews involved exemplified leadership and teamwork in order going the extra mile for our fire rescue customer here!!! Frequent Fire Miles go to: Cpt. Kevin Shaw, DO Richard Kingston, PM Doug Stewart, Lt Lynne Gralin, PM Lownsdale, FF Chris Combs, Rescue Cpt Ernst Muller, District Chief Neil Enos and Battalin Chief Nigel Baker.

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Posted on May 26th , 2009.

Introducing Gold Medalist Kevin Kimberly

Not many people know that our very own Captain Kevin Kimberly was a Gold Medal winner in the firefighter Olympics. In all, he received a Gold Medal in the rifle competition, Gold Medal for best team in the rifle division (along with teammate Mitch White, PBCFR), a Silver Medal in the centerfire pistol competition and a Bronze Medal in the rimfire pistol team competition, again with teammate Mitch White.

Kevin began his shooting competition hobby when he was 17 with the National Guard Explorers and ended up going to the Nationals with their team. After a short hiatus, Kevin again picked up competitive shooting in the 2000 State Firefighter games and placed 4th overall in the rifle division. After some training with D/O Jimmy Johnson and D/O Mitch White, he also began to compete with pistols. The pistol competition is divided into two divisions: Centerfire pistol (any caliber but .22) and Rimfire (only .22 caliber guns allowed). Pistols are shot from 25 yards. The rifle division is for .22 caliber rifles only and targets are set at 50 yards.

Kevin scored a 255 out of a possible 300 points. Everyone is glad he�s on our team.

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Story and photos from the desk of Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on May 14th , 2009.

Multiple PBC Agencies Respond to Mass Casualty Incident

Some pictures taken at a Level 3 Mass Casualty Incident on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. This was a lengthy event that moved from the Boynton Inlet to Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach. Numerous departments worked together in preparation for the possibility of a large drop off of patients by the Coast Guard. A capsized boat may have been carrying as many as 28 people. The event ended with the drop off of deceased victims only and all units were released.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO and photos by Captain Mark Carr
Posted on May 14th , 2009.

Battalion 7 Drives the Extra Mile

Battalion 7 has been driving the extra mile, literally, for their customers lately! Several incidents have occured in recent weeks that tend to stand out above the rest. Station 74 units responded to a signal 4 rollover where a family of three (mom, son and daughter) lost control of their vehicle. They were returning from Lake Whales where they were celebrating the daughter's birthday with family. Nobody was injured but the vehicle was totaled and they still had a long way to go before they reached Oakland Park, which is where the family lived. Dad was a contract employee and was stationed in Iraq. The presents were jammed in the trunk and the family members were covered in mulch. The CAT Team was not available so R73 brought the family back to the station so they could clean up and re-group. While their mom got them cleaned up, the crew of R73 made them PB&J sandwiches. E74 forced the trunk open and brought all the birthday presents along with all the other items from the car back to the station. BC Arena cleared the use of the batallion spare car in order for PM Doug Taylor to drive them home to Broward County. WOW!! That's treating our customers like family!

On another occasion, Station 73 units responded to a medical call to a driver of a large RV. After determining that the elderly friend who was the uninvolved passenger could not drive the RV, E73 didn't think twice about securing the vehicle and riding the friend home in the fire engine!

Lastly Chief Rowley and Cpt Ken Sehres came upon a family of five who was involved in a serious signal four rollover while enroute to Miami from Clewiston. They were trying to get their kids into Spring Camp vacation when the incident occured. Thankfully nobody was injured, however, the vehicle was a total loss. They attempted in locating a rental car agency even though the nearest place was over an hour away. Even the Vice Mayor of South Bay got involved and volunteered to drive the family to the east coast so that they could pick up the car and finish their vacation.

As these incidents all happened within the same few days and were all in Battalion 7, we chose to write it up as one story. It is great to see, especially in these troubled times, crews going the extra mile to assist customers and make the difference.

Great job Battalion 7 and District Chief Bill Rowley, Captain Ken Sehres, Captain R. Frank, R. Rodman, D. Taylor, C. Berry, J. Hachet, J. Russell, District Chief Curtis Rice, Battalion Chief M. Arena, Captain R. Christmas, & Driver/Operator F. Iznaga.

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Posted on May 14th , 2009.

Drowning Prevention Coalition Rummage Sale

Never fear, Jerry G is here! Recently, the Drowning Prevention Coalition, housed in and partnered with Fire-Rescue, held a huge rummage sale. The proceeds are helping pay for swimming lessons for children with autism. As you can imagine, the collecting, sorting, logging, storing, delivering, setting up, selling, and breaking down of donated items was quite time consuming, and volunteers were highly coveted.

Several people from Inspections, Community-Ed, and citizens from local communities donated their time and spirit. Even a CAT member joined in the fun � who says CATs don't like water???? GREAT job everyone! Remember � PAY ATTENTION TO DROWNING PREVENTION.

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Story and photos from CAT Coordinator Alicia Kula
Posted on May 13th , 2009.

Martin County Brush Fire

On Monday, May 11, for the second time in two days, PBCFR units responded to Indiantown to assist Martin County Fire Rescue with multiple brush fires. Units were assigned to structural protection and wildfire attack in the northeast sections of the town. Also on scene were units from DOF, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.

Units were released around 2300 hours, and even at that late hour multiple fires were visible on the horizon along SR710.

Units included E14, B14, E17, B17, E72, B72, E20, B20, E48, B48, E30, DC1, BC1, AT13 and CH2.

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Story and photos by Deputy Chief Steve Jerauld
Posted on May 13th , 2009.

Lantana Airport Plane Crash

A single engine Beechcraft V35 Bonanza tried unsuccessfully to make an emergency landing at Lantana airport on Wednesday, May 6th. The aircraft ended up severing the wing on one parked plane and damaging another then slid under a parked semi-trailer. Both the pilot and the passenger died from the impact. Initial impressions are that the aircraft experienced engine problems after takeoff.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO, photos by Captain Mark Carr
Posted on May 7th , 2009.

Florida Forestry Crews Train Palm Beach County Firefighters

Brush fires in the south Florida heat are a common threat during the windy, dry seasons of the year. Local fire departments and forestry services often work hand-in-hand to protect homes and property from the devastating effects of these, often fast-moving, fires.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Everglades District of Florida's Division of Forestry have long enjoyed a close working relationship. The two agencies depend on the expertise the other brings to the table to meet the main objectives of the incident � to put out the fire and to assure that "Everybody goes home at the end of the incident". In recent months the two workforces have further cemented their relationship through training and familiarization with each other's equipment.

Occasionally, in a bad situation, Forestry firefighters are called upon to assist Fire Rescue crews who have become mired in the muck or mud of the off-road environment as a fast-moving fire approaches. Other times, the fire may encroach upon locations where Forestry has staged their tractor haulers after deploying the tractor-plows. In the worst of situations, if perhaps, a Forestry firefighter becomes incapacitated in his tractor-plow, County firefighters could be required to extract the downed firefighter from the tractor-plow or move the tractor-plow to a safe location.

Recently, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue District Chief James Schaffner and Florida Forestry Everglades Area Supervisor Chris Wasil developed and instituted a training program that equipped firefighters to accomplish these "emergency" tasks. With the assistance of Fire Rescue Driver/Operator John Greer, Sr. and Forestry Firefighters Harry Mortimer, John Greer, Jr. and James Schaffner; crews from the western, or rural, communities of the county were given training that explained many of the in's and out's of both the hauler trucks and the tractor-plows used in the area. They were shown things such as how to raise the hydraulic ramps, use the fire suppression systems and drive the large trucks. They were also familiarized with how to access the batteries, power switches, fuel shut-offs, and fire suppression systems of the haulers as well as how to operate all of the cage and door latches on the tractors. Topping it all off, the County firefighters received instruction in how to actually operate and drive the tractor-plows. Each firefighter had the opportunity to drive the tractor-plows through a circuit laid out in a wooded area of their district.

Further training allowed each firefighter to drive their own brush fire truck along with a more experienced operator in a variety of off-road conditions including uneven terrain, wet or dry soil, and tight spaces. The four-wheel-drive capabilities of the trucks were demonstrated and performed in a real-life environment.

All of the Fire-Rescue crews that participated in the training enjoyed the chance to take part in a different variety of hands-on training and enjoyed the chance to forge closer working relationships with their counterparts in the Forestry service.

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Story and Photos by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on May 5th , 2009.

Station 72 Brings Easter to Pahokee

On April 12th, Easter Sunday, the crew from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 72 C-shift organized an Easter egg hunt for the children of Pahokee, the first of its kind in this area. Days before, the crew gathered hundreds of dollars in donations to help with the egg hunt. Approximately 2,000 plastic eggs, numerous bags of candy, chocolate Easter bunnies, and Easter baskets were all donated from sponsors in our area.

The day kicked off with a giant egg hunt at Rardin Park in Pahokee. About 60 children ran throughout the park searching for eggs stuffed with treats and prizes. The laughter, cheering and smiling faces of many children could be seen all over the park!

Then, the firefighters from Station 72 drove throughout their community handing out bags of Easter eggs and Easter baskets. Kids from all over were so excited and had tears of joy! At times, the kids were screaming "we love the firemen, we love the firemen"! This brought such joy and happiness to the fire rescue crew.

The crew at Station 72C wishes to thank the numerous sponsors including Walmart, Target, Dollar General and Save-a-lot for making this event possible.

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Story and photos by Lt. Tony Faso, PBCFR Station 72
Posted on April 14th , 2009.

Fatal Accident in Belle Glade

On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at approximately 12:50 pm units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 34 responded to a witnessed vehicle in a canal at the intersection of West Canal Street South and Northwest 2nd Street in Belle Glade. There were two occupants in the minivan that had drove off of the roadway and ended up in the Hillsboro Canal. The passenger was able to get out and was assisted out to the shore by PBSO Deputies, but the driver was still trapped when rescue crews arrived.

Witnesses stated that the vehicle submerged rapidly after entering the water. Rescue crews had a difficult time accessing the vehicle to rescue the driver because of the deep water, fast current, and murky conditions. Moss Towing was able to remove the car from the water, at which time the driver was removed by Fire-Rescue paramedics who initiated care.

The cause of this accident is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on April 8th , 2009.

Former Palm Beach County Truck Overseas

As the fleet of most fire departments age, new apparatus are purchased to replace them. What happens to the older rigs is not usually of concern, and is not usually kept track of, except by fire apparatus buffs and historians. Some rigs are sold or donated to smaller departments close by. Others are traded in and purchased by smaller departments where they're often refurbished and given a new life. And quite often, the rigs are sold at auction and used by private owners or shipped abroad.

Such is the case of this 1986 Ford F350/Wheeled Coach unit former rescue truck recently found in Argentina.

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Story by Mark V. Carr, Photo by Dr. James Kus
Posted on April 5th , 2009.

Vehicle Accident on US-27

On Thursday, March 31st, units from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) were dispatched to a reported single-vehicle roll-over on US Hwy 27, approximately 10 miles north of South Bay. Construction workers in the area reported that a vehicle rolled over several times with 2 people being ejected.

DC7, BC7 and E74 arrived to find an SUV in the median with heavy damage. Two patients were noted on the ground upon arrival. Command was established and a quick assessment of the patients was completed. With the extent of the injuries, both Trauma Hawk One and Trauma Hawk Two were request to fly. Due to the close proximity to the Hendry County Line, Hendry County MED 108 and the Clewiston Fire Department also arrived on scene.

Patients were treated, immobilized and transported to the landing zone at John Stretch Park. Both patients were airlifted to the regional trauma center.

Units on scene- BC7, DC7, EMS7, E74, R74, E73, R73, TH1, TH2, Hendry County MED 108 and an Engine from The Clewiston Fire Department.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on April 7th , 2009.

Rush Hour Wreck Snarls Traffic in West Palm Beach

Several units from the West Palm Beach Fire Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to a rush-hour crash on Okeechobee Blvd. just west of Interstate 95. Initial reports were that 5 or 6 vehicles were involved, one on its roof and smoking.

West Palm Beach's Rescue 6 and Engine 1 were initially dispatched and Palm Beach County's Engine 24 and Rescue 24 were dispatched to what was initially thought to be another crash in the same area. The two calls turned out to be one and the same. Squad 4 and Rescue 4 from West Palm Beach as well as several EMS, Chiefs, and Safety Officers subsequently responded when the intensity of the telephone reports escalated. City and County crews ended up working together to assess and mitigate the incident.

First on the scene was West Palm Beach Squad 4 who reported multiple vehicles with one car rolled over and onto the hood of another. Both the east and west bound lanes of Okeechobee Blvd, a major artery in the center of the county, were cluttered with crashed cars pointed in all directions in the roadway.

There were several walking-wounded victims from the crash as well as a couple that were treated and transported by West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. Most of the victims received only minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene. Amazingly, nobody was trapped or seriously injured.

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Story and photos by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 24th , 2009.

Fire in Canal Point

On 3-19-09 at 2317 hours, units from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 72 in Pahokee and Station 73 in Belle Glade responded to a residential structure fire in Canal Point. While responding, units were notified that the Palm Beach Sheriff's Deputies were on scene and reporting a house fully involved with the house next to it beginning to burn.

On arrival, station 72's units found a house 75% involved, with flames blowing out the windows on the Bravo, Charlie and Delta sides. The flames were touching the neighbor's house. The Alpha side was showing black, boiling smoke, exiting under extreme pressure. As the first line was being pulled, this angry black smoke lit off, resulting in an fire ball rolling out from the front porch. Captain Paccione on Engine 72 ordered the first line deployed to protect the Bravo exposure, which now had flames rolling over the top of it. A water supply was quickly established by Engine 72 Driver R. Rodriguez and Tender 72 Driver Bud McCarroll. With a positive water supply, the second pre-connect as well as the 2.5" were charged, both as fire attack lines. Although initially short handed, Engine 72 and Rescue 72 crews were able to put all three lines in service until the balance of the alarm arrived. With all 3 lines flowing, the water system in that area was taxed. The closest hydrant could only supply about 400 gpm's.

Because of a quick and aggressive fire attack by the Station 72 crews, the exposure was saved and a family still has a home to live in. The structure suffered very minor damage to the outside "Delta" wall. Unfortunately, the house of origin was a complete loss. The residents in the community gave all PBCFR crews great praise for their quick and aggressive fire attack which resulted in a save for their neighbors home.

Units on scene - E72, R72, T72, B72, E73, E73B, EMS7, DC7, IV.

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Story by Lt. Tony Faso R72-C, pictures by PBSO
Posted on March 23rd , 2009.

Local 2928 Recognizes Local News Anchor

The Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF, Inc., recognized a WPTV Channel 5 local news anchor, Chandra Bill, for achieving second place in the International Association of Fire Fighters annual "TV News Feature or Documentary Contest."

Ms. Bill has shown support of local efforts to get the State of Florida to recognize cancer as a presumptive disease for Firefighters by creating a series of new stories documenting and bringing attention to the issue. As part of her news series, Ms. Bill documented the trials and tribulations of Palm Beach County Firefighter Guy Roper as he battled the disease.

On more than one occasion, Ms. Bill traveled to Texas to meet with and interview Roper using her own time. Local 2928 showed its support of Ms. Bill�s efforts to bring attention to this cause by entering the news series into the national contest and later recognizing her for her success in achieving second place with a certificate of achievement and a gift of appreciation.

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Posted on March 19th , 2009.

Sons of the American Revolution Awards Recipients

Three of our employees were honored at an awards ceremony held by the Palm Beach Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. The Sons of the American Revolution is a fraternal organization made up of direct descendants of our country's "Founding Fathers". Their purpose is to maintain those ideals which their descendants fought to instill in our country.

Once a year they hold an awards ceremony to honor those involved in fire safety and law enforcement who have made outstanding accomplishments and/or contributions of the areas of fire safety and law enforcement. This year, the awards ceremony was held at the Sailfish Club in the Town of Palm Beach.

Twelve people were being honored this year: six for law enforcement, and six for fire safety. Out of those six for fire safety, three were from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue: Fire Safety Specialist John Harsch, EMS Captain Craig Prusansky, and District Chief William Rowley. These three were awarded the medal for their exemplary work in various areas of the fire service.

Also in attendance were the supervisors for these employees: Deputy Chief Randy Sheppard, Division Chief Jim St. Pierre, and Battalion Chief Michael Arena.

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Posted on March 19th , 2009.

Vehicle vs Gas Pump, With Fire

E42, R44, E44, R45, DC4, EMS4 responded to a signal 4 in a Chevron parking lot with gas pumps involved. Found 2 vehicles on fire and a gas pump taken out of the ground. One patient transported ALS to DCH.

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Story and photos by Captain Jeffrey Teems
Posted on March 17th , 2009.

Royal Palm Beach Students Say, "I Can" with Station 28

Concern for humanity is still alive in Royal Palm Beach! Students at Ideal Preschool and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach had a "Heart to Heart" talk with Principal/Co-owner Wendy Soderman, also a teacher at the schools, and learned that they can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate of their own community. Every Friday afternoon, at the end of the school day, the children are given an opportunity to share in the project aptly called "I Can", by the students.

Along with Principal/Co-owners Chris and Wendy Soderman, teachers and parents, the students take a 4-mile walk from their school to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 28 and back. With them, the each carry a canned good that they deposit in a bin at the fire station. The firefighters then take the canned goods to local church or civic groups to be dispersed as needed.

Approximately 100 students choose to participate in the weekly journey. To show their excitement for the cause, they've designed their own special t-shirts that identify their mission. They wear the shirts as identification on the trip and as a way to promote their joy of giving.

Wendy Soderman and teacher Joanne Markovich share that the kids' desire is for other schools, churches and groups see what they are doing and join in the cause.

At the fire station, the kids are allowed to help themselves to ice cold water and a shady spot to rest before returning to school. Some even enjoy looking over the fire engine and talking to the firefighters. As an extra reward for participating, the kids get to pick a ticket from a hat for a lucky chance reward. Winning ticket holders are rewarded in a variety of ways such as a dress-down day, being allowed to wear their pajamas to school, and other class privileges.

Children are our future family and community leaders. It's encouraging to see them display such a giving spirit at such young ages. Way to go kids!

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Story and photo by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 16th , 2009.

Double Drowning in Lake Okeechobee Canal

On Friday, February 27, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 responded to a report of a boating accident at John Stretch Park near the community of Lake Harbor. A man, his daughter, and his granddaughter were boating when the boat took a sharp turn, causing the three to fall into the water.

A PBSO (Palm Beach County Sheriff Office) Deputy who was close by was able to rescue the 8-year old daughter from the water, but the man and his granddaughter were not able to be rescued and died. Crews from Station 73 deployed Airboat 73 to perform a search of the area. The granddaughter was found later that night by Florida Game and Fish officers, and the man was found the next day by PBSO divers.

The daughter was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. The PBCFR Light and Air unit remained on scene all night to assist the law enforcement officials with the search.

The incident is under investigation by PBSO.

Unit on scene: E73, E73B, AB73, R73, LA24, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on March 6th , 2009.

Rollover Crash with Fire on US 27 in Lake Harbor

On Saturday, February 28, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a report of a rollover car crash with fire near Mile Marker 81 on US Highway 27, near the community of Lake Harbor.

Crews arrived to find a single vehicle on its side, fully engulfed in flames. The occupant of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The fire was extinguished quickly by the responding crews. The crash had US Highway 27 closed for a couple of hours.

The incident is under investigation by PBSO.

Unit on scene: E74, E73B, R73B, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on March 6th , 2009.

Semi Crash on US 27 Near Okeelanta

On Friday, March 6, 2009, at 5:20 am, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a report of a vehicle crash with near the Okeelanta Sugar Mill on US Highway 27 several miles south of South Bay.

Crews arrived to find two semi-trailers that had collided, both having severe damage. The driver of one of the trucks was ejected and had died from his injuries on the scene. The three occupants of the other truck were treated on scene and released.

The incident is under investigation by Palm Beach County Sheriff Office and Florida Highway Patrol.

Unit on scene: E74, E73B, R73B, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on March 6th , 2009.

MCI in Northwestern Battalion 7

Late Sunday night Battalion 7 units were dispatched to assist Hendry County EMS and Clewiston Fire department working a multiple car accident on US Hwy 27. During the extended response, units learned there were at least 5 patients lying in the roadway. Trauma Hawk was then placed on standby and additional units called.

Upon the arrival of DC-7, he advised incoming crews of the conditions onscene, and assumed 27 command.

E-74 arrived next and began to assist HCEMS crews working in the median. EMS-7 arrived and was assigned EMS division. As he walked around, he discovered several patients scattered about the scene, one located almost 175 feet away. EMS-7 along with E-74 set up a patient staging and treatment area to determine the number of patients and extent of injuries. E-73B arrived to secure an LZ. R-73 and R-73B arrived soon after, and were told to report to the patient staging area for assignment.

The first two patients (Both Trauma Alerts, 1 adult, 1 pediatric) were sent to TH-1 for transport. A total of 5 patients, (2 pediatric and 3 adult) were transported away from the scene. R-73 transported a patient by ground to PWH were TH-1 met them to transfer the patient for aeromedical evacuation. HCEMS took the remaining patients to Hendry Regional where Collier County Life Flight met them for aeromedical transport to a trauma facility, the closest being 77 miles away.

Conflicting reports onscene about the number of patients became a concern. PBSO Eagle 1 came to assist the search operations with the night scan FLIR, and crews on the ground with TICs.

No other patients were located.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on February 9th , 2009.

House Fire in Station 24's Area

On January 20th, 2009 at 15:46 hrs, units from Battalion 3 responded to a house fire on Suwanee Ave in Westgate. E24, R24 arrived to find a abandoned house with flames showing from sides A, B, and C. Companies knocked down the fire, primary/secondary searches conducted, overhaul completed.

Other companies on scene were L-5, E33, E23, R23b, EMS10 and DC10.

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Story and photos by Driver Operator Jon Ferguson
Posted on February 9th , 2009.

Belle Glade Historic Building Saved

Units from Battalion 7 where dispatched to the old city hall building located on Avenue A in Belle Glade. The building was originally constructed in 1935 and was once the fire station for the city of Belle Glade.

Initial units arrived to find light smoke showing from the second floor and workers onscene stated they started the fire accidentally with a torch on the roof and it spread to the floor below inside the concealed spaces. Crews were hampered by access into the building, the building is currently under renovation to become a historic landmark and city gathering place. Huge holes in the floor, open truss spans, and a roof half completed added to the complexity of the fire suppression efforts.

Initial crews laddered the building and deployed multiple high rise packs that were advanced to the second floor and the roof, multiple ladders were set up for egress and the quint was enroute. DC-7 assumed command, EMS-7 was assigned roof division along with E-74, Crews from E-73B and R-73 pulled ceilings in the second floor and found fire inside the roof void spaces. The roof division began opening the roof with vent saws and hand tools, going through many layers of built-up materials, and also hampered by heavy smoke emitting from the holes. Crews extinguished the fire from below.

Q29/C arrived to side A and began assisting the roof division and after opening a trench type cut from one side to another the fire was deemed "out".

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on February 6th , 2009.

Car Versus Tractor Trailer in the Glades

Units from Station 72 responded to a reported MVA on US Hwy 98 and Hatton Hwy, and upon arrival found a car had slammed into the side of a tractor trailer with very heavy damage. Engine 72 immediately notified DC-7 and EMS-7 of the scene and requested additional units.

E-72 found 2 subjects in the mangled vehicle injured and meeting Trauma Alert Criteria. R-72 assisted in patient care while E-72 began extrication. Trauma Hawk was notified and T-72 dispatched for an LZ. R-73 was called for additional EMS functions.

Crews spent approximately 15 minutes removing the left side of the vehicle (sideout), and R-72 assisted with patient care inside the car. Upon arrival, DC-7 assumed command and EMS-7 assisted in patient care. The first patient was removed and placed in the back of R-72, the second (driver) was pinned under the dash and had severe injuries.

Crews from Trauma Hawk arrived to assist EMS-7 in RSI and once the patient was removed further secondary assessment. T-72 D/O McCarrol provided a secure LZ with the tender, and R-73 continued to treat the driver until he was loaded into TH-1.

All crews did an outstanding job with limited resources and personnel. Just another day in the Glades.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on February 6th , 2009.

Units Responded to a Pole Barn Fire in Station 46's Area

On January 31, units responded to a reported structure fire at 6295 Western Way. On arrival, they found a pole barn on fire. Hundreds of feet of hose line were used due to the location of a water supply and PBSO had to be called for crowd control. The fire was brought under control within one hour. No injuries were reported.

Units on scene included E43, DC3, Q47, E41, E46, EMS3, Q29, R46, BC3, R47, T48, R41, E48, B48, E42, IV5

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on February 5th , 2009.

Car Versus Building

On Saturday Jan. 24, 2009, crews from station 73, EMS-7, and DC-7 responded to a MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident). Upon arrival initial units found a vehicle had been driven into a house.

E-73 tended to the auto stuck inside the living room. The crash had punctured the fuel tank, which was steadily leaking. Foam was applied. The leak could not be accessed safely due to the stability of the structure. The tow company removed the vehicle and then the leak was secured with "Stop-Leak".

The driver was removed from the vehicle and turned over to R-73 for transport to GGH with minor injuries. Nobody in the home was injured.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on February 2nd , 2009.

Firefighters Help Habitat for Humanity

A recent "sweater weather" Saturday brought a group of coworkers from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue together to continue the battle against substandard housing in their community. As the sun rose over the tree tops, warming up spirits and the flesh, they prepared to put in yet another day of work at the Kennedy Estates subdivision in the Jupiter area.

Some of the same faces from other team build days were there along with some new ones too. They were all there to assist Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County fulfilling their mission � To build simple, decent, affordable housing for deserving families.

Their assignment for the day was to finish the truss work and install the sub-fascia and fascia on the roof of what will soon be a home for a hard working Palm Beach County family. Working on land donated to Habitat from Palm Beach County made the effort even more worthwhile. Randy Sheppard, Billy Zeigler, Joe Vitale, John Harsch, Kit Hibbs and John Sherry all shared laughter while enjoying the cool weather at the job site. The crew from station 19 even brought out lunch to the team to make work day even more enjoyable.

This team and many others have continuously supported Habitat over many years but what stood out on this particular day was a comment made by one of the other volunteers who was working on the site with his teen aged son. He said something along these lines: "You know I can't help but notice that firefighters are always doing stuff like this. They are always helping out in the community. I appreciate what they do."

You know something? He's right. Firefighters are always helping out in some way because that's what firefighters do - they help people out. Firefighters should be proud of their role in our society. They should know that the public holds their profession in high regard for not only what they do on-duty but also for what they off-duty. They should keep the public's vision alive by never stopping all their charitable work in our community because the citizens do notice all they do.

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Story and photos by Jack Norris
Posted on January 30th , 2009.

C-Shift Structure Fire in Battalion 5

Sunday morning, January 25, 2009, C-shift, Batt 5 units DC5, EMS5, E51, R51, Q57, E58, and E54 were dispatched to a structure fire at a reportedly abandoned home in 51's area. Upon arrival command advised a defensive attack: the home was 50% involved and appeared to be about 4000sq/ft.

Water supply was an issue on this fire; there was no easily accessible hydrant in the area. Supply lines had to be hand jacked over a wall to E51 to relay water to Q57 & E54 for fire attack. E58 did a masterful job establishing a draft. Master-streams and 2.5" lines were used to get the fire under control and hand lines were used for overhaul.

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Story and photos by Driver Operator Gordon Wilson
Posted on January 27th , 2009.

New Training Tower Banner

The new banner has been installed on the east side of the training tower - as you can see it helps bring some additional pride to the organization.

Thanks to Project pride for all their hard work!

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Story and photos by Div. Chief Vicki Sheppard
Posted on January 27th , 2009.

House Fire in Belle Glade, Second Fire of the Night

On Friday, January 23, 2009, at 1:39 am, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72, 73, 74, and 29 responded to a residential structure fire in the western part of the City of Belle Glade.

Crews arrived to find smoke coming from a single family residence. The two occupants got out of the house and were not injured.

The crews were able to rapidly knock down the fire inside of the house. The entire house suffered smoke damage, but the fire and water damage was confined to the hall bathroom.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, by a water heater malfunction.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, E74, R73B, R72, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on January 23rd , 2009.

Commercial Structure Fire in Belle Glade

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 7:17 pm, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72, 73, 74, and 29 responded to a commercial structure fire in the western part of the City of Belle Glade.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from two campers parked inside of an automobile recycling yard. The trailers were not occupied at the time of the fire.

Due to aggressive firefighting performed by the crews, it took about fifteen minutes to bring the fire under control. One camper was totally destroyed while the other had significant smoke and heat damage.

Two dogs were rescued by crews from the underside of one of the campers, but unfortunately two cats perished in the fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, by leaving a heat source too close to the camper.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, E74, T72, R73B, R72, DC7, EMS7, IV3.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on January 23rd , 2009.

Technical Rescue in Box-Truck Accident

Crews from Station 74, EMS-7, and DC-7 responded late Saturday night to an accident on US Hwy 27. Upon arrival units found a large box truck had lost control and rolled onto its side. The driver was found on top of the box and unable to move due to his injuries. A bystander had stopped to help and pulled the driver out of the cab onto the top of the trailer (See Photos).

DC-7 assumed command while EX-Special Operations personnel onscene collaborated to come up with a plan to remove the patient safely w/o causing any further injuries. The decision was made to use a technical rescue evolution using ropes and ladders. R-74 crews accessed the patient and started patient care on top of the truck while E-74 and EMS-7 rigged the rope and ladder system. The patient was lashed onto a Miller Board and lowered down a 24" extension ladder with a friction system which utilizes the rungs of the ladder for mechanical advantage. The patient was removed safely and transported to Cleveland Clinic Hospital.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on January 12th , 2009.

The Holiday Extra Mile

On December 15th, 2008, DC-2, E-23,E-24, R-23, R-23B, R-33 and EMS-10 responded to a hostage situation that resulted in the death of a mother of three children. The crews from these stations have run calls like this in the past. The thing that makes this call different, is that it was just days before Christmas. During this call the mother of the victim, and the grandmother to the three children were placed in the back of Rescue 33. She was placed there not because she was a patient, but because it was a safe and secure place from the dangers of the scene. While waiting in the back of Rescue 33, she was accompanied by Lieutenant Lee Forshner before she was notified that her daughter had been shot and killed. The moment that she found out that her daughter was gone, her life changed, and her first concern was the lives of her grandchildren. She looked at Lt. Forshner and said what am I going to tell the children. As if that wasn�t enough, that night while all were at the hospital the family's home was broken into and robbed of all their belongings. Their tv, dvd player, beds, clothes and even the Christmas tree was stolen. When Lt. Forshner found out that this had happened, his heart dropped. He started to make calls and was placed in touch with PBSO Deputy Sean Lutz. Together they made a horrible situation much more manageable for the family. They reached out to there respective departments, and to the community. They were able to purchase clothes, toys, beds, a tv, a dvd player , a camera and much, much more. The outpouring of support cannot be expressed in words. Monetary donations also started to come in for the family because of Lee's efforts and the publicity that it was receiving in the media. They did this in a very short amount of time, and were able to give the items to the family for Christmas. When they arrived to deliver the gifts, someone asked Lt. Forshner why he did what he did. His answer was simple. He stated boldy, " I wanted to remind the family that there are people in the community that care. Really, truly care". For this family, those members were the public servants of Palm Beach County! Thanks Lee for striving the extra mile this holiday season!

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Posted on January 12th , 2009.

Royal Palm Beach Family Fortunate After Light Fixture Ignites Attic Fire

A family living at 138 Alcazar Street in the LaMancha subdivision of Royal Palm Beach is lucky to have a home after a fire in the attic on January 9th. The fire was dispatched to Stations 28, 29, 21 and 26 at about 3:20 p.m. Engine 28 arrived to observe smoke venting from the eves of the one-story home. Engine 21 arrived and laid a supply line to a fire hydrant two houses away while crews from Engine 28 deployed an attack line into the house. Quint 29 arrived and Incident Command was established and maintained by Captain Matt Pennington until the arrival of District Chief 2 Neil Enos.

Firefighters using a thermal imaging camera located the fire in the attic and determined its origin to be a light fixture. The fire had buried itself in blown-in insulation and burned completely through a 2"x4" roof rafter prior to firefighters' arrival, but was extinguished before doing major damage to the house.

Crews deployed salvage covers to protect furniture and belongings prior to removing ceiling and insulating materials from the attic.

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Story and photos by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on January 12th , 2009.

Patient Extricated in South Bay Rollover Accident

Crews from Station 74 along with EMS-7, DC-7, and Trauma Hawk responded to a reported single vehicle rollover accident on US Highway 27. Initial units arrived to find a vehicle that rolled several times with an occupant trapped inside. E-74 Company Officer John Brown orchestrated a textbook extrication, the inner and outer circle were performed, the stabilization of the scene, the vehicle, and the victim were completed upon arrival of EMS-7. Command was established and extrication was begun, the crews choose to remove the entire side (side-out) of the vehicle.

The paramedic from R-74 was placed inside to start patient care. Cervical spinal precautions were in place, oxygen was applied, Intravenous access established along with patient reassurance.

The extrication was completed within approximately 30 minutes. The patient was removed from the vehicle and turned over to Trauma Hawk RN Thomas Volpe for secondary assessment.

Units from nearby Clewiston Fire Department established a safe area for the landing zone and lent a helping hand when needed.

The patient was taken to St. Marys Trauma Center for treatment. No other injuries were reported.

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Story and photos by Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on January 12th , 2009.

Rush Hour Traffic Snarled After Southern Blvd Wreck

Westbound traffic on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach was brought to a crawl during rush hour on January 6th. Engine 28 and Rescue 28 responded from Royal Palm Beach along with the engine and rescue from Station 25 in nearby Wellington as well as Incident Commander, District Chief Neil Enos and EMS-2.

Apparently a car was hit from behind by another causing it to collide with a private school bus. Remarkably, nobody on the bus or in either of the two cars sustained serious injury.

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Story and photos by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on January 7th , 2009.

Second Fire in Two Weeks Displaces Townhouse Residents

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue crews responded to a difficult fire in a 4-unit townhouse building on Regal Court South in the Village of Wellington on January 6th. Engine 25, under the command of Captain Jay Ackerman, was the first unit on the scene and found smoke visible from the eves all around the 2-story structure. Firefighters deployed three pre-connected hose lines while others evacuated residents and rescued pets from the smokey apartments.

A fire hydrant near the scene malfunctioned causing firefighters to have to lay out two hose lines from Engine 25 to another fire hydrant around the block at the entrance to the complex.

The fire, the second in the same structure within two weeks, displaced all of the residents of the apartments and Red Cross was called in to assist with their lodging. A total of 4 fire engines, 2 rescue units, an air supply unit, a ladder truck, 2 district chiefs and an EMS officer responded to the mid-morning fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation

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Story and photos by Captain Mark V. Carr
Posted on January 7th , 2009.

Community Assistance Team Supports Toys for Tots

PBCFR's Community Assistance Team helped support Toys-for-Tots once again this year. Not only did the CAT volunteers collect toys at their 4th annual banquet, as they have in previous years, but Mark Kalmanson and Jerry "G" (with emphasis on the "G") really went above and beyond the call of duty. They spent the entire week collecting toys from the stations and delivered them to the distribution center. All total, they collected 135 bags (approximately 2025 toys), 13 bikes and 3 huge stuffed animals.

Thanks, Jerry and Mark, you make a difference!!

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Posted on January 7th , 2009.

Ho, Ho, Ho for Habitat

On Saturday 12/20/08 members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building spread a little Yuletide cheer while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity project in Jupiter.

They joined forces to eradicate substandard housing in Palm Beach County by helping to build decent, affordable housing for deserving families. While on the work site at the Kennedy Estates subdivision they lifted and set the roof trusses into place and installed fascia. The next phase of the project will be to install the sheeting on the trusses. After that tar paper and shingles will complete the roof of the 3 bedroom two bath home.

Volunteering at a Habitat site is easy. Just listen to what Division Chief St. Pierre had to say, "Working for habitat makes it easy because all the hard stuff is taken care of. I show up and all of the building materials are at the site and there is someone there letting us know what they want done."

Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda. The project in the Kennedy Estates subdivision which consists of 27 home sites is only one project that the local affiliate is working on. Other projects include: 2 homes in Green Acres, 2 homes in the town of Pahokee and a Kennedy Estates phase 2 project in Jupiter.

When asked why he participates in Habitat�s volunteer program Deputy Chief Randy Sheppard of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue had this to say, "The greatest single satisfaction of volunteering for Habitat is knowing that not only are you helping someone who needs help, but you are helping to build a community that will hopefully be there long after I pass from this world!"

There are many ways to support Habitat for Humanity and no construction experience is necessary. To find out more information call the local affiliate at 561 433-3351.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Jack Norris
Posted on December 29th , 2008.

Christmas at St. Mary's Children's Hospital

The Palm Beach County FOOLS and friends made their 5th annual trip to St Mary's Children's Hospital today, December 23, with a delivery of toys and THE Santa Claus. Santa and his entourage of elves and helpers delivered toys to all of the children who are currently patients, some of who may not make it home for Christmas.

There were enough toys for the children's section of the hospital and for the pediatric emergency room.

We all enjoyed the smiling faces, the laughter and the parent's appreciation for us being there.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on December 23rd , 2008.

Overturned Dump Truck in South Bay

On Monday December 22, 2008, units from station 74 along with DC-7 and EMS-7 were dispatched to an MVC possible overturned truck on SR-27 Southbound, 5 miles north of the county line. After a 20+ minute response, crews arrived to find a dumptruck on its side. The cargo of sand and gravel was spilled about the scene, and approximately 20 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled onto the ground. Crews switched the changeover valve to prevent any more fuel from leaking.

The dumptruck driver escaped the crash with minor injuries, he related "seat belts really do save lives"; a lesson for everyone.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on December 23rd , 2008.

Single Family Residence Fire in the Glades

Battalion 7 units responded to 1600 NW Avenue F Place in Belle Glade. E-73, E-73B, R-73, R-73B, DC-7, and EMS-7 arrived to a single family wood frame residence with heavy smoke from the eves. E-73 deployed an 1 3/4" handline and implemented a fast fire attack and knocked the main body of fire down. R-73 performed a primary search and DC-7 assumed Command. Crews assembled outside as a RIT, and R-73B set a ladder to side "D" to remove the attic vent during overhaul.

The fire was caused by careless cooking by the resident, and no injuries were reported. The family was turned over to the RED CROSS for assistance.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on December 22nd , 2008.

DBI Presented with Fire Rescue Plaques of Appreciation

On November 19th, members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue�s, Station 73 (Belle Glade) showed their appreciation to the staff of DBI by presenting them with 2 plaques. Michael Hottinger, the Project Manager received one and the other for the staff.

DBI has allowed Fire Rescue to use the damaged guardrails and support components from the area's state roads for cutting practice. This type of practice is not only invaluable to our members but very hard to come by. In addition to practice for our members, DBI allowed the equipment committee to use these damaged parts to evaluate diamond tipped saw blades to be used on our saws during emergency operations.

DBI has a contract with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is responsible for maintaining the State Roads within Florida.

E73, E73B and EMS7 participated in the presentation.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on December 19th , 2008.

All-In for Butch Smith Fundraising Event

On December 9th, Lieutenant Garland "Butch" Smith received a fund-raising check at Slainte Irish Pub in Boynton Beach, Florida from the organizers of the All In Event and members of the Firefighters Benevolent. The event, attended and well supported by the Firefighter's Benevolent, firefighters from PBCFR and many municipalities, members of the public and businesses raised $35,200 for Butch. It was a huge success thanks to ALL involved. These funds were desperately needed for mounting medical expenses associated with Butch's treatment for a rare and advanced form of cancer called Multiple Myeloma. Butch expressed his appreciation for not only this financial support but the huge emotional support that this event generated. He said he and his family cannot stop talking about what a great event it was and how many people came out in support. He is humbled and has said numerous times, he's at a loss for words because his gratitude is so deep.

Butch's medical condition has improved due to the cutting edge treatment and procedures he has received over the last 6 months. He is in partial remission now and hopeful to enter full remission with continued treatment. He will be traveling to Miami over the month of December for these continued treatment and of course 2009 will bring even more.

The All In Event organizers, Firefighter's Benevolent and Slainte are already focused on next years event. Mark your calendars for November 7th, Saturday, 2009. The All-In Event 2009 will raise funds, at least in part, for the Firefighter's Benevolent Fund. Please plan on attending this event. Future notifications are planned.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on December 17th , 2008.

Toys for Tots - Stuff the Truck Project

Fire Rescue and the Marine Corps ran a one day promotion with the Toys-R-Us corporation and set up special detail rescue units at their four stores in Palm Beach County on Sunday, December 14th. Numerous toys were collected with their "Stuff the Truck" campaign and it definitely added extra merchandise for distribution to needy kids.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on December 17th , 2008.

FOOLS Deliver Santa to WalMart in Royal Palm Beach

Saturday, December 6th, 2008, was a fun day for a handful of Fire Rescue employees and members of the Palm Beach County FOOLS. The FOOLS' antique engine delivered Santa to the Royal Palm Beach Wal Mart where he greeted children and their families as they did their holiday shopping at the store. Santa had fun with the kids as well as adults as can be seen in the pictures.

Digital photos were taken on the spot and printed the same morning by Wal Mart. Any donations that were given will be used to purchase toys for our trip to the St. Mary's Children�s Hospital on the 23rd.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on December 15th , 2008.

Station 34 Wishes Everyone a Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from the crews at Station 34.

Posted on December 3rd , 2008.

Achilles Team Competes in the Marathon of the Palm Beaches

The wounded veterans of Achilles Freedom team were here to run in the Marathon of the Palm Beaches on 12/7/08. This was Palm Beach County Fire Rescue�s third year in assisting the team with their weekend in town (from 12/4-7/08).

Fire Rescue personnel and their families came by Station 23 to help assemble some of the bikes being used in the marathon and befriended many of team members and their families. Afterwards, a pasta dinner was available for everyone in attendance and the food was enjoyed by all!

The Achilles Freedom Team is an organization that promotes physical activity and sports to all veterans with disabilities. The team is comprised of members from all branches of service and service dates as far back as Vietnam up to and including the present. A couple team members this year were citizens that had never served but have disabilities that qualify them to be part of the Achilles Freedom Team.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Charlotte Rebillard
Posted on December 9th , 2008.

Potentially Deadly Mobile Home Fire

These are some photos taken by IV-5 (Pam Summers). This mobile home fire appeared to be small and not anything unusual. It turned out to be quite a scene that could easily have been a disaster for numerous firefighters who were at the 4 am fire. The entire mobile home site at 5793 Tiffany Pl, WPB, was barricaded with locks, chains, cables, metal bars and two by fours. It took over four minutes alone to get through the gate to get into the property. No one knew the single-wide mobile home was a potential bomb. The owner, who was found inside the bedroom, had committed suicide after setting fire at one end of the mobile home. He poured somewhere between 20 and 30 gallons of gasoline throughout the trailer and had the equivalent of five propane tanks turned on, inside and outside by the stairs.

At one point, over a dozen firefighters had been in or near the structure trying to get in to locate a possible victim. Luck was with all of them due to the fact that the atmosphere inside was so rich, it couldn't conduct combustion for very long let alone explode. This was one for the memory books of PBCFR. Media coverage made a point of showing how dangerous our jobs can be.

Units on scene included E23, Q29, E24, E34, R24, EMS10, DC10, BC9.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO; photos by Investigator Pam Summers.
Posted on December 9th , 2008.

Spahls Serve a Cup of Closure for Community

If you recall the media blitz surrounding 5 year old autistic girl, Kaitlin Bacile, who strayed from her home only to be found in a nearby canal in Wellington, it was a sad tale to experience: especially for neighborhood residents.

But when it came to the community pulling together to try and help the family, volunteers showed up by the hundreds while the search for the little girl unfolded. The sudden news of Kaitlynn's death was almost too much to bear. That's when 9 year old Dillan Spahl, son of Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Spahl of R23, decided that he would raise money for the family by serving lemonade at the neighborhood corner.

Eric, his wife and his family of four are not only involved with their community but Dillan is a member of Pack 165 of the local Boy Scouts. Together they caused the community to pull together once more as motorists pulled up for their cup of lemonade and a small piece of closure. Within hours over $3,300 was raised for the family with the help of Cub Scout Pack 165 members.

The generosity of the community can only be matched by the initiative of the Spahls in the way that they provided the means for countless neighborhood folks to channel their emotions and offer closure to a community in mourning.

The Customer Service TEAM continues to recognize our fire rescue members that "go the extra mile" whether they are in uniform or not. That's what makes the fire service so special ... we're never off duty especially when it comes to serving our community!

We would like to offer special thanks to Eric, Dillan and the entire Spahl family for stepping up when people counted on it the most!

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on December 8th , 2008.

Commercial Structure Fire in Pahokee

On Saturday, November 29, 2008, at 11:59 am, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72, 73, 74, 24, and 29 responded to a commercial structure fire in the City of Pahokee. Crews arrived to find some fire and heavy smoke coming from the windows of a single-story office building. No one was inside of the building at the time of the fire.

Due to the old construction of the building, it took the crews about an hour to contain the fire. The building sustained major fire and smoke damage. The preliminary cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature, and although it is being investigated by the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Bomb/Arson Investigations Division, it is not labeled as suspicious.

Units on scene: E72, E73, E73B, E74, T72, Q29, LA24, R73, R74, BC7, DC7, EMS7, IV4

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky, photos by DC Curtis Rice, Capt. Craig Prusansky, and Driver/Engineer James Ebenhack
Posted on December 1st , 2008.

Apartment Fire in Belle Glade

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, at 11:19 am units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a reported apartment fire in the southwest section of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from a first-floor apartment. Sheriff Deputies had evacuated the adjacent apartments before the crews arrived.

The first-in crews extinguished the fire before it was able to spread into the adjacent apartments. The apartment sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. No one was injured during the fire. The cause of the fire had been determined to be as a result of some wiring in a bedroom that had shorted out.

Units on scene: E73B, E73, E74, R73B, DC7, EMS7, IV4

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Photos from Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on November 10th , 2008.

Head On Crash in Pahokee

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, at 4:01 pm, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72 and 73 responded to a motor vehicle crash in the City of Pahokee. Crews arrived to find a car with heavy damage, and two patients, one seriously injured.

The passenger was taken to the Trauma Center via TraumaHawk Air Rescue helicopter, and the driver was taken by ground to a local hospital. The driver in the other vehicle was not injured.

The crash is being investigated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Units on scene: E72, T72, R73, R73B, EMS7, TH2.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Photos from Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on November 10th , 2008.

Station 72 Wraps up Fire Prevention Month with Fire Safety Presentation

On Thursday, October 30, 2008, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and Palm Beach County Emergency Management Division conducted a fire safety presentation at the New Hope Charities Day Care Center in Pahokee. This was done in conjunction with the end of Fire Prevention Month.

The children were taught various aspects of fire prevention and safety, shown the gear that firefighters wear and use, and were given a tour of a fire engine. It seems that the children really enjoyed the presentation.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky, photos by District Chief Gary Burroughs, Capt. Craig Prusansky, and center staff.
Posted on November 3rd , 2008.

Sr. Jake Hits 33 at 33!

Congratulations to Buddy Yarbrough for completing this milestone shift this past Saturday! Thirty-three years of service, all at Station 33! That's tremendous, especially when you take into account that 33 used to run as many as 20 calls per shift and travel as far west as Twenty Mile Bend.

Buddy started at Southwest Fire Control District #6 back in 1975 at Station One (Old Station 33). Years later, Southwest opened Station Two (currently Station 25 in Wellington). Buddy never left the original station which was located at 1108 S. Military Trail and is currently a local laundrymat. It wasn't until four years after consolidation into Palm Beach County Fire Rescue that Old 33 was moved to it's current location off Kirk Road. Buddy's annual salary was $7,600 at a time when the price of gas was only $0.57 cents per gallon. Buddy's father also served for Southwest Fire District along with Buddy's uncle Rodney Yarbrough.

Some folks might remember stories where early firefighters did all their own station maintenance and yardwork, but the Yarbroughs-along with other fire department members-actually built the fire trucks! In fact, they event built the fire station that housed those original trucks. They didn�t contract the work out! They built Old Station 33 with their own tools and their own hands.

Times sure have changed since Buddy's rookie year as a firefighter, but as the Sr. Jake and DO on one of the department's hottest engine companies it is Buddy who has stood the test of time. He is a mentor, a leader and one of the most respected members of Fire Rescue!

Congratulations, Buddy, and thank you for your dedication and love for the job!

For more history on Station 33 "The Fire Factory" please visit www.firefactory33.com.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos provided by Lt. Doug McGlynn
Posted on November 3rd , 2008.

Belle Glade Firefighter of the Year

On Tuesday evening, October 28th, District Chief Stephen Rice was recognized as the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce's Firefighter of the Year. Chief Rice joined a list of distinguished recipients, and was recognized for his tireless contributions to the fire service over the past 28 years.

Chief Rice's commitment to the Glades citizens was exemplified post-Hurricane Wilma when Belle Glade's fire station was untenable and he moved all of the department's personnel to his home so they could continue to provide service to the citizens.

Chief Rice was one of the key players who helped bring regionalization of Fire Rescue services to the Glades. Since merging with PBCFR he has assisted with all preparation activity ensuring nothing was left to chance.

In closing, Chief Rice's long-term commitment to the fire service is exemplified in every facet of his job performance.

Congratulations, Chief Rice, on a job well done.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and by Battalion Chief Mike Arena and Lt. Al Sierra, photos by Lt. Al Sierra
Posted on October 30th , 2008.

Townhouse Fire in Royal Palm Beach

A morning fire in a townhome in Royal Palm Beach on Oct 29th left a family of three without a place to live. Units from station 28 could see smoke while enroute to the fire at 112 Conaskonk Cir. When they arrived, Lt. Shaw from E28 said heavy smoke and flames were coming from both the front and back of the residence. Crews were able to isolate the fire to the one townhome and kept the fire from spreading to the attached unit.

Units on scene included: E28, Q29, E21, E26, R28, EMS2, DC2, PI1, IV3, BC2, E22, Volunteers.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 29th , 2008.

Garage Fire in Belle Glade

On Monday, October 27, 2008, at 8:49 pm, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 72, 73, and 74, responded to a reported garage fire in the southeast section of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the garage of the single family residence.

The first-in crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and contain the majority of the damage to the garage but the entire house sustained minor smoke damage. Two cars parked inside of the garage also sustained some moderate damage.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a pair of 6-volt "lantern" batteries stored in the garage which had made contact with each other and "shorted" out. No one was injured during the fire.

Units on scene: E73B, E74, E72, R74, DC7, EMS7, IV2

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 28th , 2008.

House Fire in West Delray

Units responded to a 911 call for a fire in a two story, 5,800-square foot home in Saturnia Isles today, October 27. The 8:30 am fire at 15970 Mataro Bay required a 2nd alarm response. The fire was under control in approximately 30 minutes but the home suffered major damagage estimated at $650,000.

The owner's German Shepherd was killed in the fire.

The cause is still under investigation. Units on scene included: E42, E44, Q57, E54, E45, R42, EMS4, DC4, PI1, BC4, R54, EMS5, BC5, DC5, BC2, IV6 and LA 24. PBCFR volunteers were also assisting on scene.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 27th , 2008.

MacCloud Makes Mechanics into Magic for Family!

This October, Rescue Lieutenant Pat MacCloud (no stranger to the Frequent Fire Mile Program) responded with his R36 crew and E31 to a critical pediatric allergic reaction at the local school's nurse's office where an 11-year old girl had already had her EPI pen administered to her.

Upon Mom's arrival to the parking lot, her car broke down - barely making it into a parking place. Like we often say, "our customers need us at our best since we often see them while they're at or having their worst!"

The daughter had dramatically improved, but now the car was broken down and unable to be driven. To make matters worse her only EPI pen was now gone and they had no insurance for a new one, since she had recently lost her job and her coverage.

Prior to transporting the daughter, RLT MacCloud leans out of the truck and says to the engine, "Hey guys ... interested in helping us fix this lady's car while the family is in the ER?". The crew was ALL IN! When Discount Auto Parts learned of the crews good deeds they insisted in giving a manager's discount for the $80 in parts that the crews paid for out of their own pocket.

After clearing the call, purchasing the parts, and installing the water pump and power belt into the 1991 Oldsmobile in less than an hour,....the crews drove the lady's car in new repair back to the ER so that Mom and Daughter could have it for the ride home! Wow!! When we boast what it is to be a part of this incredible movement of Self-Empowerment in pursuit of "doing the right thing" even when it involves "going the extra mile" such as these guys....this is the type of leadership that is getting the job done.

Thanks, R.LT MacCloud, as well as your crew: FM Hector Gonzalez, FF Andy Mercier, Lt Dave Iman, DO Mike Depascale, FM Joe Deltergo. Coincidentally, A/Lt. Bookmeyer was the company officer that day at 36 and he already had to write up an EDF for MacCloud for his behavior. That is what we should be using these forms for anyway,....positive employee development. Frequent Fire Miles are being dispatched to all crews involved!!!!

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on October 27th , 2008.

Station 72 Meets American Hero

Station 72 "C" crews had the opportunity to meet a true American hero today. E72, R72 and T72 crews visited Kevin Harden, from Jupiter, Florida. Kevin just returned home from Iraq. Having just returned to the country, Kevin was enjoying the weekend at Everglades Adventures next door to our station. Upon hearing he was there, we had to meet and thank him.

In Iraq Kevin was a U.S. Army Medic assigned to a tank platoon. In his 13th month of duty he was hit with an anti-tank missile. Kevin had massive trauma to both hands and arms. After 20+ surgeries he is back home. Kevin had a dream of working in the fire service or in the medical field upon his discharge. His injuries may have ended his chances.

It was a pleasure for our crews to have the opportunity to walk him through our vehicles and interact with him. We cannot thank him enough for the sacrifice he made for us.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Bud McCarroll
Posted on October 17th , 2008.

Firefighters Win the Fire-Rescue Division of the Lake Okeechobee Survivor Series Race

On Sunday, October 12, 2008, Palm Beach County firefighters Amy Tuminski from Battalion 7 and Ryan Bouse from Battalion 4 competed in the Lake Okeechobee Survivor Series Race held in western Palm Beach County. The course consisted of four to six miles of running as well as 10-15 miles of biking and paddling with some interesting challenges in between. As a participant in the race, they were required to orientate themselves using a map and compass and to complete various physical and mental challenges.

They completed the course in 3 hours and 25 minutes, putting them in first place in both the 2-Person Co-ed Recreational and the Fire-Rescue Divisions. This is the second time they have found themselves winning as they had nabbed the first place position in the Fire-Rescue Division at the last race back in April of this year.

Congratulations go out to both of these firefighters for doing extremely well at the race.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 14th , 2008.

Structure Fire in Runyon Village

On October 12, 2008, at 8:49 pm, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 72, 73 and 74 responded to a reported building fire in Runyon Village, just north of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find smoke coming out of the abandoned building and a small fire inside.

The fire was quickly extinguished. In the past, the building was used as a mess hall for the sugar cane workers, but has been abandoned over the years. No one was injured in the fire.

The fire is being investigated by the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Investigations Bureau.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, R73, T72, DC7, EMS7, IV4.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 14th , 2008.

Car Fire Damages Strip Mall in Royal Palm Beach

Shoppers at the Southern Center on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach had front-row seats to quite a show on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. A patron of one of the stores parked his 1994 Mercury Marquis in front of a business and was inside when someone went in and reported fire under his car. As the fire grew and firefighters responded, more shoppers and workers gathered to watch the growing blaze as it extended quickly to the front of the shopping center and up toward the roof.

Two District Chiefs were in the area at the time of the call and arrived first. Soon thereafter, firefighting crews on Engine 28, Rescue 28 and Quint 29 arrived and deployed two attack lines. One line was aimed at extinguishing the fire spreading up the column on the front of the building while the other line was directed at quelling the vehicle fire.

Pastors Tate Soles and Dan Lang, from nearby First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach, had been meeting in one of the businesses nearby and were quick to record the scene with their cell phone cameras and were kind enough to provide the photos for fire department use.

Damage to the shopping center was minimal but the car was a total loss. There were no injuries.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story by Mark Carr; photos by Dan Lang and Tate Soles
Posted on October 10th , 2008.

Structure Fire in Pahokee

On Thursday, October 10, 2008, at approximately 12:49 AM, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 72 and 73 responded to a reported mobile home fire in the 400 block of Golden Place in the southwest section of Pahokee. Crews arrived to find a mobile home completely engulfed in flames. It took the crews a relatively short amount of time to extinguish the fire.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the property had been abandoned for some time. No one was injured. The fire is labeled as suspicious, but no exact cause has been determined. The fire is being investigated by the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Investigations Bureau.

Units on scene: E72 E73 R72 R73 EMS7 DC7 IV3.

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Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky; photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky and Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Musso
Posted on October 10th , 2008.

Habitat for Humanity Team Build Day - A Soggy Success

Menacing, gray skies poured down rain upon the slippery, trussed rib-cage skeleton of what would soon be a roof over a Habitat for Humanity home under construction in Jupiter. Donny Kula, the construction supervisor for the Palm Beach County Chapter of the international organization asked our group, "Who's not afraid of heights or water?"

A few minutes later half of us were on the roof and the rest were on the ground feeding up plywood cut to the measurements being yelled across the site like open bidding at a farm auction, while that slow, constant rain saturated everything and everybody. It stayed like that much of the day except for when we ate lunch - we hid out in a partially finished house two doors down where the carpenters were installing the trim work.

The parcel we were working on is called Kennedy Estates and is located in the Jupiter area just off I-95 and Indiantown road. There will eventually be 27 homes on the site. The land was donated by Palm Beach County Commissioners who are supporters of Habitat's mission to create safe, decent, and affordable housing.

The group of us from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Planning and Zoning worked together to help wipe out sub standard housing in our community while participating in a team build. What I like most about team builds is that we leave our positions and titles at our jobs and come together on the work site as a team. We're all equals working together for a common goal. In our group there were also two father and son teams that took advantage of not only an opportunity to share camaraderie amongst the larger group but to also share some one-on-one time.

I have worked on several Habitat projects both here in our community and abroad. What I found most remarkable about this particular experience was the fact that no matter how miserable the weather got or how wet, dirty and cold we were, none of us wanted to stop until the entire roof was covered. Not only am I proud to have worked alongside these selfless individuals while volunteering at Habitat, I'm also glad to call them my co-workers; I think they all exemplify the commitment and dedication it takes to be an employee of Palm Beach County.

Participating in the team build from PBZ were: Richard Gathright, Grahm Christie and Whitey Kovalainen. Members of the group form Fire Rescue were: Randy Sheppard, James St. Pierre, Brian St. Pierre, Rick Gass, Chris Gass, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Burroughs, Larry Doelling and recent retiree Terry Croke.

To form a team of your own, contact the Habitat office at 433-3351. They have several houses under construction that could use your team's help.

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Story and photos by Jack Norris
Posted on October 7th , 2008.

Fire in Old Sugar Mill Dormitory

Units from PBCFR were dispatched to an early evening fire at an old sugar mill dormitory building. Initial units had a 15 minute response due to location of the mill, E73 arrived to find a 2 story dormitory building with heavy smoke from the street side. Additional units on the call were; E73B, R73, R73B, DC7, EMS7, T72, T21, E74, LA24, Q47, and INV2. Crews deployed a quick fire attack from the unburned side with aggressive ventilation by second in units. A water supply was established from the tender. DC7 established command, EMS7 safety. E74 RITQ47 went to the roof to check for fire extension. Rescues conducted primary and secondary searches. The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes and extension was minimal. No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

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Story and photos by EMS Captain Cameron Bucek
Posted on October 7th , 2008.

PBCFR Basketball Team Wins Gold

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's basketball team competed in the National Fire Fighter Games in Palm Beach Gardens on Sept. 23 and 24. The team went undefeated, beating the likes of former champs Miami-Dade, Orlando and City of Miami-twice to bring home the first gold medal in PBCFR basketball. The team consists of Coach Bryan Lancey and Players Lee Bronco, John Mends, Chad Snyder, Joe Bostic, Victor Van Eman, Robert Hugus, Pierre Simbert, Lamar McThay, Casey Maher and Matt Ritter.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 7th , 2008.

Tractor-Trailer Rollover

On Monday, October 6, 2008, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a tractor-trailer rollover inside of the Okeelanta Sugar Mill. Crews arrived to find a tractor-trailer dump truck on its side inside of a raw sugar storage facility. The driver of the truck was trapped inside of the truck.

It took the crews approximately 30 minutes to extricate the driver from the cab of the truck. He was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The cause of the rollover is under investigation by the local law enforcement agencies.

Units on scene: E74 R74 E73 DC7 BC7 EMS7

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 6th , 2008.

Mutual Aid Motorcycle Crash on US 27

On Friday, October 3, 2008, at approximately 11:18 am units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 and Broward Sheriff Fire-Rescue Station 106 and Battalion 55 responded to a crash involving several motorcycles on US Highway 27, 6 miles north of the Broward County Line.

Units arrived to find several motorcycles involved in a crash with 3 patients. Bystanders had started CPR on one of the patients with the other two sustaining less severe injuries. Two patients were airlifted to local trauma centers, one by Palm Beach County TraumaHawk 1 and the other by Broward Sheriff Air 85. The third patient was transported to a local hospital by Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

Since this call happened so close to the County line, both Palm Beach County and Broward County Fire agencies responded. A radio patch was set up between the two dispatch centers, allowing for common communications between all units. Palm Beach County Sheriff Office deputies also provided assistance.

Units on scene:
Palm Beach County: Engine 74, Rescue 74, Rescue 73, District 7, Battalion 7, EMS 7, TraumaHawk 1
Broward County: Engine 106, Rescue 106, Battalion 55, Air 85.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

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Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky, photos by Batt. Chief Michael Arena and Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 6th , 2008.

Walk of Honor Brick Installation

On September 25th, members from Project Pride installed the engraved bricks in the Walk of Honor. On the same day, the 6,000 pound solid granite Fallen Firefighter monument was moved from the current Headquarters location to its new home at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park at the new Chief Herman W. Brice Fire Rescue Complex.

Bricks for the Phase II of the Walk of Honor can now be purchased. Please visit the Project Pride, Walk of Honor page for more information or to download the order form. To order bricks for this Walk of Honor, please use this form.

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Story and photos by Division Chief Vick Sheppard and Lt. Doug McGlynn
Posted on October 1st , 2008.

Station 55 Reads for the Record

On October 2nd, units from station 55 paid a visit to their neighboring St. Jude Catholic school to read the Corduroy story book to the kindergarten and first grade classes. The children really enjoyed the crews' presence in the school and had a great time as the story was read to them. In the end it was difficult to tell who had a better time, the kids or the crews.

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Story by Battalion Chief Joaquin Hernandez and photos by Lt. Pamplona
Posted on October 2nd , 2008.

Car vs. Tree

On Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at approximately 3:50 pm, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 20 responded to a single vehicle vs tree crash in front of the Wellington Golf and Country Club on Aero Club Drive. Units arrived to find a heavily damaged SUV with the driver already outside of the vehicle. The force of the impact peeled away the passenger side of the SUV and separated the roof. Fortunately, the driver was wearing her seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Units on scene: E20 and R20.

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Story and photos by Rescue Lt. Kevin Hannah
Posted on October 1st , 2008.

Station 36 2009 Calendar Event at Slainte's

If you weren't at Slainte's in Boynton Beach on Monday evening the 22nd of September, you missed a terrific event. Station 36's First Annual Calendar Event was a huge success! The place was packed to the hilt and everyone had a great time! The Union Local 2928 IAFF Fire Engine was parked out front along with DO Majhess's Engine. Entertainment began with Keith our favorite guitarist and went down hill from there. The PBCFR Pipe and Drums kicked off the festivities with a few tunes. Celebrity Judges were Carlye from Wellington ER, Leta Murray from Bethesda's Newborn Nursery and Michelle from SUNNY 104.3 morning radio. As the night unfolded, Calendar hopefuls strutted their stuff for the judges in the most tasteful manner possible. Entrants included Station 24's Macho Libre Wrestlers, Do You Think My Tractor's Sexy - Dave Sears, FF Dangle - Marcus Johnston and Brave Heart - Pipe and Drums, to name a few.

The calendar will go on sale in October for $20. Proceeds will benefit the Benevolent Fund. Thanks to everyone who participated!

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Story by Lt. Doelling and photos by Jack Norris
Posted on September 29th , 2008.

Vice Presidential Visit

On Thursday, September 18th, crews from Battalions 1, 3, and 9 participated in a special detail for the Vice President's visit to Palm Beach County. Vice President Cheney arrived on Air Force Two midafternoon for a fund raising event to be held in Jupiter that evening. Units from stations 35, 34, 19 and 14 were placed on stand-by for the event. Participating in the motorcade were personnel from Special operations and Station 23.

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Story and photos by Rescue Lt. Duane Hodges
Posted on September 23rd , 2008.

Retired Lt. Joe Bartlett Lives on as Legend

On a recent visit to the State Fire College to see my son in action at training drills, who do I run into but none other than THE Joe Bartlett. Joe was actually working with a team of USAR instructors who were training a group of military officers from the country of India. An excellent prop is set up for collapse training with the ability for inserting vehicles under concrete slabs. The next thing I knew, I was handed a pair of gloves and a helmet and went "down under" to take photos. Joe gave me a quick tour of the Fire College campus and pointed out numerous training areas and props he contributed to. He sends his regard to all and definitely misses being on shift.

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Photos provided by Capt. Don Delucia
Posted on September 18th , 2008.

1st Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighter Run

On September 13th, over 500 runners participated in the First Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5k run at Okeeheelee Park. The event was named after Lt. Jeff Annas, who passed away on March 30th, 2008. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Firefighters/Paramedics Benevolent Fund. Over 100 Fire-Rescue employees from various departments ran the race. On hand were the Pipes and Drums, DJ Brian Gordan, Firehouse Subs, and Chief Gribble cooking Bar-b-q ribs. Dr. Hope and his staff were there providing post race massages. Several PBCFR units were on site providing a medical rehab area and assisting with the activities. Special thanks also goes to MD Now and Firefightermortgages.com for supporting the race. It was an emotional day for everyone. Jeff's family was there and his daughter Sydney helped pass out the winning medals.

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated. The overall winning time for men was 17:12 by Ed Turrentine. The woman's winner was a nurse who knew Jeff, Carol Hassel with a time of 21:59. In the Fire-Rescue division, Alex Mirich won the men's with a time of 18:55. Jill Bassford was the fastest Fire-Rescue female at 24:07. For a complete listing of the results, please click on the following link:
http://www.eteamz.com/accuchiptiming/files/JEFFANNASMEMORIALFIREFIGHTER5KRUN.HTM.

Special thanks to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Deputy Chief Steve Jerauld; and to Susan Hall and Jim Elsberry for their assistance with the organization of the event. This event would not had been successful without the help of all the volunteers that came to help including the support from the Volunteer Battalion and the Explorers. We look forward to making this an annual event that everyone in the community can enjoy.

Click here for more photos of the race day.

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Story by Capt. Rich Ellis
Posted on September 15th , 2008.

Company Level High Rise Drill in Battalion 9

Station 30 crews hosted some company level training at Poinciana Place (a 6 story garden apartment complex) for Battalion 9 personnel the other day. The training was targeted at identifying strategies specific to multi-story, multi-unit residentials. The goal was to compare tactics of placing fire attack lines into operation to upper floors by the initial arriving companies working off their 750 gal tank of water rather than waiting for the 2nd due engines to secure the building system with pressurized supply. Rope bags were dropped off the landings for pre-connected crosslays for a simulated 3rd floor apartment fire. Scenarios were performed in real time with true radio communications, par levels, etc. The drill components included placing portable standpipes to the 5th floor by means of hoisting 3" supply lines to the upper landing as well as standpipe operations via the hose cabinets within the exterior corridors for a 5th floor apt fire. A nozzle station and flow readings were set up by Captain Doug Watson off the 5th floor. Due to the long stretch between Standpipe connections a 50' section of supply was warranted. Crews demonstrated a "hands free" technique with the Denver Hose Pack which consists of a horseshoe loaded section of 2.5" supply as a bottle load & carry. This is compared to the flat loaded 3" supply that is often shoulder loaded and carried to supply our high rise packs. Much lighter, much easier, much safer to ascend up the stairs. Q29 laddered the 3rd floor landing with the 35' extension as well as demonstrated an elevated standpipe operation to the 5th floor. Crews participating in the drill were: Q29, RP30, E32, R32, DC9, EMS9, and Safety 5.

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Photos provided by Capt. Doug Watson
Posted on September 16th , 2008.

Fire Rescue Employee Travels to Hungary with Habitat for Humanity

The trip started in Budapest where the team from 4 different countries met to begin their mission of providing affordable housing to working families. Jack Norris co-lead the team with Charlie Buracker a fellow Habitat veteran from Virginia. They and 15 others visited the country side village of Szarvaz, a community of about 15,000 residents. While there they worked on a multi-family dwelling that will provide homes to 3 deserving families. Their work included installing the plywood exterior walls, papering and shingling the roof, digging and pouring the foundations for the staircases of each unit and staining the woodwork trim.

"This team is one of the most diverse and largest groups I've ever worked with." Jack reported. "Our oldest member was over 70 and the youngest was 19 years old. We had folks from The U.S., Canada, China and Germany. This team was highly motivated and extremely effective." He went on to say that "Our hosts were very impressed with our team's accomplishments. We brought game."

The trip was organized by Norris and Buracker who are certified Global Village Program team leaders. The Global Village Program is administered by Habitat for Humanity International. They sanction and offer logistical support to these builds to order to fulfill their overall mission of wiping out substandard housing.

In addition to providing labor, funds and materials to build homes, global village teams also participate in cultural exchanges with other countries. This team brought baseball equipment on this trip and engaged in a game before they left the country.

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Story and by photos by Jack Norris
Posted on September 12th , 2008.

Media Attention for Flood Response Trailer

On Saturday August 23, journalists from News 12 and The Sun-Sentinel came to ST 42 to see the Volunteer's Flood Response Trailer. Recent flooding from tropical storm Fay has peaked interest in how emergency responders would react to such flooding. The media was briefed on the capabilities and role of this trailer, which is part of the apparatus provided by the Volunteers to support the Career Firefighters of PBC Fire Rescue.

PBCFR provided a cargo trailer that the volunteers would modify to meet their needs. Using donated items and funds, the volunteers customized the trailer and purchased several small boats. In addition, donated funds were used to purchase safety equipment, motors and a host of other items that could be used for flood response.

The trailer is completely self sufficient and is towed by a Ford Excursion. It presently houses (1) 16 foot inflatable boat, (1) 12 foot inflatable boat, (1) 6 foot inflatable boat and (2) 16 foot jon boats. It also houses the motors, generator, and all safety equipment.

This trailer can be deployed anywhere it is needed and is operated by the Volunteer Battalion. It's primary purpose is to get County Firefighters and equipment to those in need in flooded areas, but can also be used to evacuate personnel from the flooded area.

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Story and photos by Kevin Rattey
Posted on August 23rd , 2008.

Crew and Apparatus Familiarization at Station 17

On August 14, 2008, the "Outpost" at station 17B and crew Lieutenant N. Gerry, Driver Operator S. Newell and Firefighter/Paramedic N. Ryder hosted a Crew and Apparatus Familiarization with West Palm Beach E6, R8, Palm Beach Gardens R63 and E63 and Riveria Beach E4.

The purpose of the familiarization was for neighboring fire station crews from other departments to meet and become familiar with each other's crews, apparatus and equipment.

Fire Rescue crews spent time going through each department's engine and discussing the equipment used, such as large diameter supply hose, adapters, SCBA's, RIC bag's, and extrication equipment. Crews also discussed the use of RIC bag's/SCBA's, guidelines and procedures between departments.

Everyone had a great time and agreed to make this a yearly event!

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Story and photos by Lieutenant Nick Gerry
Posted on August 20th , 2008.

Station 81 Puts New Rigs in Service

Palm Beach Int'l Airport, in West Palm Beach receives fire protection and emergency medical services from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 81. Recently, Station 81's service was enhanced by the acquisition of three new vehicles, most significantly, the station's first air stair truck.

Air Stair 81 is based on a 2008 Ford F550 chassis with an elevating platform built by Stinar. The new rig allows firefighters to access the cabin doors on large jetliners without having to depend on the airline companies to have one readily available. The truck can be used in a variety of cases including, but not limited to, providing access to firefighters during a fire, providing a safe means of egress to passengers during "hot fueling" operations, providing a safe platform to work on if needed to ventilate or force entry into the plane. It can even be used when the United States President and other dignitaries come to town.

Equipped with a Yamaha EF2800i gas powered generator and several flood lights, as well as a gas powered SuperVac ventilation fan, the unit will provide a versatile service to the airport.

Additionally, a new position was recently created employing a captain in charge of each 24-hour shift. The new unit, designated Airport Captain 1, drives a new 2008 Ford F150 equipped with all of the necessary incident command equipment and airport communications equipment.

Finally, Escort 1, a truck used primarily to escort firefighters and others to the fire station located in the middle of the airfield as well as provide support on medical or other types of calls, has recently placed a 2008 Ford F350 in service. This truck carries a variety of equipment including fire extinguishers, medical gear and absorbent pads.

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Story and picture by Mark V. Carr
Posted on August 16th , 2008.

Two Alarm Fire in Royal Palm Beach

A two alarm fire in Royal Palm Beach was very challenging to crews on the afternoon of Thursday, August 14th. A lightning strike on a ten-unit apartment building spread rapidly due to its wood frame construction. Another factor was the lack of firewalls in the building because in the 70's when it was built, firewalls were not part of the building/fire code. Crews made a stop at the third connected apartment by getting ahead of the fire and quickly pulling drywall from ceilings and walls. The end result was three fire-damaged units upstairs and three water-damaged units down stairs. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians, and a number of dogs plus one cat were rescued.

Some of the units on scene included: Q29, R29, E28, R28, Chief2, R41b, E20, E26, EMS9, R21, E21, BC2, PI1, DC2, E25, EMS10, BC9, LA24, IV6, R23b, E34, E46, E22.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on August 15th , 2008.

Residential Structure Fire in Battalion 9

On August 7, 2008, crews from Station 34, Q29, E32, R25, E25, E33, DC 9, EMS9, BC2, BC9, DC 10, investigators and the volunteers were dispatched to a residential structure fire in Station 30's zone. Instructor Jon Ferguson, who was teaching Driver Candidate School in Okeeheele Park, called dispatch to report a large column of smoke visible from Okeeheelee Park.

E34 reported heavy smoke and flames on arrival; two cars parked in the driveway and the garage were involved. Fire extended into the attic and burned through the roof. Although the fire was contained to the garage, the entire structure suffered from smoke and/or water damage.

Firefighters were challenged by the heat index that was reported at 109°F, yet there were no injuries.

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Story and photos by Captains Houston Park and Doug Watson
Posted on August 12th , 2008.

Vacant House Fire on July 21

On July 21, 2008 at 01:55, companies of the 3rd battalion, E23, E24, E33, Q29, R24, DC10, EMS 10 were dispatched to a structure fire on Elmhust Rd/ Military Tr.

E23 arrived to find a vacant house fully involved in fire. This is the 3rd time in a year that this house has caught fire. Companies operated defensively with no injuries reported.

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Story and photos by Driver/Operator Jon Ferguson
Posted on August 11th , 2008.

Barn Fire in Homeland

A fire broke out in a large shed/barn combination at a residence in Homeland at 5635 Reynolds Rd around 9:53 am. One of the owners evacuated the their three horses before they were injured. A column of smoke could be seen miles away. No one was injured but two firefighters were hospitalized for heat related issues. Both were released later in the day. A second alarm was called due to the size of the structure and to cover exposures.

Units on scene included E32, R32, Q29, E27, E48, EMS9, DC9, PI1, BC9, DC3, T21, E25, EMS3, BC3, B890, IV6, IV1, B48, Ops2, LA24, RP30, E27, B27

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on August 8th , 2008.

Firefighter for the Day

7-year old Stefano Villegas will have a great time telling his classmates at Verde Elementary what he did on his summer break. Recently, the Girl Scouts of Palm Glades Council held a luncheon and silent auction to raise money for their chapter. One of the items being auctioned was a certificate signed by Chief Brice granting authorization to visit any fire station and become a firefighter for the day. Fittingly, Stefano's aunt District Chief M.C. Madigan, won the bidded item. Chief Madigan chose Station No. 55 "The Funhouse" C-shift to host the young junior firefighter.

After a hardy pizza lunch, Stefano went right to work assisting crews with the daily station chores. He was given a full tour of the firehouse and rode in both the Engine and Rescue Companies. Stefano also helped crews decide where to mount special safety equipment aboard Engine Co. 55. The firefighters were impressed with Stefano's work ethic and decided to award him with a Funhouse Challenge Coin and T-shirt making him an official member of the Funhouse.

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Story and photos by Lt. Sean Pamplona
Posted on August 5th , 2008.

PBCFR Flight Nurse Tom Reyes Receives National Certification

The Department is pleased to announce that one of its flight nurses has attained a nationally recognized credential in flight nursing. Tom Reyes, RN recently passed the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) examination administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.

The CFRN credential represents a commitment of the individual nurse, as well as the program that supports CFRN credentialing, to quality state-of-the-art emergency care. Certified Flight Registered nursing incorporates a wide spectrum of patient care that requires highly specialized skills and extensive knowledge, as well as the unique ability to care for all ages of patients that have illnesses or injuries ranging from the very minor to extremely critical. The CFRN examination evaluates the nurse's knowledge in the areas of clinical pathophysiology, patient care management, and professional issues, environment, toxicology, shock, trauma, and medical emergency care.

Tom has been with the department since 2004 and has been a full time Flight Nurse since 2006.

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Story and photos by Capt. Al Borroto
Posted on July 25th , 2008.

Accident Puts Vehicle Inside Coffee Shop in Royal Palm Beach

At about 3 p.m. on Monday, July 21, customers and workers at the Chevron Extra Mile convenience store at 10175 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach were shocked when a woman accidentally drove her car into the store. No one in the store was hurt when the errant driver plowed up onto the sidewalk and through the front glass doors stopping just as the car hit a coffee and beverage island inside the store.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Engine 28 and Rescue 29 in Royal Palm Beach secured the store and assessed the driver of the car. She was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Damage to the store was minor with no structural damage, allowing it to be reopened and repaired by late the next day.

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Story and photos by Mark V. Carr
Posted on July 23rd , 2008.

Difficult Bridge Rescue in West Boynton

On Tuesday, July 15th, Special Operations and crews from Station 41 assisted with a rescue call that took over 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. A driver somehow managed to drive his Buick onto an aluminum footbridge and was trapped. When units arrived they found a somewhat disoriented individual in his car with an aluminum railing through the windshield, narrowly missing the man's head.

It took a lot of innovative thinking and planning to finally rescue the man without putting any additional strain of the heavily damaged bridge. The water in the canal below was at least 8 feet or more in depth. Boynton Beach Fire Department's 3-month old, 100 ft. Sutphen aerial platform and a heavy wrecker from Beck's Towing assisted with the rescue.

All local television stations and both newspapers were onscene for most of the rescue. The positive publicity we received through the efforts of Special Ops 34 and the other crews on scene was priceless.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia
Posted on July 16th , 2008.

Vehicle Accident at Forest Hill and Congress

A serious vehicle accident occurred this past Saturday, July 12th, at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd and Congress Ave. Our Special Operations crew was requested to assist with extrication and one trauma alert patient was transported to St. Mary's Trauma Center.

Units on scene included E39, R39, R33, DC3, R36, SO34, E34, R34, DC3 and EMS3.

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Story by Capt. Don Delucia, photos courtesy of Roger Brand
Posted on July 16th , 2008.

Residential Structure Fire in Palm Springs

On July 15th, 2008 at approximately 0030 hours, E39 was dispatched to 3140 Garden Lane in Sunshine Village Mobile Home Park, Palm Springs. They arrived to find a mobile home fully involved with fire. Palm Springs Police Department units on scene reported the mobile home was vacan. E39 began knockdown until E31 arrived, established command, and provided water supply. There were no hydrants inside the mobile home park. R31 provided exposure protection on side B. E36 made partial entry on side C/D. The fire was knocked down after about 20 minutes.

This incident was a clear example of the positive working relationship and cooperation that has resulted from the partnership and closest unit response agreement.

The State Fire Marshal determined the cause to be arson and collected evidence. It was later determined that the mobile home was in fact vacant and owned by the mobile home park. It was scheduled for demolition at a later date.

Units on scene: E31, R31, E39, E36, DC3, EMS3

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Story and photos by Kevin Higgs-Pinkston, CO/FF/PM
Posted on July 16th , 2008.

Crash in Belle Glade

BELLE GLADE - At approximately 6:30am, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 73, 74, and the Special Operations Team from Station 34 responded to a head-on crash just east of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find a car vs. pickup truck collision with the drivers of both vehicles trapped. The driver of the pickup truck was able to be quickly extricated and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. It took the crews over an hour to extricate the driver of the other vehicle, who was flown to the trauma center.

The crash is being investigated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on July 9th , 2008.

Truck Trailer Fire at Affron Plumbing

This July 1 fire was determined to have been started by a homeless person. Cardboard boxes were set on fire and it spread to a mattress that was under the trailer.

Units on scene included E36, R36, Q29, E39, E31, DC3, R39, BC3, EMS10, Inv 5, LA 24 and R31.

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Story and photos by Pam Summers
Posted on July 7th , 2008.

Crash on US 27 Near Lake Harbor

On Thursday, June 26, 2008, at approximately 11:43 am crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a single vehicle rollover crash on US 27 just west of Lake Harbor. A Hendry County EMS ambulance was transporting a patient from another call when they came across this crash first, and began treatment.

The crews found the driver fatally injured and the passenger, a young boy, had crawled through one of the windows. After the Palm Beach County units arrived, they took over care of the young boy. The boy was airlifted via TraumaHawk to the trauma center.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on June 27th , 2008.

Truck vs Tractor East of Belle Glade

A little after 8:00 am on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to a pickup truck vs. farm tractor just east of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find the driver of the pickup pinned inside of the truck with the passenger on the ground. The tractor operator was satnding along- side of the crash. The driver of the pickup was extricated and flown to a local trauma center, as well as the tractor operator. The passenger of the pickup truck was transported to a local hospital.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.

Units on scene: E73 E73B R73 R74 DC7 EMS7.

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Story by Capt. Craig Prusansky, photos by Lt. Scott Berkowitz and Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on June 24th , 2008.

Fire in Canal Point Elementary School

On June 17th at 0236 hrs, Battalion 7 and Battalion 2 units were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at the old Canal Point Elementary school. When units arrived they found a two story abandoned school fully involved.

Access was difficult and the water pressure was extremely low, making it extremely challenging for crews to extinguish. Water was shuttled from State Market Road and defensive operations were utilized. There were several collapse zones within the structure and the roof ultimately made a pancake collapse into the building.

Crews worked on scene for over 5 hrs.

Units on scene were E72, R72, E73, E73B, T72, T21, Q29, EMS7, DC7, BC7, IV2.

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Story by Battalion Chief Mike Arena; Photos by Battalion Chief Mike Arena, FF/PM Michael Casanova and Investigator Tom Fucci
Posted on June 17th , 2008.

Motor Vehicle Accident: Semi Pins SUV

At approximately 0928hrs, E74, R74, DC7 and EMS7 responded to a motor vehicle accident at 2000 S Main St. Upon arrival E74 found a semi had pinned a Ford Explorer up against a guardrail with the driver still inside with injuries.

PM L. Grau climbed inside and assessed the patient's injuries which he found to be minor. DC7 assumed command and E74 began extrication.

The Explorer looked worse than the situation presented, and it was a simple extrication. After a portion of the guardrail was removed, the front and back doors were removed and the patient was extricated and transported to GGH. The driver of the semi had minor injuries and refused further treatment.

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Story and photos by Rescue Capt. T. McCabe
Posted on June 13th , 2008.

Cropduster Training in Belle Glade

BELLE GLADE - On Monday, June 2, 2008, crews from Station 73 attended an aircraft familiarization session at Air Crop Care, located at the Belle Glade State Airport. Willy Lee, a pilot with Air Crop Care, discussed the Air Tractor AT-502 cropduster aircraft with the crews. The training included how the aircraft operated, hazards of this particular aircraft, and suggested procedures when rescuing a pilot.

The Air Tractor AT-502 is a turboprop aircraft capable of carrying 500 gallons of product which can either be sprayed through under-wing nozzles or dumped all at once out of the hopper. Most cropdusters in western Palm Beach County are this type of aircraft.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on June 3rd , 2008.

Rollover with Extrication on US 27 Near Okeelanta

OKEELANTA � At approximately 12:30 pm on Monday, June 2, 2008, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue station 74 responded to a report of a rollover vehicle crash with entrapment on US Highway 27, several miles south of the Okeelanta Sugar Mill, or about 15 miles south of the City of South Bay.

Crews arrived to find a single vehicle that had rolled over several times, landing upright with the driver trapped inside. The crews extricated the patient using the Hurst Tool ("Jaws of Life"). The patient was transported to a local Trauma Center via TraumaHawk. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Units on scene: E74, R74, DC7, EMS7, TH1.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on June 3rd , 2008.

Mobile Home Fire

7272 42nd Way (off of Blue Heron Blvd west of I-95): Mobile Home Fire dispatched at 0738 Saturday May 31.

Units responding were: TR61, R63, E63, E68, E17, T21, E23, DC6, EMS6

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Photos by Kevin Higgs-Pinkston, A-Shift Supervisor, Palm Springs Fire Rescue
Posted on June 2nd , 2008.

Structure Fire in Belle Glade

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, BC7, DC7, E73, E73B, E74, Q29, R73, R74 and Investigator 4 responded to a residential structure fire in Belle Glade. Units arrived to find heavy smoke showing.

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Posted on June 2nd , 2008.

Brush Fire in Pahokee Threatens Junk Yard

A small brush fire near Glades Drive and 87th Place North in Pahokee didn't take long to be whipped by high winds into a fast-moving, 5-acre threat on May 12th. Units from Station 72 in Pahokee as well as Station 73 in Belle Glade and Station 21 in Loxahatchee fought the afternoon fire involving sugar cane, brush, old auto parts, tires and other debris well into the evening and were back on scene the next day continuing mop up.

Bordered by railroad tracks on the west and an apartment complex to the south, the fire moved rapidly toward an abandoned strip mall to the east and a junk yard to the east and north. Poor access and thick smoke hampered firefighters' efforts to contain the blaze. Large volumes of water were put on the fire stopping its forward progress just before it reached a large metal building housing used auto parts and machinery. Junk cars were moved by forklift out of harms way as firefighters fought to contain the fire.

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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on May 14th , 2008.

Commercial Structure Fire in West Boynton

A fire at the Vienna Fliar Hair Styling Salon in Western Boynton the evening of May 6, brought 8 units and some 20 firefighters to a strip shopping center around 9:40 PM. One unit occupied by the Vienna Flair Hair Styling salon had had a small fire which put out a fair amount of smoke that eventually entered a number of adjoining units and caused the evacuation of a small pub that was also in the center. Damage was kept to the unit of origin and the source of the fire is under investigation.

Units on scene included E41, Q47, E46, E42, R41, EMS4, DC4, BC4, PI1 and IV4 (Farill).

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Story and Photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on May 7th , 2008.

House Fire in South Bay

SOUTH BAY - At approximately 7:30am on Tuesday, May 6, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 "A" Shift responded to a reported house fire in the City of South Bay. Crews arrived to find smoke and fire coming from one of the rear bedrooms. Crews were able to confine the fire to the room of origin, but the rest of the house suffered severe smoke damage. The residents were not home during the fire, and the American Red Cross is handling their accomodations. No one was injured during the fire and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, E74, R73, DC7, EMS7

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Story and Photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on May 7th , 2008.

Car Fire in the Glades

BELLE GLADE - At approximately 6:10 pm crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 "C" Shift responded to a reported car fire on Hatton Highway between US Highway 98 and State Road 80 in the rural sugar cane fields east of Belle Glade. The smoke plume could be seen for several miles. Crews arrived to find a Ford Explorer fully engulfed in fire. The crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly after arriving, but the vehicle was a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Units on scene: E73B, R73, EMS7

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Story and Photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on May 6th , 2008.

Abandoned Building Fire in Belle Glade

BELLE GLADE - At approximately 8:30 am on May 3, 2008, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 "A" Shift responded to a reported fire in an abandoned building in the southwest section of the City of Belle Glade. Crews arrived to find smoke and fire coming from one of the units on the ground floor. A pile of debris inside of the abandoned apartment was on fire, and was rapidly extinguished by the crews. No one was injured during the fire. The fire is being labeled as "suspicious" and the cause is still under investigation.

Units on scene: E73, E73B, E74, R73, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on May 6th , 2008.

Bryant Sugar Mill Fire

All units from Battalion 7 responded to the Bryant Sugar Mill for a Commercial Structure Fire on Saturday 05/03/2008 at 1809 hrs. The entire sugar mill is currently under demolition and has had several fires there recently. The fires have been started by the sparks of the torches used to dismantle the structure. While enroute, station 72 units reported heavy black smoke from a distance. E72 arrived on scene and reported a 4-story commercial structure with a working fire and 4 stories involved with fire. Since the site is under demolition, all of the hydrants have been turned off and were no longer in service. The engines on scene worked together and were able to shuttle water to supply the attack lines. The fire is fueled by "baggasse" which is fine particles (like saw dust) leftover from the processing of sugar cane into sugar. The structure doesn't have any walkable floors so the fire was extinguished from a defensive mode outside.

Thanks to units E72, R72, T72, E73, E73b, R73, E74, T21, Q29, BC7, EMS7 and the Incident Commander, District Chief Gary Burroughs DC7, an effective and safe fire attack was done without any injuries.

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Story by Rescue Lt. Tony Faso, R72. Photos by EMS-7 Craig Prusansky, Rescue Lt. Tony Faso and others on scene.
Posted on May 6th , 2008.

Fire in Brazilian Court Draws Mutual Aid

Three local fire departments came together to work hand-in-hand to extinguish a fire in a mansion in the Town of Palm Beach on May 5th. Just after noon, reports of a fire in the 400 block of Brazilian Court were received by the town's dispatch system. The fire quickly exceeded the capabilities of first-in units and mutual aid was requested. The City of West Palm Beach's Fire Department responded with several units as well as Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. Local police cordoned off the street as a large plume of smoke visible for miles attracted onlookers from all over.

Within a couple of hours, firefighters from the three agencies were able to bring the fire under control but not before the house was rendered a total loss. One dog was saved from the burning house but news reports say that several others were lost. News reports put the loss at over 5-million dollars.

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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on May 6th , 2008.

Fire at Elbridge Gale Elementary School

On Friday, April 25, units responded to Elbridge Gale Elementary School for a reported fire in the kitchen. Upon arrival they found a fire in one of the kitchen's stoves along with a sprinkler activation. The fire was quickly brought under control.

Units on scene included: E25, Q29, E27, E20, R25, DC2, EMS2, and BC2.

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Story and photos by Lt. Shaw
Posted on April 28th , 2008.

Stations 31, 47 C-Shift to the Rescue

The local United Cerebral Palsey Foundation office called Fire Rescue with a request: They were located in a building on 2nd Avenue North in station 31's area. They had a flagpole that was inoperative and asked our assistance in putting it back into operation. Some 50 individuals with cerebral palsey visit the center daily and wanted to see a flag flying outside their center.

Lt. Drew Kirshner and his station 31 crew, along with Lt. Pete McGrane and his crew from station 47, showed up Wednesday evening, April 23rd, with a plan of attack. By 8 PM, not only did they have the pole in operation with flags flying, but were able to do some Stokes basket rescue training off the roof of the building (much to the delight of the 20+ individuals who stayed and watched.) Needless to say, the Foundation was ecstatic. Compliments to 31 and 47 C-Shift.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on April 24th , 2008.

Car Fire in Station 24's Area

Station 24 responded to a vehicle fire on April 11th, 2008 just before noon. A Volvo 960's engine compartment was fully involved, the fire was impinging on the Ford Explorer that was parked next to it. As the action photos taken by a bystander show, R24 and E24's crews initiated a fast, aggressive attack and "choked the red devil into submission" with ease.

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Story by Lt. L. Doelling
Posted on April 22nd , 2008.

Head-on Crash on SR 441

Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a reported traffic accident Friday evening, April 11th, at 11:07 PM. When they arrived they found a two vehicle head-on crash on US 441 just South of Boynton Beach Bl. Witnesses stated a vehicle was traveling South in the North bound lane just prior to the accident. One victim was pinned and the Special Operations crew along with others had to cut the vehicle apart to free the victim's legs. In all, three patients were sent to the Delray trauma center, two by ground and one by air.

Units on scene included R47, Q47, EMS4, DC4, E41, R41, EMS3, Splops, TH1, E48, E34, DC9 and PI1.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on April 14th , 2008.

House Fire in Madison Green

Around 9:45 am, dispatch received a 911 call from a homeowner at 1261 Gembrook Ct in Wyndham at Madison Green who reported smoke in her home. Arriving units began investigating and eventually found an active fire in an upstairs bedroom. Crews contained the fire to the room of origin. Damage to the home is expected to exceed $200,000. No one was injured.

Units on scene included E21, Q29, E22, E26, R28, EMS2, DC2, BC8, PI1, CAT2, IV5, LA34, DC10 and E920.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on April 14th , 2008.

Structure Fire on Purdy Lane

On Monday, March 31, fire broke out in an apartment at 500 Village Green Circle 2, Bldg A. The 12:48 fire brought units from Palm Springs and Palm Beach County and included the mutual aid response of a ladder from West Palm Fire. A number of units had smoke in them on the third floor and the building had to be evacuated. Palm Springs Fire and the State Fire Marshall's office are investigating the cause.

Units on scene included E39, Q29, E33, E36, R36, DC3, EMS10, DC39, L5 and AT13.

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Story by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO and photos by Roger Brand
Posted on April 2nd , 2008.

Fuel Truck vs Tug with Luggage Cart

At 12:09 on April 1st, 2008, the crew of "B" Shift under the command of Captain Abramovitz responded to a Signal 4 involving a fuel truck carrying 5400 gallons of Jet A fuel. The fuel truck had collided with a tug and baggage cart on the airline ramp in front of gate C7. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported via BLS Ambulance to the hospital for evaluation.
No other injuries were reported.

A minor fuel spill of gasoline from a ruptured fuel tank and fuel line on the tug was caused by the fuel truck running over the rear of the tug.

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Stories and photos by John Boike
Posted on April 1st , 2008.

Busy Week in the Glades

It was another busy week out west. Here is some information about three of the calls units responded to:

On Sunday, March 23rd, units responded to a single vehicle accident. While learning how to drive, the driver lost control and crashed through a fence and hit a tree. Occupants were trapped by the fence and poles wrapped around the vehicle. E73 and R73 personel cut fence and post to gain access to the two patients in the vehicle.

On March 26th, BC7, BC9, DC7, DC9, E73, E73B, R73, R73B, SPECIAL OPS 34, E34, R34 AND Trauma Hawk responded to a vehicle accident involving a dump truck on SR 80 AND SR 98. First-arriving units found vehicle with heavy damage and entrapment. Units worked for about 40 minutes to free the victim, who was transported by Trauma Hawk to nearest trauma facility. Great job done by all. (For more photos of this event, please click here.

On Saturday, March 29th, BC4, DC7, E74, E73, E73B, R73, R73B, Q29, Light & Air 24 and Investigator 4 responded to a residential structure fire in South Bay, units arrive to find heavy smoke coming from the residence. Heavy fire was found in master bedroom and attic in a large portion of the residence. Two occupants were treated and transported to a nearby hospital.

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Stories and photos from Scott Berkowitz
Posted on March 31st , 2008.

Dump Truck vs. Van

On Wednesday, March 26th, 2008, at approximately 13:00 hours, units of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Battalion 7 were dispatched to a signal 4 at State Road 80 and U.S. Highway 98. Initial reports advised a dump truck and a mini-van collided at the location. Reports from PBSO at the scene reporting heavy entrapment facilitated dispatch to send Trauma Hawk along with a full Special Operations response.

Units operated for over an hour to remove the female driver utilizing dash roll and roof removal techniques. The driver was airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital and a female passenger was taken to Palms West Hospital. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.

Units on scene were E73, E73B, R73, R73B, EMS7 DC7, E34, R34, SO34, DC9 and Batt7

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Story and photos by Artie Werkle
Posted on March 27th , 2008.

PBCFR Pipes and Drums Fund Raising Events for Vazquez Family

On St. Patrick's Day, members of Palm Beach County Firefighter's Pipes and Drums took part in a fund-raising effort for Lieutenant Rafael Vazquez's family. Several Irish establishments around Mizner Park, Boca Raton, and one in Boynton Beach were gracious enough to allow the band to play and collect donations towards the fund. At one point in the evening, Michelle Vazquez and her children joined the Pipes and Drums in Boca and actually played with the band by banging on the bass drum; they did an excellent job keeping the beat!!

Donations towards the fund are still being accepted. Checks can be made out to the Firefighters Benevolent and write the name "Vazquez" in the memo section at the bottom left of the check.

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From Captain Doug Watson
Posted on March 25th , 2008.

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Royal Palm Beach Mishap

A mid-morning crash involving only a motorcycle critically injured its operator on March 24th. The crash happened in the southbound lanes of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., just north of Okeechobee Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach. Engine 28 was the initial responding unit and was assisted initially by a passing fire inspector and an off-duty firefighter from Station 42. Battalion 2 Chief Nigel Baker oversaw the activities as the incident commander. Rescue 21 was dispatched to transport the patient, who was not wearing a motorcycle helmet, to the trauma center. TraumaHawk Air Ambulance could not respond due to fog.

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Story and photos by Lt. Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 25th , 2008.

Station 28 Provides Easter Fun for Local Orphanage

Children in orphanages are often forgotten when it comes to the fun associated with various holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Crews at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 28 in Royal Palm Beach saw to it that that wasn't the case for the children of Kid's Sanctuary Orphanage. The brainchild of Rescue Lieutenant Mike DelRossi, an Easter egg hunt and games were hosted by the crews of Rescue 28, Engine 28 and District Chief 2.

Using candy-filled eggs donated by nearby First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach, crews, along with Lt. DelRossi's family, hid the eggs throughout the many rooms of the home. After the egg hunt, despite a light rain, crews and kids alike moved outside for some games including a relay race involving carrying an egg on a spoon, and a water balloon toss. The balloon toss was a hit as both firefighters and kids got soaked by bursting balloons.

Lt. DelRossi took it upon himself to purchase prizes for the kids using contributions from each of the crew members. All in all, everyone had a great time � including the big kids of Station 28's B-shift.

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Story and photos by Lt. Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 25th , 2008.

2 Injured as Car Collides with Fuel Tanker

Two people received minor injuries on March 24th after their small car came into unplanned contact with a tractor-trailer hauling 8,000 gallons of fuel. The location of the incident was Belvedere Road just east of State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. Quint 29 and Rescue 29 responded from their station nearby and Rescue 23 responded from training in the area. There was no fuel leak or fire as a result of the accident. Both occupants of the car were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The truck driver was not injured.

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Story and photos by Lt. Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 25th , 2008.

Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade

On March 14, 2008, of the dept.'s Pipes and Drums marched in the 184th edition of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah, Georgia. This is the 2nd biggest parade behind New York City. The members marched with our friends from Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums from Long Island, New York. It was a 3-mile long parade with over 200,000 merrymakers watching from the sidleines. It was a great time...Members of the band that attended were Capt. Doug Watson, Lt. John Fischer, D/O Jon Ferguson and FF Khristy Osment.
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Posted on March 25th , 2008.

Boca Woods Hosts Firefighter Appreciation Dinner

On March 6th, personnel from Battalion 5 attended a community gathering in their honor held at the Boca Woods Country Club in western Boca Raton. The idea for this event was borne from members of a committee that was created to show appreciation for the local fire station (51) who routinely runs calls to this community.

The idea for this event was conceptualized months ago as the group called "Friends of Fire Station #51" brain-stormed about what else they could do for the station after already having purchased a large screen HD LCD TV for the folks. Soon, the idea of having an old-fashioned, community-based fundraiser came to life.

The evening started out with some opening remarks by our gracious hosts, followed by remarks from Chief Hernandez, who shared the events of the tragedy of Monday involving Lt. Ray Vazquez. A moment of silence was held out of respect for him, his wife and children. The introduction was followed by light-hearted talk about the history of fire-rescue services offered in the western Boca Raton communities over the last 35 or so years and covered the progressive increases in personnel and equipment over that time span.

The evening was a huge success, with a grateful and pleasant, sold-out crowd. Personnel were wooed and fussed over throughout the night, hors 'douvres, a pre-dinner reception, and then we moved onward to the main room for music, conversation and yet more fellowship with the very gracious sponsors/residents.

A great meal followed with the gracious crowd showing the visiting personnel from the station their most humbling and gracious appreciation for responses to their community.

In attendance were personnel from all 3 shifts at station 51 along with each respective Company Officer, as well as the on duty District Chief Tom Tolbert, EMS Captain Manny Mayo and Battalion Chief Joe Hernandez.

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Story by BC Hernandez, photos by FF/PM Robert Cuenca
Posted on March 12th , 2008.

Crash on US 27 Near Okeelanta

At about 12:30 pm on March 4, 2008, Crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 73 and 74 responded to a crash on US 27 near Okeelanta in western Palm Beach County. The units arrived to find a tractor-trailer and a dump truck involved in a crash in the northbound lanes. The driver of one of the trucks sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.

Units on scene: E74, R73, DC7, EMS7.

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on March 12th , 2008.

Pilot Safe After Belly-Landing at PBIA

Being in the right place, at the right time, allowed me to witness a plane crash as it happened at Palm Beach Int'l Airport (PBIA). While eating lunch and watching airplanes on the south side of the airport on March 5, a Piper PA-24 Comanche airplane flew overhead to my left as it made its short-final approach to runway 31. Noticing that the aircraft's wheels were not down, I picked up my camera and started clicking off the shutter. As the plane continued toward what appeared to be imminent doom at the end of the runway, other pilots nearby could be heard on the aircraft radio alerting others that the plane's wheels were still in the up position. Just after crossing the main runway, runway 27R, the plane touched down, bounced back up and then hit the ground again. In a cloud of smoke and dust, the plane skidded for several hundred feet before skidding sideways to a stop at the edge of the runway.

Within seconds, the fire-rescue radio blared the report of an Alert III, an actual crash, to Battalion 8 Fire-Rescue crews located inside PBIA. Seconds later, the monstrous, yellow, aircraft rescue trucks pulled out of the station and made their way out to the disabled aircraft. At the time of the crash, firefighters were already handling three other calls - medical emergencies - in the airport's terminal yet a full contingent of rescuers was still able to meet the needs of the downed aircraft. On scene, firefighters under the command of Airport Captain Fred Abramovitz were relieved to find that there was no fire, no fuel spill and no injuries sustained in the belly landing. Crews stood by as investigators and airport officials surveyed the scene and interviewed the pilot in order to ascertain the cause of the crash. Runway 31 remained closed until the plane could be towed to a ramp off the airfield.

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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on March 6th , 2008.

Motorcycle Accident at Lantana Rd and Lyons Rd

Around 4:30 pm on February 2, units from Station 46 and 48 responded to a reported motorcycle vs. SUV collision at Lantana Rd and Lyons Rd. Callers also were advising that the motorcycle was on fire. When crews arrived they found a cyclist down with severe injuries and a fully involved motorcycle. The patient was Trauma Alerted to Delray Community Hospital and the cycle fire was quickly extinguished.

Units on the call included: Trauma Hawk, R46, E48, Q47, DC4, EMS 4.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO; photos by Lt. Millstone
Posted on February 12th , 2008.

Volunteer Battalion Receives New Logo

The Volunteer Battalion now has an officially approved logo thanks to the efforts of Volunteer Lt. Bill Senyshyn. As project manager, he decided to contact The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and meet with Paul-M. Kane, instructor of Graphic Design and Advertising and creative director for Artemis Design Group. Christine David, Dept. Chair of Advertising and Graphic Design founded Artemis Design Group - a full service advertising and design agency that doubles as a prestigious Honors Program within the Art Institute curriculum.

Three honor students volunteered for this project and were challenged to create a design that was unique, and exciting. Several outstanding logos were submitted to the Battalion. After the logos were submitted, the general membership voted on the design that best suited the organization. Various members of PBC Fire-Rescue were also asked to vote. The results were definitive and a clear winner emerged.

The winning logo was created by Sara Borda Bossana, an honor student. Ms. Bossana was awarded a cash prize and plaque in appreciation for her winning design from the Volunteers. The logo will make its official debut on the apparatus at the end of this month.

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Story by Battalion Chief Kevin Rattey
Posted on February 6th , 2008.

Quint Climbs to the Top with Hot Shots Initiative

Quint 29 B shift under the direction of Lt. Bill Morris were at a training evolution recently at Okeeheelee Park. Apparently while on break they noticed a familiar "on-looker" off in the distance. It was 4-year old little Nicholas visiting the park with his family. Mom decided to take Nick to the park with his two sisters. Lt. Morris decided to take advantage of the Polaroid cams that were placed on the truck early last year since this opportunity was exactly what the Hot Shots Program was designed for.

As a reminder, The Customer Service Team launched an initiative called The Hot Shots Program where Phase I included the delivery of Polaroid cameras to all the Engines. The intent of the program was to wave little Joey over from the Publix parking lot anticipating that he'd like to see the BRT (Big Red Truck). In doing so, a red plastic fire helmet is donned with a smiling child outside the window of one of our engines so that the Polaroid may capture this moment for the family. The snapshot finds its way to the refrigerator door back home and PBCFR gets the credit for brightening up the week for some would-be shopper in the neighborhood.

So the crew grabbed the camera, which was out of film. No problem, since we're at a training event ... they search another engine on-scene for their camera. Out of film again! This is a common problem we have noticed since most crews don't realize that the warehouse catalog number for the film is actually adhered to the bottom of the camera itself with the label maker. Crews should feel free to order additional film packs for their polaroids via the monthly Janitorial/Station Supply ordering process. In fact, we're going to add the item to the quick sheet that's located on the Intranet Filing Cabinet.

So here's what 29 did: they grabbed a personal digital camera from one of the crewmember's gear bags. After taking a ton of pics with the kids in and outside of the truck, they learned that Nicholas wants to someday become a fireman (so he called it) Lt. Morris and crew let young Nicholas assist in raising and taking down the 77' aerial ladder as well as tuck away the outriggers and foot plates. Mom could not have been more pleased! At the end of it all, they wrote down the family e-mail address so that they could send them the pics when they got back to the station. It is this endless pursuit to improve the quality of one's life if not just for one day that Q29 had displayed through their efforts. In this case, possibly the inspiration of one young boy's dream to someday ride one of these PBCFR rigs. Frequent Fire Miles are being dispatched to the following:
LT Bill Morris
DO Aaron Turner
PM Gary Garrett

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)

Posted on January 30th , 2008.

Belle Glade Car in Canal

At 5:40 pm on January 25th, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 responded to the 2200 block of East Canal Street South for a witnessed car into a canal in Belle Glade. Units arrived to find two PBSO deputies and two civilians in the water attempting a rescue. One patient was pulled immediately out of the water, but a second one remained. The second patient was able to be brought to the surface by the crew from E73B and PBSO deputies after a few minutes. The crew from R73B was able to restore a pulse and breathing to the patient before arriving at the hospital. The first patient suffered only minor injuries while the second patient was listed in critical condition. The cause of the crash is under investigation by PBSO.

Units on scene: E73B, R73, R73B, DC7, EMS7

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky
Posted on January 29th , 2008.

House Fire in Station 33's Area

On 1/26, at approximately 5:45 PM, a fire was reported on Wilson Rd. E33, E2, E24, Q29, R33, DC9 and EMS3 were dispatched. E33 and R33 were first to arrive with fire showing at the front of the building on the 2nd floor. Three lines were stretched, searches conducted and the fire was brought under control.

E39, R24, LA24, BC3, DC11, EMS 11 also responded.

(Please visit our website at the link below to view pictures associated with this article.)
Story and photos by Jon Ferguson
Posted on January 28th , 2008.

The "Fun House" Opens Doors to Stranded Out-of-Towner

The crews from Station 55, B Shift are all receiving Frequent Fire Miles for the way they handled a stranded out-of-towner that stopped in for directions. Frequent Fire Miles are issued to crew members that express behaviors that depict FF's "Going the Extra Mile" for our fire rescue customers. On this particular scenario there was a man who drove up to the firehouse to secure directions from the on-duty crew. The man was not from this area and was trying to get back home. The man was down and out, low on cash and almost out of fuel. In addition, the time was getting late into the evening and the man had not gotten anything to eat yet. The crews invited the man into the firehouse for a cup of coffee while they drew him up some maps. The man had an extended trip ahead of him and the crew decided to help him out a bit. Turns out the crew provided him a hot meal, filled up his car with gasoline as well as networked with a local motel in order to get him somewhere safe to spend the night. The crews took up a collection to pay for all of this and they left their phone number in case there was anything else they could do for him. If a loved one of mine ever finds themselves stranded in foreign country, I should only hope they encounter the compassion and hospitality of Station 55's finest.

Frequent Fire Miles are dispatched to the following members (see photo from left to right): Jeff Berry, Justin Schainuck, Mike Meyer, Brian Johnson, Pierre Simbert, Mat Poulin and Tim Waterhouse.

Thanks guys for Leading by Example!

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Posted on January 24th , 2008.

Golf Cart Fire at Donald Trump Golf Course

On January 18, Station 33 C Shift responded to a golf cart fire on the Donald Trump Golf Course. E33 and R33 responded to the 1st hole and established "Trump Command". The crew commandeered "Golf Cart 33" and "Golf Cart 33B" to gain access to the blazing cart, took an extinguisher and knocked down the fire. Photos are attached as proof of their outstanding creative firefighting.

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Story by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO, and photos by DO Gordon Wilson
Posted on January 22nd , 2008.

Church Fire in Belle Glade

On January 15 around 1:13 in the afternoon, an engine from Station 73 was dispatched to a possible trash fire. When they arrived Engine 73 called for a full structure assignment. E-73B, E-74, R73, R73B, EMS-7, DC-7 and BC-7 were all assigned to the fire. First in companies found heavy smoke and fire conditions coming from the rear of The First Haitian Church of Belle Glade. It took crews about 30 minutes to get the fire under control and about 19 firefighters and command staff responded to the incident.

The fire was contained to the offices and living areas. The main congregational area only suffered minor smoke and water damage. A good initial aggressive offensive attack by Lt. Dan Smith and probationary firefighter Hadjarree are what saved this house of worship. The fire is still under investigation and the cause is still unknown at this time.

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Story and photos by Captain Bucek
Posted on January 17th , 2008.

Residential Structure Fire

On Saturday 1/12/08, PBCFR units: BC3, E36, R36, DC10, EMS10, E23, R23, E24, Q29, Palm Springs FR E39, and CAT responded to a residential structure fire at 4682 Summit Blvd in station 33's area. First unit on scene was off-duty firefighter Manriquez, shift 3A, who made sure the apartment had been evacuated and assisted with the occupants. Battalion Chief 3 arrived and established command and Engine 36 initated fire attack. All units worked together and the incident was stablized.

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Story and photos by Driver Operator Gordon Wilson
Posted on January 16th , 2008.

Second US-27 Crash

At 2:27pm on January 13th, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to the second of two reported car crashes in the 44000 block of US Highway 27 near Lake Harbor. Crews arrived to find the driver out of the pickup truck, but the passenger was still in the truck. The crews removed the passenger from the truck and transported her to a local hospital. The crash is under investigation by PBSO.

Units on scene: E74, R73B, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusanksy
Posted on January 15th , 2008.

US-27 Crash

At 7:24am on January 13th, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 73 and 74 responded to the first of two reported car crashes in the 44000 block of US Highway 27 near Lake Harbor. Crews arrived to find both of the occupants out of the vehicle suffering only minor injuries. The crash is under investigation by PBSO but heavy fog is believed to be a contributing factor.

Units on scene: RP74, E73, DC7, EMS7

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusanksy
Posted on January 15th , 2008.

Belle Glade Fire

At approximately 1:45pm on Monday, January 7th, units from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue stations 73 and 74 were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Palm Glade apartment complex. Crews arrived to find light smoke coming from a second floor apartment. E74 made entry and extinguished the fire, assisted by crews from E73, E73B, and Q73. The damage was confined to the room of origin. The preliminary cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature, inside of the wall. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Units on scene: E74, E73, E73B, Q73, R73B, DC7, EMS7, IV4.

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusanksy
Posted on January 9th , 2008.

Vehicle Accident in Belle Glade

At approximately 3:00pm on January 4th, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 and AMR Zone 4 responded to a reported car crash in the 38000 block of State Road 80 in Belle Glade. Dispatch advised that they had received numerous reports of an SUV that had rolled several times. Crews arrived to find a single occupant still inside of the vehicle with minor injuries. Fortunately, the driver was wearing a seatbelt which probably prevented more severe injuries. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Units on scene: E73, DC7, EMS7, AMR Medic 42

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Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusanksy
Posted on January 7th , 2008.

Pictures from the 1st Annual Jeff Annas Memorial 5K Race

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Posted on September 17th , 2008.

Santa Helps Adopted Family in Lake Park

On Christmas Eve day, Station 68 along with numerous Santa helpers, delivered toys to a needy family in the Lake Park area. Don Keltner drove the Union's antique engine with Santa and led the parade of equipment that delivered presents to a family that included six children. All three television stations recorded the event for the evening newscasts.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO, photos by Don Delucia and CAT Volunteer Ron Radwin
Posted on December 26th , 2007.

Santa Delivered to St. Mary's Children's Hospital

On Friday December 21, PBCFR and the PBC F.O.O.L.S. delivered Santa and numerous toys to the children at the Jack Nicholas Children's Hospital. Nearly 27 young patients received toys and encouragement from Santa who arrived in Local 2928's antique fire engine. This was the fourth annual visit to the facility at St. Mary's Hospital.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on December 26th , 2007.

Mentoring from the Tailboard

We all know by taking the oath to serve our community as PBC firefighters that we are held to standards much higher than those of other members of the public. Our firefighters are striving beyond this standard in seeking new ways to "Go the Extra Mile" for our fire rescue customers. Our elders depend on it as much as our youngest members of the community look up to it. These firefighters are exemplary in their efforts towards "doing the right thing." R/LT Kyle Ventry and Paramedics Liz and Jay Martino are perfect examples of what it means to capture this spirit and compassion.

Apparently Kyle's wife is a school nurse at one of the local schools where they met a young boy living in a most unfortunate family environment. After multiple absences from classes they found out that the young boy was staying home to take care of his foster parent. Despite the young boy being dealt a tough hand in life he was doing what was asked of him. Kyle and his wife took him beneath their wing and started caring for the young boy, including paying for medical and school supplies and even welcoming the boy into their own home. While attempting to find another loving home for the boy to live, he was jumped and robbed after school one day. Items stolen from the boy, his only prize possession ... an iPod which allowed the young boy to escape from the daily challenges he faced. Jay and Liz Martino, who have always been inspired by Kyle's unselfish pursuit of "giving back", decided to purchase a new iPod for the boy and anonymously present it to Kyle. Kyle says the darn thing just showed up one day, but he knows who did it. The Martino's generosity is only matched by their modesty. Together firefighters can really make a difference to the young members of their community if they so choose. Our goal should be ensuring that difference is a positive one. We should all take something from this as we empower ourselves to mentor members within our given response zones. Thank you Kyle, Jay and Liz for representing the spirit of our Department All three will receive Frequent Fire Miles for "Going the Extra Mile" and Mentoring from the Tailboards!

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Posted on December 25th , 2007.

CAT Team Donates for Toys for Tots

As we all know, the dedicated members of the CAT team are volunteers who devote their time and energy supporting and guiding people who have suffered a loss due to fire or death. Their efforts are selfless and often go beyond the call of duty. Their ability to always think of others was recently demonstrated this last week when the CAT members decided to turn their monthly meeting into a toy drive to help support Toys for Tots. Their donations helped fill a box at headquarters. As always, the CAT members have gone beyond their expected duties.

Great job team!!!! Thank you!!!!!

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Story and photos by Alicia Kula
Posted on December 20th , 2007.

Station 42 Hosts Division of Forestry Training

On Thursday, December 20th, the Division of Forestry conducted CVOC training for their personnel at Station #42. Approximately 11 DOF personnel completed the course using Transports and Class 6 engines (brush trucks).

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Story and photos by Battalion Chief Mike Wells
Posted on December 20th , 2007.

Firefighters of the Year

LT Frank Cote and R/LT Richard Christmas named Firefighters of the Year.

The text below was edited and taken from context of the original speech written by Chief Mike Arena to the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce:

These individuals are both exceptional individuals and they both have a sincere commitment to the City of Belle Glade, to Palm Beach County, the Glades area and the people who live and work here. We are very proud to offer these two individuals as the 2007 Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce firefighters of the year. We would like to recognize them together and then share with you some of the contributions that have made to Fire Rescue and the community.

Over 2 years ago Lt Frank Cote had a mission of bringing about a better way to serve the Glades area specifically when people get injured on Lake Okeechobee. He worked very closely with Chief Steve Rice and they were able to secure a grant for a Rescue Airboat for Belle Glade. Lt Frank Cote spent a tremendous amount of his personal time designing and specifying where every thing needed to be on this airboat.

Frank is one of those people who continue to work until the job is done right and he has been doing a tremendous job working with his new Palm Beach County co-worker R/Lt Richard Christmas on developing the training program for it. R/LT Christmas quickly came on board over a year ago and has become an integral part of the airboat program.

This Rescue airboat is the first of its kind to Palm Beach County and it probably would not have happened if it were not for the efforts of both Lt Frank Cote and R/LT Rick Christmas. The airboat program was recently featured on Channel 5 news and the efforts put forth by both Lt Cote and R/LT Christmas were what made that very positive publicity possible.

The airboat was also featured on the evening news on Channel 12 because these 2 individuals once again came together in rapid fashion to save a drowning dog stuck in a weed invested waterway to assist Animal control personnel and ultimately saving the dog. This was also a highly publicized event which all resulted in very good press for Belle Glade and Fire Rescue.

When Richard Christmas found out that Belle Glade was merging with Palm Beach County he immediately wanted to be part of making sure it was going to work and it was going to work right for Belle Glade. He volunteered to transfer out here and came to work to assist anyway he could.

The airboat is not the only thing which puts the two individuals ahead of the pack so let me give you some other examples.

We recently had a large fire at the Okeelanta sugar mill resulting in many firefighters staying out all night. When it was time to switch out crews around 11pm, Lt Cote volunteered to stay out and work so others could go and get some needed rest. He did not want to take no for an answer since he knew there was a great deal of work to be done and he wanted to see it through.

R/LT Richard Christmas made him self available 24/7 immediately after the merger of Belle Glade Fire Department and Palm Beach County after October 1. He responded out on his personal time each time we had a fire or major car accident and was instrumental to the seamless transition between the two departments.

LT Cote has been an ambassador for the Lake and its assets and took the opportunity to showcase it by taking out various elected officials on tours often utilizing his own personal time. He received a personal thank you and commendation letter from Senator Aaronberg.

On Sunday March 11 at approximately 11pm in the evening we received a call for assistance at the 20 Mile Bend boat ramp and there were no airboat operators on duty a call was placed to R/LT Rick Christmas who quickly responded from home and was able to rescue the stranded people.

I have had the opportunity to work several large incidents with these two folks and they are true professional who will do whatever is necessary to get the job done. It does not matter what time of the day it is.

It is the efforts of people such as Frank and Rick that made this happen.

Congratulations!

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Posted on December 19th , 2007.

Pahokee Christmas Parade

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue participated in this year's Pahokee Christmas Parade. In the parade was Pahokee's own Engine 72, along with the Battalion 7 airboat.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on December 19th , 2007.

Brush Fire in Belle Glade

On Tuesday, December 17, at approximately 7:15 pm crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 73 responded to a report of a large brush fire in a subdivision near the southeast side of the city. Crews arrived to find a large pile of fallen trees and debris on fire adjacent to a vacant lot. Engine 73 crews were able to knock the fire down without any further fire spread. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

Units on scene: Engine 73, Brush 73, District 7, EMS 7, AMR Medic 41

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on December 19th , 2007.

Rollover Crash Near Lake Harbor

On Saturday, December 15, at approximately 6:20 pm crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 74 in South Bay responded to a single vehicle rollover crash on US Highway 27 3 miles west of Lake Harbor. Crews arrived to find a female occupant and her young son already out of the vehicle. The driver sustained minor injuries and the young boy was uninjured. The vehicle had initially rolled onto its roof, trapping the driver and her son. Several passer-bys lifted the truck off of her, pulled her away from the truck, and removed her son from his car seat. Fortunately, the car seat prevented any injury from occurring to the boy. Crews from Hendry County Fire/EMS and Clewiston Fire Department also responded as this was about 2 miles east of the Palm Beach/Hendry County line. Units on scene: Engine 74, EMS 7, District 7, AMR Medic 42, Hendry Medic 408, Clewiston Engine 1.

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Story and photos by Capt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on December 19th , 2007.

Construction Worker Saved After Being Buried Alive

Engine 32 and Rescue 32 in suburban Lake Worth were dispatched to a construction accident on December 12th at a site in The Fountains development where an underground lift-tank was being installed. A collapse in the soil had caused a worker to fall to a level approximately 12 feet below level ground and become covered with dirt. Dispatchers initially relayed to responding crews that the patient was buried over his head in dirt but that construction workers had uncovered him enough to clear his face. Engine 32's lieutenant requested the response of one of the county's two special operations units to assist in the rescue. The initial engine and rescue arrived within minutes and were able to uncover the patient a bit further before special operations crews arrived.

Once on scene, special operations crews from Station 31 began laying the groundwork for the below grade, confined space rescue. Firefighter/Paramedic Drew Reyburn spent more than two hours alongside the patient comforting him while directing operations around him from his perspective. Other special operations team members assisted by cutting and placing large boards in the hole in order to shore it up and keep more dirt from collapsing around the patient. The special operations team from Station 19 in Jupiter was requested, as was the special operations team from nearby Boynton Beach Fire-Rescue, in order to relieve weary firefighters working the labor-intensive operation.

A large Aquatech vacuum truck was brought in from Palm Beach County's Water Utilities Department and was used to remove dirt and mud from the area surrounding the trapped worker. Before it was all over, more than 25 Fire-Rescue crews worked together to rescue the worker. After more than four hours, the worker was finally freed and was transported by TraumaHawk AeroMedical helicopter to a local trauma center.

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Story and photos by Lt. Mark Carr
Posted on December 14th , 2007.

Suspicious Incident - Car on Fire Crashed Into House

Engine 24, in Westgate, started the shift December 12th with a bang when they were dispatched to a fire in a home at 500 Dogwood Road in suburban West Palm Beach. They arrived to find a working fire in a car that had been crashed through a fence and into the rear of the single-family dwelling. The same crew had responded to another fire at the same location three days prior.

Engine 24's crew brought the fire under control with support from West Palm Beach Fire-Rescue's Ladder 5 and Rescue 5. There were no injuries and the fire remains under investigation.

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Story and photos by Lt. Mark Carr
Posted on December 13th , 2007.

Station 43 Honors 13 Year Old Hero

On November 11 of this year, a 13 year-old youth, Kevin Gombaut, had the surprise of his life when his friend and companion suddenly fell to the floor and appeared to be dying. The two boys had been playing football all morning and decided to take a break, go into the house and drink grape juice together. While sitting in a chair, 13 year old Jack Salonsky suddenly fell to the floor and began having a seizure. Kevin had never seen a person having a seizure before and thought his young friend was dying. He immediately called 911, his friend's mother and his parents.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 43 responded to the 911 call and transported young Jack to the hospital. The crew was so impressed with Kevin Gombaut's actions that they decided to honor him at the fire station this past Sunday, December 9. They gave both families a bar-b-q lunch in his honor and presented him with a certificate for his bravery.

Channels 5, 12 and 25 covered the event.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on December 11th , 2007.

Mobile Home Fire

A fire broke out in a mobile home today (11 am Dec 7) in Casa Del Monte Trailer Park. Units arrived to find moderate smoke coming from the unit at 1558 63rd Way S. The fire was quickly knocked down. Crews found the resident's cats had perished from smoke inhalation.
Units on scene included E36, E32, R36, EMS3, DC3, T43, PIO, Cat4, Q29, IV5 and DC10.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on December 10th , 2007.

Fire Nearly Spreads to Home

A fire occured on Honeywood Way in suburban Lake Worth yesterday afternoon (12/6) at around 3:00pm. The fire was in the rear of the home and involving a child's plastic play set and a wood deck, and had started to work its way into a bedroom window. A quick stop by fire crews saved the home from further damage. Cause of fire was yet to be determined.

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Story and photos by John Harsch, Fire Safety Specialist
Posted on December 10th , 2007.

Volunteering in the Dominican

A group of strangers came together for a common goal. They put the needs of others ahead of their own. They sacrificed their own comfort, made personal and financial sacrifices in order to complete their goal. These individuals helped a family realize their dream of homeownership come true.

John Norris, the Manager of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's Video Department, recently completed another trip to the Dominican Republic with the Cambiando Vidas (Changing Lives), an organization very similar to Habitat for Humanity. This time, another Fire Rescue employee, Rebecca Clevenger, joined the team and contributed her time and labor to help a family realize their dream of home ownership. John, or Jack as everyone knows him, interviewed Rebecca and asked her some questions relevant to her Dominican experience:

What prompted you to go on the trip?: I thought it would be a unique experience. The initial email you sent prompted many questions I had about the culture. I know plenty of people who have seen the Dominican beaches but no one talks about the countryside or the people. I thought this would be a good opportunity to experience that.
How did you feel about our mission - 1 house, 1 week?: I thought it seemed impossible! However I figured that if that was the mission then you must have some plan in mind. I really walked in blindly having no idea what to expect, and of course I was constantly surprised. It was fantastic!
What was your first impression of the Dominican people?: Initially, it was wonderful. Then after a couple days it was even more wonderful. For the duration of the visit to Las Charcas and San Juan I was repeatedly impressed by the kindness, hospitality, hard work and playfulness of the Dominican people.
How did the Tropical Storm effect our efforts?: Oh, Tormenta Noel! It was horrible. We would huddle under the tiki hut next door as the bands passed overhead and as they turned to drizzle we would run out and work as much and as hard as we could until the next band came. The roads got damaged and there was a delay of receiving materials. Precipitation of one sort or the other was nonstop. I got very used to being damp and was thankful it wasn't any colder. Although the storm did have some good points, the best part was that it kept the mosquitoes away!
What was your impression of the food, lodging and transportation?: The food was impeccable! Everything was so fresh! There are some fruits, like papaya and mango, that I have eaten before and never really cared for. I tried them again in the Dominican Republic and they tasted so different! Everything there was delicious, I can't remember one thing I didn't like. The lodging was very nice. I didn't expect much, and was blown away. The lobby was in a beautiful, elevated, open air corner room surrounded by jalousies with a view of two mountain ranges. The rooms were simple but practical. The A/C and hot water worked before Noel came, so that was luxurious, although only for a short time. The transportation was one of the few things I didn't like about the trip. We all crammed into this little Dominican minivan that was not designed for a very tall person like me!
What was it like working, living and traveling with the team?: The team was great, we had a wide variety of ages and genders. It added up to a great mix of personalities. Everyone had a good temperament and we all blended and meshed well. There was always someone up for dominoes in our down time, always someone up for drinking or dancing, we always had people to do stuff with. Working together was great, everyone managed to find jobs that matched our capabilities and the team leaders set a great example. I learned so much I will have to go back and put my experience to good use.
What was it like working shoulder to shoulder with the Dominicans?: What a hardworking group of people! There were even little kids helping build the house. These little kids were so strong and eager to please, you would just work and whenever you needed something there would be a little nino waiting to fetch something for you, whether it was mortar or nails or whatever. One little boy didn't have shoes and he would still carry two heavy buckets of mortar around at a time. Amazing little kids.; The Dominican masons were very good at communicating with us, they would patiently teach us construction terms in Spanish and show us how to do the things we weren't familiar with. People from around the village came every day to help, rain or drizzle, and they were all amazing. I wish I had neighbors like them!
Describe the type of work you performed.: I placed block, put mortar in the joints, helped mix mortar and concrete, which was very hard with just a shovel on the ground! I helped make forms, and once we were ready to pour forms, I was a member or the concrete moving bucket brigade. I shoveled rocks into wheelbarrows to fill the floor before we poured the floor, which we did after the walls were up. I passed roofing material up to the two crazy guys up on the roof who were walking around on that spongy stuff, I helped run wire for the electricity, and pvc for the plumbing. I got to do a lot.
Did you get to use any of your medical skills on the trip?: Oh yeah! Charlie's wife is a nurse and she sent a medical kit along with him. The villagers sustained a few little scrapes and nail punctures on the job, but after a couple days people from the village began showing up with various little injuries not sustained on the job. At first it was a little frustrating because I was always busy doing something on the house, but after seeing the smiles and thankfulness on people's faces a couple times I started viewing it as a little occasional break time from the hard work. It was neat seeing how certain people see the severity of their injuries there vs. the US. Imagine trying to convince someone they need to go to the hospital for a dog bite that took off the tip of their finger and they say, "Oh it's ok, just clean it up for me, please." Wow, talk about culture shock.; There was a certain member of the PBCFR team who had cut open his hand the week before the trip and had to get his stitches removed while in the Dominican Republic. Rather than use a local medical facility, he wished to use a paramedic from our department, and I happened to be the only one handy. Even though we aren't trained to remove stitches, he insisted I was his best bet. After a certain amount of declining followed by a mass of disclaimers, I finally assisted my brother bombero. Facil!
What would you tell others who were thinking about going on a trip like this?: Do it! You won't regret it!
Would you do it again and why/why not?: Yes! I got to experience a beautiful culture and met amazing people. I saw amazing mountains, which are especially beautiful in the tropics, and I got the chance to eat, work and sleep there. I was able to repeatedly put smiles on people faces. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
What one word best describes your experience?: Fulfilling.

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Story by Jack Norris, photos by Jack Norris and others.
Posted on December 10th , 2007.

Burgundy H fire in Kings Point

On Sunday evening 11-25-07 C-shift, units E45, R45, R45b, E42, E52, Q47, EMS4 and DC4 responded to what was a reported kitchen fire at an apartment in Burgundy H Kings Point. On arrival E45 reported heavy smoke coming from a 1st floor apartment. E45 passed command and begun fire attack along with R45b. R45 was ready to go as RIC. The kitchen was fully involved and quickly extinguished by the 45 crew. With the help from our newly installed TIC on E45, the seat of the fire was quickly found and extinguished. Primary search was completed successfully even though there was zero visibility throughout the house and no victims were found. The only occupant at the time was the owner who was in the process of cleaning her oven in "clean" mode when the fire started. Thanks to our new addition of the TIC, fire ground operations were completed quickly, efficiently and successfully without any injuries to our own. The fire is under investigation.

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Story and photos by FF/PM A. Faso, Station 45 "C" Shift
Posted on December 3rd , 2007.

Extra Mile on Thanksgiving Day

On Thanksgiving Day, Engine 17 responded with PBGFR, FHP, and PBSO to the Florida Turnpike for a vehicle accident involving a single vehicle rollover. On arrival, units found there were no injuries to the occupants of the vehicle, but a large Mastif had been ejected from the vehicle and fled the scene. After an exhaustive search along the embankments of the FL Turnpike for several miles in either direction, the dog was nowhere to be found. The family was heartbroken that their family dog had been lost on a day when family togetherness was to be celebrated. In contrast to normal procedure, the crews decided to exit the turnpike and search the neighboring areas and sub-developments as well. This initiative of "Going the Extra Mile" and not taking "no" for an answer became infectious and soon all three agencies were coordinating from different communities along the area in search for the lost family pet. Finally the dog was located and reunited with their family member, but not before biting one of the deputies. Words can't explain the appreciation that our fire rescue customers had for these crew members involved. The fact that we're always willing to exercise the boundaries of "doing the right thing" is what sets these folks aside from the rest. Rising above the element of efficient and satisfactory is what it means to "go the extra mile" for our fire-rescue customers. Special Thanks to Palm Beach Gardens FD, PBSO, FHP and our Frequent Fire Mile recipients: Lieutenant Bruce Thompson, DO Gordon Wilson and PM Douglas Taylor of E17.

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Posted on November 29th , 2007.

Housefire on Bluegrass Circle

Around 10:30 today, October 30, 2007, dispatch received a call from neighbors who stated there was smoke coming from the eaves of a home located at 6137 Bluegrass Circle. When units arrived they did in fact find smoke coming from all around the bottom edge of the roof of the residence.

The fire appeared to have originated in the attic and was partially extinguished when PVC pipe carrying water in the attic burned through, flooding part of the attic with water. Some of the roof trusses had burned through. Units on scene included E43, E46, R43, EMS3, DC9, BC9, R35, PI1, E32 and LA34.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 30th , 2007.

Turnpike Accident

Crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 42 responded to a crash involving a semi-trailer on the Florida's Turnpike just north of the Delray Beach exit in the construction zone. Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Miraculously, the two occupants of the car under the trailer were uninjured and able to crawl from the wreckage after the vehicles came to a rest. The accident is under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.

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Story and photos by Lt. Craig Prusansky
Posted on October 25th , 2007.

Two Vehicle Accident

Ops 8 (Jim Collins) drove up on a traffic accident Tuesday afternoon, 10/23, at the intersection of Benoist Farms Rd and Belvedere Rd. The two vehicle crash resulted in one injury which required transport to the hospital. Luckily, no vehicles on the car carrier fell off, which could have made the accident considerably worse.
Units on scene included DC10, R34, E34, EMS3, PI1 and OPS 8.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 24th , 2007.

In Memory

We recently received a phone call from a 20-year resident of Palm Beach County who told a story that hits close to home for us all. Mr. Bill Herms had a 19-year-old nephew that was a volunteer member of the Sharon Hill Fire Department in the suburb of Philadelphia, Pa. The firefighter, Michael Reagan, was part of a crew that was fighting a garage fire at a residence and had just successfully extinguished the fire when the wall of the garage collapsed on top of him and two other crewmembers. The other two firefighters were injured but survived. Unfortunately and tragically, young Michael did not. At Mr. Herms' request, we are posting a link to a portion of the Sharon Hill F.D.'s website that has been set up as a memorial to their fallen firefighter. There is an area set aside for readers to leave their condolences. Our hearts go out to Michael Reagan's family and friends. We can all relate to this type of tragedy and it brings about another reminder about how dangerous our jobs can be and about how careful we must be at every emergence call, even at seemingly simple house fires.

For those that are interested, please go to this link:
www.station09.com/reagan.

Posted on October 17th , 2007.

Apartment Fire In Royal Palm Beach

On the morning of October 17th a fire broke out in an apartment in Royal Palm Beach. Around 7:15 am, calls were coming in to the dispatch center advising smoke was pouring out of apartment 108 in the Greenway apartment complex. Units found smoke and fire coming from the bedroom area of the apartment. The fire was quickly extinguished but the residence is totally uninhabitable. The Red Cross was called the assist the apartment's two residents. Among the units on scene were: E28, E21, R28, EMS2, DC2, PI1, Q29, E34, R21, EMS3, BC2, DC3, LA34, R29.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 17th , 2007.

Riviera Beach Water Main Break & Sinkhole

Command 81 assists City of Riviera Beach on October 11th, at the scene of a water main break and subsequent sinkhole, at Blue Heron Blvd. and Avenue F. The leak could not be isolated for over 24 hours, due to the lack of gate valves in the aging water line. Department of Public Safety (EOC staff) and Fire Rescue Water Officer provided technical assistance.

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Story and photos by Steve Collins, MPA
Posted on October 16th , 2007.

Turnpike Signal 4

October 12th, 2007-Osceola County FL, While returning from this year's Florida fallen Firefighter Memorial members of the PBCFR Pipes and Drums and Honor Guard rolled up on an accident on the turnpike involving two vehicles with heavy damage. The accident happened on a remote area of the turnpike in Osceola Co, resulting in a extended response from the area fire department. On scene with limited resources, members of the band and guard stayed with and comforted the injured until responding units arrived, and assisted with patient care with on scene units. Two patients were extricated from one vehicle and trauma-alerted to area trauma centers via two medevac helicopters.

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Story and photos by Scott Jurasz
Posted on October 15th , 2007.

Vehicle vs. House in West Palm Beach

The West Palm Beach Fire Department responded to a van vs. an occupied home at the location of Division Ave & 22 Street. On arrival, the residents were quickly accounted for; the driver of the van was transported to a local hospital. Due to the instability of the home, a "collapse rescue response" was special called for by the Captain of Ladder Co. 1.

The following companies operated at Division Avenue and 22 Street:
Ladder 1, Squad Co. 4, Engine 1, Rescue 1, USAR 4, Rescue 4, District 1, EMS 11, Collapse and Trench Trailer.

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Pictures and story by Lazaro R. Acosta
Posted on October 11th , 2007.

Veronica E. Juliano

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums had the honor of being in attendance for the memorial of Veronica (Vee) Juliano. Veronica Juliano was afflicted with muscular dystrophy since the age of 2 and passed away this week at the age of 23. Veronica was a camper at the MDA summer camp held in Brandon, Fl where PBCFR and Local 2928 sent members as camp counselors for kids with muscular dystrophy. Veronica was definately one of the kindest and most warm hearted young ladies a person could ever meet.

PBCFR Pipes and Drums met Vee in the past, and had the oppurtunity to play for her, at the summer camp. It was our honor to be at her memorial to say goodbye to such a wonderful person. Despite her challenges with muscular dystrophy, Vee was also a truly talented artist. Please take a moment to visit her website at http://veronica-art.com.

On behalf of the Pipes and Drums and Honor Guard, we would like to express our condolences to the family of Veronica Juliano. She will be missed by many friends and family and it is all those who will miss her that are grateful to have been her friend and apart of Vee's life.

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Posted on October 4th , 2007.

Anthony Acosta Returns from Iraq

Our own Tony Acosta has returned from yet another tour of duty in Iraq. Tony and other returning Marine Reservists received a warm welcome from family, friends and co-workers. Two of the returning Marines were firefighters. One from PBCFR and the other was from the Town of Palm Beach. The local media was on hand to captue the event for the community.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on October 4th , 2007.

Fatal Crash Between a Train and a Tractor Near Palm Beach/Martin County Line

A collision between a New York bound Amtrak passenger train and a Bobcat forklift stopped rail traffic for several hours along the CSX tracks in northwestern Palm Beach County on August 27th. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Engine 14, Rescue 14 and District Chief 1 responded along with Engine 64 from Palm Beach Gardens Fire-Rescue.

None of the 192 passengers on the train were injured but the driver of the tractor died as a result of the crash. A heavy-duty wrecker from Sisters Towing was called in to remove the tractor from the swampy canal between the CSX tracks and State Road 710 near Indiantown Road.

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Story and Photos by Mark Carr
Posted on August 28th , 2007.

Fatal Accident in Belle Glade

In the early morning of Aug 19th, units from the 7th Battalion were dispatched to a traffic accident at Hooker Highway and Main street in Belle Glade. The initial dispatch information was that possibly 4 people were trapped. Due to this report 2 engines, 2 AMR Med units, DC7, Commander 4 and Trauma Hawk 1 responded.

AMR's Medical 41 was first to arrive and reported a one car MVA with heavy damage, 2 occupants, one being a fatality. The auto was west bound on SR80 when it crossed Main Street. Hooker Highway is the Western extension of SR 80 in the Glades. The car struck a very large concrete power pole at the front end towards the passengers side. The impact tore the engine out of the car. The driver was able to be removed without extrication and was transported to the Trauma Center by TH1.

Units on scene, AMR Med 41, Commander 4, PBCFR DC7, E73, TH1. PBSO and FHP were also on scene.

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Story and photos by DC Curtis Rice
Posted on August 20th , 2007.

Station 33 Thinks "Outside the Box"

The Customer Service Team would like to acknowledge the exemplary actions of Station 33 B-Shift. It is clear to us that these crew members displayed what it means of us when we intend on �going the extra mile� for one of our fire rescue customers. In addition, the engine and rescue company members worked together on developing a plan through improvising solutions that might be viewed as "outside the box."

Apparently R33 rolled up on a stranded invalid whose motorized wheelchair (Lark) had broken down in the hot South Florida sun one blazing afternoon a few weeks ago. By the time R33 crew made contact with the citizen, he had been in the heat for about 30 minutes already. Fortunately he was okay and there was no medical need; however, the crews needed some means of getting him home safely. Rescue Lt Pardo called for reinforcements from E33 back at the station where they utilized one of the FF's own personal vehicle (large pickup truck with open bed) in order to get the motorized lark home as well. The stranded man, who's weight was very heavy, was loaded on the rescue stretcher due to his unambulatory status without his transport. The crews took the man home and right into his apartment as well as delivered the Lark to the front office of the apt. complex as well. They decided to network with the property management officials so that a repair technician from the company could come out and make the necessary repairs right there.

Thanks go to all involved including our very own, Jim Hernandez who serves as one of our committee members as well as CSR (Customer Service Rep) for the Recruit Academy. For everyone else, Frequent Fire Miles will be awarded to the following members: RLT Dan Pardo, PM Mike Medley, PM Jason Ruffing, LT Dennis Peek, DO Jon Ferguson, and PM Scott Eddy!

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Posted on August 20th , 2007.

Seven Victim Roll-over Accident on US-27

On Sunday August 5th 2007, the pager went off at Station 74 for a traffic accident, roll over, on US Hwy 27 at the Broward County line. Initial information was that a single vehicle had rolled multiple times and that 3 people had been ejected. Due to the fact that the accident was reported to be 25 miles south of station 74 and the potential number of patients was high, both Trauma Hawk 1 and 2 were requested to fly. Districe Chief 7 contacted PBSO dispatch directly via TAC 13A for more information. The update was that 7 people were ejected, not 3, and that the SIG 4 was a few miles north of the county line. AMR's Commander 4, Mark Keating, was also monitoring the PBSO channel and called for an additional Med unit and requested mutual aid from Broward County Fire. DC7 Contacted Broward County Fire Battalion 55 via cell phone to update them and coordinate the response.

DC7, Chief Curtis Rice, was first to arrive and established 27 command. Due to the number of vehicles that had pulled over to help, the scene was not visible from the roadway. Upon exiting the vehicle, DC7 was confronted by multiple bystanders requesting more help and helicopters. DC7 made a rapid assessment of the scene. An SUV apparantly had rolled several times. Five victims were initially found lying near the SUV with an additional pediatric patient found 30' from the vehicle. Making matters worse, there were aproximently 30 people assisting the injured or just walking around the scene. PBSO began securing the scene. After the situation was updated to dispatch, an in-depth assessment was started. An additional patient was found (he had been moved from the area). There was a total of 7 patients, of which 3 were trauma alerts. E74 arrived and was directed to began packing the most critical Trauma Alert. Medical 41 arrived and took care of the pediatric trauma alert. Broward County Battalion 55 arrived and advised that they had an engine, 2 rescues and their air rescue responding. Battalion 55 assigned the first arriving engine to begin care of the third trauma alert. By this time Commander 4, Medical 42 and BCFR Rescue 67 had arrived and were assigned to assess and package the remaining patients. PBSO secured an area on northbound US27 south of the incident for the helicopters to land. Trauma Hawk 1 landed first with Trauma Hawk 2 next. Broward County 's Air Rescue 85 was eventually cancelled.

All the agencies worked very well together. The ability to get a large number of rescuers on scene in a relatively short period of time, even in a remote area made the situation much better for the patients involved.

Units on scene- PBCFR DC7, E74, Trauma Hawk 1 and 2, AMR Commander 4, Medical 41 and 42, BCFR Battalion 55, Air Rescue 85, Engine 67 and Rescue 67. Law Enforcement included units from FHP, PBSO and BSO.

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Story and photos by DC Curtis Rice
Posted on August 20th , 2007.

Fatal Plane Crash in Wellington

Sunday August 19, 2007 - A small plane crashed into a field after take-off from Wellington�s Aero Club early Sunday morning killing two people. A man and woman aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash.

Witnesses saw the plane crash into a field just southeast of the Aero Club runway just after take-off.

Units from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Palm Beach County Sheriff�s Office and Federal Aviation Administration were on the scene.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue units on the scene were CH5, BC2, DC2, DC8, EMS2, E20, R20, R27, B20, & T21

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Story by Artie Werkle, photos by Batt Chief Horowitz, Artie Werkle, and DC Robin Herring
Posted on August 20th , 2007.

ST73 Van fire US27

Woodchuck report from the 7th Battalion:

On July 28, 2007 Station 74 C-Shift was dispatched to a possible vehicle fire. The location given was 15 miles south of South Bay on US Hwy 27. Due to the long distance response, it took E74 17 minutes to arrive. The arrival report was "a fully involved van".

PBSO closed down both northbound lanes while DO James Harper positioned E74 for a fire attack. All occupants were out of the vehicle. Lt. Russ Frank and FF Jim Clark pulled an 1 3/4" attack line. The fire was extinguished utilizing a class A/B foam. The Ford Club Wagon was a total loss.

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Story and photos by D/C Curtis Rice
Posted on August 13th , 2007.

"Saving Our Own" Training

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue recently put on two days of "Saving Our Own" training at the Forest Hill Blvd training house. This was a multi agency drill that included firefighters from Greenacres Public Safety, Town of Palm Beach, Rivera Beach Fire, Miami-Dade Fire and of course PBCFR. On Thursday, John Bachman, a reporter with Channel 12, brought a cameraman and a second camera to cover the good visuals at the training session.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on August 2nd , 2007.

House Fire on Neptune Street

Units responded to a reported house fire today, July 27, around 2:45 PM. The home located on 730 Neptune St. in suburban West Palm Beach had smoke coming from the windows when they arrived. Apparantly, the homeowner was preparing something in the oven and left to go to the grocery store for some additional items. The food in the oven caught fire. The crews made a quick stop although the home did have extensive smoke damage and kitchen damage.. Units included E36, R33, DC9, BC3, BC9, E33, EMS9, DC3, IV2 and PI1.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on July 30th , 2007.

Fire Rescue Employees Assist Elementary School

Firefighters from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 30 plus volunteers from other stations constructed a butterfly garden on the campus of Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Wellington. Materials were donated to build the structure and fire rescue contributed the muscle and the know-how to put it together. Despite the fact the instruction manual for the building was pretty vague, they worked together as a team and did the typical firefighter thing��put it together with a little ingenuity and creativity. Principal Sandy Gerot was extremely grateful and emphasized how it will enhance their Earth Science curriculum. They have a landscaper who will donate flowering plants and vines which will draw the butterflies to the structure. Channel 12 and Channel 25 both covered the story.

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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on July 26th , 2007.

Motorcycle Crash Injures One in Pahokee

The driver of an off-road motorcycle was injured Sunday afternoon, July 22, when he crashed his cycle in front of 8764 Doveland Drive in Pahokee. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Engine 72-Bravo and an ambulance from American Medical Response found the victim laying in the roadway of his evelopment being tended to by a nurse from the area. Firefighter/Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians stabilized the patient before loading him onto a stretcher and into the ambulance for transport to Glades General Hospital in Belle Glade.

The crashed motorcycle seems to have faired better than its rider.
Apparently, as soon as the rider crashed, someone else jumped onto the motorcycle and rode off into the sunset. Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on July 23rd , 2007.

Vehicle Accident at Southern and Seminole Pratt Rd

Rescue 20, Engine 20, EMS2 and District Chief 2 responded to a dump truck vs. landscape truck accident on July 18, at the Southern Blvd./Seminole Pratt intersection. Engine 20 arrived to find a two truck collision with severe damage to the landscape truck. Engine 20 established command and R20 assessed both drivers. One driver was uninjured and the other had minor injuries and was transported to Palm West Hospital by Fire Rescue. The driver of the landscape vehicle was extremely fortunate. His vehicle was basically made into a convertible by the collision.

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Story and photos by John Vanek
Posted on July 19th , 2007.

Small Plane Accident

The crews from Station 72 and District 8 responded to an Alert 3 (aircraft incident) on Wednesday July 18. Upon arrival, they found a Cessna aircraft, with damage, that had run off the runway. Both the student pilot and instructor walked away without injury. The accident is under investigation by Flight Safety District Office out of Ft.Lauderdale.

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Story and photos by Captain John Boike
Posted on July 18th , 2007.

Stations 31 and 43 Sent to an Early Morning House Fire

July 16th 2007 - Engine 31 responded with Station 43 units to a single story home at 4361 Military Trail with smoke and fire showing from the front of the residence. Crews pulled hose lines and quickly knocked down the fire while searching for any victims that might have been trapped inside. After a quick search, it was learned that no one was home when the fire started.

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Story and photos by Drew Reyburn
Posted on July 17th , 2007.

Glades Area Firefighters Train in Tight Space Survival

During a fire, firefighters are sometimes faced with collapsing buildings or a growing fire that impedes their egress, causing them to have to seek or improvise an alternate exit pathway. In recent weeks, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue workers in Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay have practiced survival techniques in preparation that life-threatening scenario.

Under the direction of Glades area District Chief Curtis Rice, who developed the training, two fire engine crews from the Pahokee fire station and another district chief, went through the simulations on July 17th. Props were constructed out of wood by Pahokee Firefighter C.J. Whitmore. In the event of a collapse, firefighters might have to breech walls in order to escape. Each crew member faced the challenge of fitting between simulated wall studs set 16" apart. Another prop forced firefighters to crawl through a 24" L-shaped box tube about twelve feet long. Perhaps the most challenging was the "entanglement prop" which simulated a ceiling collapse. Firefighters were forced to crawl through the prop on their backs as they worked their way through wires and cables hanging down and snagging them as they worked their way through.

Adding to the challenge of the training is the fact that each member of the crew is dressed in full firefighting gear including pants, coats, boots, gloves, helmets and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus - heavy air tanks worn on their backs. In the final scenario of the session, non-toxic smoke was added to the already darkened room causing visibility to be near zero from just above the floor all the way up to the ceiling.

The training has been well received by the crews. Each firefighter realizes that his or her life may depend on the ability to perform in the most stringent of circumstances and in the most difficult of environments. A hasty escape is of the essence in a collapsed building or when one's air supply is running low. Hopefully, these skills will never be brought to the test but the families of the firefighters will rest more easily knowing that their loved ones have trained and maintain a proficiency that ensures that "Everyone Goes Home" at the end of the shift.

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Story by Lt. Mark Carr, photos by Lt. Mark Carr and District Chief Sam Eaton
Posted on July 17th , 2007.

Car Accident on Jog Road

July 12th 2007 - Special Operations 31 was called out to assist units onscene with heavy extrication of a pinned driver. Units from Station 43 and 46 had been called to a motor vehicle accident and ended up finding two accidents approximately 1500 yards apart. The driver of a BMW Z4 lost control of his car which ended up stopping at least 1500 years from the original accident scene. The vehicle was upside down and the driver was pinned by the foot pedals. The BMW lost the entire front portion of the car The engine and transmission came out as one unit and was found lying near the scene. The only injury resulting from this accident was to the driver of the BMW. He was flown by Trauma Hawk to Delray Community Hospital.

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Story and Photos by Drew Reyburn
Posted on July 17th , 2007.

Vehicla Accident in Station 23's Area

A multi-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday, July 10th at the intersection of Haverhill and Elmhurst Rd. The initial call indicated a much more serious accident with a possible fatality. In actuality, all patients that went to the hospital suffered minor injuries. Units on scene included E23, R23, R23B. DC3, E24 EMS3 and PI1.
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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on July 13th , 2007.

Multi-Vehicle Accident

Units from Station 28 were dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident on the morning of July 3rd. Initial dispatch information reported several cars with entrapment. Additional units were dispatched including DC2, EMS2, and E21. Upon arrival, 3 cars were found at the entrance to a shopping plaza. One of the vehicles was struck with such force that it was pushed upward and onto the car behind it, while both were leaving the parking lot.
Miraculously, there were no serious injuries.

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Story and photos by District Chief Matthew Gaffney
Posted on July 5th , 2007.

Fire at the Fountains Country Club

A fire broke out inside the golf cart facility at the Fountain's Country Club late Monday evening around 11 pm, June 25. The call came in as flames coming from one of the golf carts. By the time fire units arrived, the entire building was fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Units protected the exposure (the country club itself) and basically went into a defensive attack mode, pouring large amounts of water on the fire. When the ladder (Quint 29) was used, the bulk of the fire was extinguished. Units on scene included: E32, R32, Q29, E31, E43, DC9, EMS9, PI1, R36, EMS3, BC9, LA34 and IV5.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia
Posted on June 29th , 2007.

Townhome Fire on Dyson Circle

A fire broke out in a two-story townhouse today at 10:30 AM. Neighbors called 911 when they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the unit. E33, "the Fire Factory", B-shift was on the road and saw the smoke column before the dispatch, and was the first arriving fire unit. Arriving in under 3 minutes, Lt. Peek, FF Hernandez and FF Medley stretched a line to the 2nd floor rear bedroom. D/O Ferguson made the hydrant.

R33 (Lt. Pardo, FF Eddy and FF Ramirez) arrived, laddered the C side of the bldg., and forced entry into the C side and did a primary search. DC10 , Chief Phillips arrived and took command. E23, E34 came in and did overhaul. Q29 laddered the roof and checked for extension.

Their efforts and the resulting very quick knockdown saved the attached townhouse that had a family of 12 living in it. The fire displaced a family of 7. Red Cross and the CAT team were used to assist the affected family. No one was injured and the cause is still under investigation. Units that responded included: E33, R33, E23, EMS3, DC10, PI1, Q29, LA34, E34, R36, EMS9, BC2, DC2 and BC9.

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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO and D/O Jon Ferguson
Posted on June 18th , 2007.

June 10 House Fire

An afternnon fire at Sandsbury and Southern Blvd, that was spotted by Battalion Chief Mark Anderson, was called in at approximately 1:30 PM. on June 10 . Units from stations 29 and 31 that were on a detail at the South Florida Storm Expo saw a visible column of black smoke in the distance. By this time dispatch had sent a first alarm assignment, Chief Anderson advised it was an abandoned house that was fully involved. Q29 arrived first onscene and Lt. Bucek was assigned to set up the ladder to overhaul the structure once the fire was out. Tender 21 driver, Stacey, supplied water to D/O Turner on the Quint. Crews from E34 utilized B34 to extinguish spotovers from the floating embers. District Chief 3 assumed command from Chief Anderson and the fire was quickly extinguished. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Thanks to Battalion Chief 9 (Anderson) for stopping by off-duty!
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Story and photos by Lt. Cameron Bucek
Posted on June 18th , 2007.

Car Fire

On June 9th, at approx. 8PM, E74 was dispatched to a car fire on Rogers Rd., outside of the city of South Bay. A column of smoke could be seen miles away. Upon arrival (13 minutes from dispatch), E74 found a fully involved vehicle in the roadway. Fire attack was initiated by Lt. J. Brown and FF M. Poulin. Hendry Co. EMS, sheriff, and fire department photographer arrived as fire was being extinguished.
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Posted on June 18th , 2007.

Traffic Accident in the Glades Area

On June 13, station 72 C-shift, was dispatched to a traffic accident (rollover) with a possible ejection. E72 arrived and established command at the Bascom Point Rd location. No rollover was found however a dump truck and a County Parks vehicle had collided with moderate damage to each. A quick assessment of the scene found no hazards and 3 victims requiring care and transport. Units on scene included: E72, E72B, DC7, M43, M41 and Commander 4.
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Story and photos by Wesley (Bud) McCarroll
Posted on June 18th , 2007.

Airplane Engine Blows Over Pahokee

On the morning of June 16th, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Engine 72 in Pahokee was dispatched to a report of a "sick person" with someone supposedly laying on the ground beside an airplane at the Pahokee Airport. Engine 72 responded along with AMR Ambulance's Med-42 and found a very different situation. Upon Engine 72's arrival, a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182, a small single-engine airplane, was found situated in the grass just off the end of the runway. Firefighters made contact with the plane's pilot and passengers who reported that the engine had experienced a critical engine failure during flight. The aircraft had blown its engine and parts and oil were spewed from the plane forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing. Without power, the pilot was able to coast the small plane into Pahokee Airport with a rough landing on Runway 17. The impact of the landing blew the right tire and the plane skidded off the runway. Fortunately, there were no injuries. When the young, shaken up passengers were asked how they were going to get back home, they replied, "We don't know, but we are not flying!"
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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on June 18th , 2007.

Truck Collides with Tree and Injures One in Royal Palm Beach

A tree in the median of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. north of Indian Trails Drive in Royal Palm Beach proved to be a tough match for a refrigerated box truck June 13th. One person was seriously injured in the afternoon crash that caused the truck to flip in the air from the northbound lanes into the southbound lanes facing east. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue dispatchers sent Engine 28 and Rescue 28 as well as an EMS supervisor and a district chief. Once on scene, units, under the command of Engine 28's Lt. Kevin Shaw, evaluated the lone patient and decided that he was injured badly enough to require air transport to a trauma center. TraumaHawk responded and landed at nearby H.L. Johnson Elementary School where Engine 21 had been summoned to secure the landing zone. The crews of Engine 28 and Rescue 28 treated the driver on the scene with the assistance of an off-duty firefighter and then loaded and transported him to the TraumaHawk. He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital's Trauma Center for treatment.
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Story and photos by Mark Carr
Posted on June 18th , 2007.

Late Night Fire in Belle Glade Leaves Ten Homeless

A late night fire in Belle Glade ripped through a single-wide mobile home June 10th. The Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Alarm Office received the call from 553 SW 7th Street at approximately 10:19 p.m. Engines 73 and 73-Bravo from Belle Glade were the initial response units. As first-due Lt. Geraldine Jaramillo of Engine 73-Bravo left the station with her crew, fire and smoke were visible from the fire station. Lt. Jaramillo immediately requested additional resources and Engine 74 from South Bay was dispatched. With 3/4 of the mobile home involved with fire, Engine 73 laid 500' of 5" supply hose from Engine 73-Bravo to a fire hydrant a block away. Firefighters used three attack hoses to bring the fire under control.

Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire but not before the entire home was destroyed. The Red Cross was requested by the Incident Commander, District Chief Curtis Rice in order to provide temporary shelter for the displaced family. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Story and photos by Lt Mark Carr
Posted on June 11th , 2007.

Trauma Call in Canal Point

A tragic accident in the small town of Canal Point claimed the life of a six year old girl on Sunday, June 10th. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 72 was dispatched to a report of a fall and a traumatic injury. Engine 72-Bravo's Lt. Todd Fote and crew arrived along with a crew from American Medical Response Ambulance and found the situation to be dire. Reportedly, a large television had fallen from above onto the small child causing severe injuries. The child was loaded and transported to nearby Canal Point Elementary School where Engine 72 and District Chief 7 had established a landing zone for the Health Care District's TraumaHawk air rescue helicopter. The patient was turned over to the crew of the TraumaHawk and she was transported to St. Mary's Hospital's Trauma Center where she could not be saved.

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Story and photos by Lt Mark Carr
Posted on June 11th , 2007.

Sugar Mill Fire in Pahokee Doused by Firefighters

The Glades area of rural Palm Beach County is well known for its huge sugar mills dotting the horizon and usually seen only in the distance as one traverses the sprawling cane fields. Fire brought Palm Beach County Firefighters up close and personal early June 8th. At approximately 8:30 a.m. communicators at the Fire-Rescue Alarm Office alerted Station 72 in Pahokee of a commercial structure fire at U.S. Sugar's recently closed Bryant sugar mill at 36501 Mill Road. Initial response was for Engine 72-Bravo, Engine 72, Tender 72 and District Chief 7. Battalion Chief 7 also responded from nearby. Quint 73 from nearby Belle Glade was requested and responded along with Engine 73.

Engine 72-Bravo was first on scene and was faced with an ominous site - large clouds of steam and smoke emitting from two sides of one corner of the massive structure. Gushing water flowed freely from the structure as a plant worker attempted to cool the structure from an adjacent roof using a fire hose from a hose cabinet nearby. Sugar mill employees verified that there was fire in two huge chutes leading up to a large silo. The area of the fire was approximately 75' to 100' above the ground. It appeared that there was no easily accessible way to reach the seat of the fire.

Incident Command, initially established by Engine 72-Bravo, was turned over to Battalion Chief 7, Mike Arena. Engine 72's Firefighter Ken Druggan and Lt. Mark Carr were tasked with proceeding to the area of the fire and assessing the situation. After ascending approximately seven floors of stairs with full fire protection gear and equipment, the crew determined, along with Battalion 7, that Quint 73 would be needed to flow massive quantities of water onto the silo and chutes in order to cool them enough to be opened and ventilated.

Once the area was cooled, plant workers in a high-lift rig were elevated to the top of the chutes. Welders used a cutting torch to cut a large hole in the tops of the chutes. These holes allowed the heat of the fire to further vent and gave firefighters on Quint 73 the ability to direct 1,000 gallons of water per minute into the structures thereby bringing the situation under control.

It was determined that welders using torches to dismantle the chutes accidentally ignited the sugar and its byproducts in one of the chutes and that smoke carried heat and product into the second chute and the silo causing them to ignite as well.

There were no injuries and no significant property loss as the facility was being dismantled after the company's relocation to a newer facility. Plant workers provided invaluable information and assistance in the safe and efficient mitigation of a most challenging and unusual incident.

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Story and photos by Lt Mark Carr
Posted on June 11th , 2007.

Morning Mobile Home Fire

At approximately 07:44 am, neighbors reported a mobile home on fire at 5024 Haverhill Court in suburban West Palm Beach. The first arriving engine, E23, found a fully involved single-wide mobile home. The fire had extended to two vehicles parked outside and was beginning to affect another mobile home next door. The crews protected the neighboring home and eventually extinguished the main fire. No one was injured but three dogs perished in the blaze. Units on scene included E23, E24, R23, EMS3, DC10, DC3, R23b, E33, RQ29, LA34, IV3 and R24
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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on June 4th , 2007.

Mobile Home Fire in Belle Glade

On May 28th at approximately 11:59 AM, Engine 74, E73, E73B, DC7 and T72 responded to a mobile home fire at the 715 Trailer Park. Engine 74, under the direction of Lt Burgos, arrived and found flames coming from the rear of a mobile home. With the fire attack being handled by Lt Burgos and his crew, D/C Haubert established command and directed Engine 73 to pull a line to protect exposures and ventilate the windows on the side of the burning home. E74 completed a quick search to make sure no one was inside the mobile home and completed a fast knockdown and confinement of the fire. Fire investigators determined a child playing with a burning candle accidently started the fire.
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Story by Tim McCabe, photos by Scott Berkowitz
Posted on June 1st , 2007.

Mobile Home Fire in Linda's Mobile Home Park

A fully involved trailer fire was fought by E24, E23, E33, R24, R23, LA34, DC10, BC3 around 1:30 PM on May 25. This was the 2nd working fire of the shift for E33 and E24 (B Shift). The small mobile home was located in the Linda's Mobile Home Park across from the Dog Track.
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Posted on May 29th , 2007.

Fatality Accident on SR80

Friday morning, May 25, an accident was reported on State Rd 80 West of Seminole Pratt. When units arrived they found a car vs. dump truck accident with one ejection from the auto. For some unknown reason the sedan, with two people in it, crossed the median while heading East and collided with a dump truck which was West bound. The passenger of the car was ejected through the windshield and eventually died. The driver and passenger were airlifted to St. Mary's Trauma center. Units on scene included E21, R27, EMS2, DC2, E20, PI1 and Th2.
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Story and Photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on May 29th , 2007.

South Congress Ave Fire

Around 18:30 on Friday, May 25. Batt. 3 and 9 companies responded to a building fire at 366 S. Congress Ave. E33, R33 arrived to find fire showing from an abandoned building. A quick knock down was done, searches conducted. No injuries. Units on scene: E33, R33, E31, E36, E31,E24, LA34, DC9, DC3, BC3.

This was the 2nd working fire of the shift for E33 and E24. The first was a trailer fire off N. Congress Ave by the dog track.

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Story and Photos by Jon Ferguson
Posted on May 29th , 2007.

Glades Area Firefighters Make Unusual Rescue

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue firefighters in Pahokee and Belle Glade handled an unusual rescue on May 21st. The call came in for Engine 72-Bravo in Pahokee to respond to a dog stuck in a canal. Engine 72-Bravo arrived and found the dog, indeed trapped, in a weed-infested canal about 100' wide. He was half way between sides and tangled in weeds, unable to swim to either side and struggling to stay afloat.

Sheriff's deputies were trying unsuccessfully to rescue the dog with ropes. Engine 72-Bravo's Lt. Mark Carr requested the assistance of the fire-rescue airboat from Station 73 in Belle Glade, a short distance away. Engine 73, under the command of Lt. Frank Cote, and Operations 7 responded with the airboat and launched it in the canal nearby. Palm Beach County Animal Control personnel were on scene and went out on the airboat and, using a snare, with the assistance of Engine 73's crew, rescued the exhausted dog. Bystanders applauded the fire-rescue crews as the dog was rescued from the canal. He was brought to shore and turned over to animal control.

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Story and Photos by Lt. Mark Carr
Posted on May 22nd , 2007.

May 10th Vehicle Fire

May 10 - E33 and R23B responded for a vehicle fire on 2nd St. off Southern Blvd.....E33 upon arrival found a 1994 Lincoln Towncar fully involved...FF Hernandez pulled the trash line and knocked down the fire. Lt. used the K12 to open the hood of the car to put out the fire in there. R23B arrived and they assisted with overhaul...
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Posted on May 17th , 2007.

Gas Leak and Fire

On Tuesday morning at 9:32 am, dispatch received a call for a gas leak at Blue Water Circle and SW 18th St in suburban Boca Raton. Apparantly a Cypress Communications worker was drilling under SW 18 Street for a cable installation and drilled right into a 2" gas line. The leak ignited about 30 minutes into the incident. No one was injured. Eventually, Florida Public Utilities shut the line down. Units on scene included: E55, DC5, BC5, R55, E31, R31, SO31, EMS4, PI1 DC9
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Story by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO, photos by Capt. Jeff Teems
Posted on May 10th , 2007.

Attic Fire in Fitness Center

Dispatch received a smoke investigation call around 6:39 am on Monday May 7. There indeed was smoke in the area of Hypoluxo Rd and Lyons Rd. As it turned out, the smoke was coming from an attic fire in the Fitness Center of the Villagio Subdivision. First arriving units immediately called for a commercial structure fire response and asked for additional units to assist. The aerial (Quint) found active fire in an area of the roof and began roof operations to get to the source of the fire. Interior crews were not able to immediately access the fire due to the 22' (and higher) ceilings. Investigators estimated a loss of around $500,000 due to roof truss damage and considerable interior water damage. The cause of the fire is undetermined. Units on scene included E47, E43, Q29, Q51, R47, E32, PI1, DC4, EMS4, E41, R46, BC4, BC2, EMS5, DC5, LA34, IV2 and IV6.
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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on May 7th , 2007.

Motor Vehicle Accident - Truck vs Tree

On May 5, 2007 Engine and Rescue 28 were dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Accident in the area of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Crestwood Blvd.. While units were responding, they noted from a distance, a yellow cloud ahead of them. Shortly after that, they were on scene well before the reported location with a single vehicle vs. tree. As units approached, they noted the single occupant stumbling away from the truck that was on fire. The yellow cloud was found to be bystanders and PBSO attempting to extinguish the fire. Crews assessed the scene, confirmed all occupants were out of the truck, extinguished the fire with a hose line and prepared the patient for trauma transport via trauma hawk to SMH. C shift units on the call included E28, R28, EMS2, DC2 , E21 and Trauma Hawk.

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Story and photos by Lt. Kevin Shaw
Posted on May 7th , 2007.

ST26 Pub-ed Pierce Hammock

Students from the Pierce Hammock Elementary School were treated to a visit, from the Firefighters of Station 26, A-shift. Lt. Talpesh brought E26 and B26 to Career Day. DO Randy Freeman led the presentation and answered the students many questions while firefighter Jason Haythorn showed them what we look like when we go to work. The Students, Teachers and Parents all said they were very happy to have their firefighters from the neighborhood station come by.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) from the school also donated money to the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation through the FOOLS upcoming fishing tournament. The Donation is part of their drive to win the prestigious "Five Star Award" for the school.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on April 30th , 2007.

SFWMD Pump House Threatened

Now that we are in well into the dry season even the Large Pump Houses of the SFWMD are at risk. ST74, C-shift received a call from the Pump Operator at the Pump House, 13 miles west of US27, and 4 miles north of the Broward/Palm Beach County line in SW Palm Beach County. There was a major brush fire in the Holey Lands that was heading directly towards the pump house and the personnel working there needed our assistance.

This is one of the network of pump houses that helps to maintain the water levels in the canals for the South Florida region. They are extremely large buildings with a built up roof system. The roof is 80' high and only accessible by a ladder with a protective cage around it.

Lt. Frank had his FF's Jim Clark and Brian Millar pull a 3" line up the side of the building to establish a portable Standpipe. The High-rise pack was attached and the entire roof was wet down in anticipation of the arrival of flying embers from the approaching fire. DO Brandon Anderson kept them supplied with water from a draft set up on the main canal. DOF was cutting plow lines and there was a large cut off canal between the pump house and the fire. Fortunately the fire made it to the canal and held at that point.

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Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice
Posted on April 30th , 2007.

Vehicle Accident

On Monday, April 23, 2007 @12:44 hrs, E42, R42, R45, BC4, DC4 and EMS4 responded to a car into a building call at Lake Ida and Jog Rd.
Upon arrival, crews found a small SUV had struck a vehicle in front of the Publix continuing through a Royal Palm tree, off another vehicle and into 2 building columns.
Fortunately, no other pedestrians were struck.
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Story and photos by Battalion Chief Mike Wells
Posted on April 26th , 2007.

Structure Fire in Del Ray

Structure fire this morning, 4/26/07, at Kings Point, 773 Saxony O, Delray Beach 0753 hrs. Smoke and flames were showing upon arrival. It was confined to fire apt only with no extension. The apartment is a total loss.
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Story and photos by Jeff Teens
Posted on April 26th , 2007.

Fire in Loxahatchee

This morning, April 18, at approximately 9 AM, Fire Rescue received a call for a structure on fire on Marcella Rd in Loxahatchee. On arrival, E25 found heavy smoke coming from a small detached structure on the property. At one point, after the initial fire attach, crews had to be withdrawn when it was determined that live wires were resting on the structure's metal roof. The fire was later deemed accidental, probably from a cigarette. Additionally, the owner advised the building that burned was used to store some 600 Barbie Dolls, part of a long term collection. Most of the collection was in unopened boxes. Nearly all were lost in the blaze. Units on scene included E25, DC10, EMS2, R21, PI1, DC3, E20, IV5, Q29, DC2, LA34, EMS3, R20, BC3, T14, E22, R27.
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Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia
Posted on April 18th , 2007.

Dinner at the Firehouse

A recent fund raising raffle in Lantana gave the winners a full course meal and a "taste" of firehouse life.

The Lantana Historical Society had been looking for a unique fundraising project to assist them with some restoration projects in the City. The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station that serves Lantana on Greynolds Circle helped them with a "Dinner at the Fire Station" raffle. Tickets were sold in the community for a chance on an Italian dinner cooked by the firefighters and served in the station.

The lucky winners were Cathy Padilla, her son Kevin Mahoney and Cathy's mother, Michele Phillips. Dinner included fresh salad, homemade Italian Bruschetta on Italian bread, tortellini with homemade sauce, homemade rice pudding and refreshments. Lieutenant Doug McGlynn was the lead Chef and crewmembers provided support. Dinner was served in the apparatus bay. Guests included Mayor Dave Stewart, Historical Society members Rosemary Mourning and Jack Carpenter, representatives from Fire Rescue Administration and the on-duty crew.

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Story by Captain Don Delucia
Posted on March 29th , 2007.

Palm Beach Int'l Airport Shows Massive Display of Protection

Most airline passengers and even most airport employees have no idea that highly specialized equipment and highly trained professional firefighters and paramedics are constantly standing by ready to serve them, our customers, at a second's notice. Such is the case at Palm Beach International Airport. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue provides Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) services as well as typical Fire-Rescue services to the airport and is based out of Station 81, strategically situated right smack-dab in the center of the airfield. Just under 50 personnel, divided into three 24 hour shifts, work under the leadership of Battalion Chief David Horowitz. A fleet of four specialized ARFF trucks, one Advanced Life Support rescue-pumper, and several other specialized units as well as support and supervisory units operate out of Station 81. This photo shows the massive array of new and soon to be replaced specialized equipment standing ready to respond.
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Story and Photos by Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 29th , 2007.

Out With the Old, In With the New at Palm Beach Int'l Airport

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Station 81, located in the center of the airfield at Palm Beach Int'l Airport, is in the process of placing two new rigs in service. A brand new Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle and a new Advanced Life Support (ALS) combination pumper/rescue rig were delivered recently and will significantly upgrade the station's fleet.

Dragon 1's aging 1991 E-One Titan rig is being replaced by a 2006 E-One Titan HPR rig. The former Dragon 1 is one of only two similar rigs ever built by E-One; the only other one is in reserve status at the Atlanta-Hartsfield Int'l Airport in Georgia. The new Dragon 1 is a large 4-axle machine capable of pumping 2050 gallons per minute, carries 3000 gallons of water, 400 gallons of firefighting foam, 450 pounds of dry chemical fire extinguishing agent and has a 50' articulating and elevating "Snozzle". The Snozzle is capable of piercing the side of a large aircraft and applying firefighting agent through the piercing nozzle directly into the burning aircraft.

Rescue 81 and Rescue-Engine 81, two cross-staffed ALS units are being replaced by the new Rescue-Pumper 81. The old Rescue 81 is a 1995 Freightliner FL60 built by Aero-Products. The old Rescue-Engine 81 is a 1997 Freightliner FL80 built by Ferrara. The new rig, in addition to being fully equipped ALS rig, combines the cabilities of transporting the sick and injured as well as providing limited firefighting protection. It has a 500 gallon per minute pump, a 300 gallon water tank and a small firefighting foam tank.

Pictured are the old and the new Dragon 1's and the old and new rescue units as well as the old Rescue-Engine 81.

The customers of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and Palm Beach Int'l Airport can look forward to many years of advanced technology in fire protection and medical services with the new rigs.
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Story and Photos by Mark V. Carr
Posted on March 28th , 2007.

Jet Leaving PBIA Experiences Trouble on Takeoff

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 81's crews at Palm Beach Int'l Airport were awakened early Sunday morning March 18 when an alert was called for a jet arriving with a lost engine cowling. Just as Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) crews responded, the aircraft, a Jet Blue Airbus A320 with 150 passengers and a crew of 6, landed safely on Runway 27R, the largest of 2 east/west runways. Upon landing, the pilot reported that everything was alright onboard and that he would proceed to the gate. Acting Captain Carr along with Dragon 1, a full-size ARFF rig driven by Firefighter Danny Manness, responded to the aircraft and followed it to the gate. Visualization of the aircraft found that an entire section of the left engine cowling had come off. Slight damage was noted along the leading edge of the wing behind the engine as well as paint scratches to the left landing gear door. Airport Operations Agents found several large pieces of the cowling on the runway. The pilot reported that he felt a strong shuddering just as he was lifting off and that he felt it until he reached 1-to-2,000 ft. after leaving the airport. He made a quick turn around and landed safely with no report of injuries to anyone on the aircraft or on the ground.
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Story and photos by Lt. Mark Carr
Posted on March 19th , 2007.

New Apparatus Arrivals

The Department of Airports recently purchased a new Rescue Pumper for Airport Fire Station 81. The details on it are as follows: 2007 Freightliner M2/American LaFrance Medic-Master. It has a 500 gpm pump, 300 gallon water tank and about 15 gallons of foam. It will be replacing R81 and RE81, will be staffed by a crew of two and will respond to incidents in and around the airport.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has purchased (6) new custom engines, 2007 E-1 Typhoons. They carry a 750 gallons watersupply, have a separate foam tank and utilize a Cummins 330 HP engine.
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Story and photos by Capt. Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on March 16th , 2007.

Southside Irish Parade

March 11th, 2007 - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums joined up with multiple fire department pipe bands from around the country and the world for a massed band performance in this year's Chicago Southside Irish Parade. This was the largest event PBCFR Pipes and Drums has attended since forming a few years back and it was the most memorable event to date. The Band of Brothers, a Chicago and Indiana-based fire department pipe band, hosted and planned the gathering for this year's parade and could not have done a better job taking care of everyone that participated.

Most bands arrived on Friday and spent the day checking in and getting out to the city to do some sightseeing and later on Friday night a few attended the Dropkick Murphys concert at the House of Blues. The first day was a travel day and by the end of the night most of us were ready for bed. Saturday came quick but we got the chance to watch the Dublin Ireland Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums practice in the morning. Later on the night all the bands gathered at a local establishment called Bourbon street 115 where we played in front of a packed house just before Irish rock band Flatfoot 56 performed. Once we arrived back at the hotel we were asked to play a few tunes in the lobby at 0100 hrs for a highschool that was in town on a trip we gladly accepted to play in exchange for some "WHITE CASTLES"--you have to love the sliders!

Parade day arrived and we packed onto the bus and headed to the staging area. No-one had any idea what to expect; all we knew was that we where going to have a blast. As we arrived in the neighborhood on the Southside, all the houses and businesses were covered in green with all the St. Patrick's Day decorations. It was looking like a green Christmas for the Irish! The morning started off a little cold, but what do you expect from Floridians: everything under 60 degrees is cold. The day could not have turned out any better. People were starting to pile along the parade route, the sun was out, the temperature was rising, and we formed up ready to step off to a crowd estimated at about 500,000 people. Once we stepped off and started playing all of us were greeted by the citizens of the Windy City as if we were dignataries from our home towns. The parade route was lined by an endless sea of green and a crowd that never stopped cheering. At times the crowd was louder than the 40 plus pipers, 10 bass drums, 8 tenors and 20 or so snares playing tunes like Scotland the Brave, Balmoral, and Green Hills. Along the parade route we stopped and faced an empty lot and played Amazing Grace, this was the site where some of Chicago's bravest lost their lives in the line of duty a few years ago. Once Amazing Grace was done, an honoring speech was read to the crowd including the names of those who lost their lives on the very ground on which they stood. This was the only time there was silence in the crowds on the street that day. We continued along the parade route now starting to get a little fatigued, but that didn't stop us from playing to the end of the 3 mile parade route.

The parade had finally come to an end for us, but we continued on to a lunch hosted by a Chicago Firefighter and his family with all the holiday fixings of corned beef and Irish stew. We finished off the day by stopping and playing at a few house parties being thrown by other Chicago firefighters but headed home once the temp dropped below 40 degrees...again, we are from Florida and we were in kilts!

On behalf of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums we would like to thank the Band of Brothers especially Ryan Hornback for putting this event together, it was truly a memorable experience and we all will be back to play again on the southside of Chicago!

HAPPY ST.PATRICKS DAY from the PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PIPES AND DRUMS
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Story by Scott Jurasz
Posted on March 16th , 2007.

A Very Welcomed Guest

On February 17, 2007 crews from RE58, R54, R51 and EMS 5 responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Glades Road and Ponderosa Drive. Upon arrival extensive damage was noted to vehicles involved. One patient was found still trapped in a compact car that was struck by a full size SUV. Assessment revealed a 15-year-old female who was unresponsive, suffering from severe head and facial trauma. A trauma alert was declared; the patient was extricated and rapid transport with aggressive treatment administered by R54. Upon arrival at the ED, there was no improvement in the patient's condition and the situation was looking very grave. Family was told to expect the worse due to the significance of her injuries. After 2 short weeks in the trauma center and a miraculous recovery, she had walked out of the hospital and a full recovery is expected. Her mother, who is an RN, states, "The hospital trauma team feels this is an example at EMS working at its best. Due to the quick and aggressive actions of all Fire Rescue personnel involved, they have made a difference in this girls life and contributed to her survival." On Sunday March 4, 2007, the young teenager walked into Station 54 with her mom and dad and was able to have lunch with the crew. The visit was an AWESOME experience for all that afternoon and example of a situation that we rarely witness. A job well done by all involved, especially Rescue LT Tony Hernandez and PM James Levine.
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Story and photos by Lt. Craig Spiegelhalter
Posted on March 15th , 2007.

Fire-Rescue Responds to Fatal Traffic Accident

Around 12:30 PM on Monday February 26, a serious two car accident killed one person and sent two others to the hospital. A Chrysler PT Cruiser hit a Mercedes sedan at the intersection of Woolbright Road and Wingfoot Rd (the Gate 1 entrance to the Indian Spring development). The Mercedes ended up on it's roof. One of the occupants of the Mercedes survived the accident and was listed in critical condition, as of this writing, at the Delray Trauma Center. The driver of the Chrysler did not have life-threatening injuries. The Sheriff's Office determined that the two victims in the full-sized sedan were not using their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Units on scene included R41, RE41, BC4, EMS4, R42, RE47, DC4, Boynton Beach Rescue and PI1.
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Story by Captain Don Delucia, PIO
Posted on February 27th , 2007.