Abandoned Structure Fire on Symsonia Highway

On Tuesday May 21, West Marshall units responded with Benton Fire units to the 2000 Block of Symsonia Highway in reference to an abandoned mobile home on fire.  WMFD arrived first on scene reporting a fully involved structure with heavy smoke.  WMFD and BFD units suppressed the fire and fire in nearby wooded area immediate to the structure.

Units responding: Engine 82, Engine 83, Tanker 81, Brush 81

The Maltese Cross

I don't reminisce very well and usually I don't get too involved in history and tradition, but I want to take a minute to try to impress upon people, including our own people, what being a firefighter is really about.  I know we all feel like it's simply throwing on the pager, running to calls and listening to me gripe at you during training, and it may really sometimes feel like it.  But on the flip side, everyone needs to remember what you are a part of, and how far things have came from where this started to where we are now.  Sure we may worry about cleaning trucks and sweeping floors at the station, but it's about honor and courage and the respect for your fellow man that keeps you coming back to help people that may not even thank you, or even care.  Every time you look around the station you see this emblem, and even though I didn't write this, I want you to read it and remember the sacrifices that were made for this emblem to mean what it really means.

The Maltese Cross is symbolic in meaning, and it dates back to the 12th Century.  When a courageous band of crusaders known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but a horrible device of war; it brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracen's weapon was fire.  As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha.   When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.  Thus, these men became our first firefighters and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters.
Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each here a badge of honor - a cross similar to the one firefighter's wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.  The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage - a ladder rung away from death.

More FDIC

Here are some more highlights of FDIC.  It is not for everyone as it is very draining, but we definitely had good reason to be there to examine rescue equipment to get the best equipment and for the best price.  Here are some more pics and videos of things we experienced.

Ricky Sirls either inspecting a truck or napping.

The future for pump panels?

FDIC Continued

Here are some more pictures and videos from FDIC in Indianapolis.

FDIC

Here's a quick update from FDIC in Indianapolis, IN.  Tons of exhibits and we have found even more information from vendors especially in regards to equipment related to our grant awards.  Many good and some not so good extrication demonstrations and information.  Its a lot of walking and my feet are killing me!  Here is a video of the pipe and drum ceremony kicking off the exhibition.

Two Vehicle MVA on Vanzora Road

West Marshall units responded to Vanzora Road in reference to a 2 vehicle MVA with entrapment.  Units on scene reported two vehicles with one involving entrapment.  WMFD performed approximately 22 minute extrication and established a helicopter landing zone for PHI Air Medical, who later transported the patient to Deaconess in Evansville.  Units remained to perform traffic control assistance and cleanup.

Units responding: Engine 800, Engine 802, Brush 82, Brush 1201, Pumper 1205

Anhydrous Ammonia Leak Call on Bondurant Lane

This evening West Marshall Fire Department responded to a call of an agricultural anhydrous ammonia tank leaking in a field near a residence on Bondurant Lane.  Units on scene found a tank leaking a moderate amount of fluid.  One house was evacuated that could smell the anhydrous and a perimeter established.  Units approached the tank under protective conditions and closed a partially open valve.  No injuries are reported.

Units responding:  800, 802, 803, 804, Brush 82, Brush 81, Support 81, 1205

West Marshall Fire Department

After years of planning and the hard work of many people, the merger of the Harvey-Brewers Fire Department and the ENO Fire Department has been finalized.   Effective April 16, 2013, the Harvey-Brewers Fire Department & Elva, New Harmony, and Oak Level Fire Departments are merged and now referred to as the West Marshall Fire Department.  It will take some time to complete the transition to one system of government, but operationally we’ve been functioning as one Fire Department for quite some time.

As we all are well aware the fire service is fast paced and ever-changing.  We know from the first day in to embrace change and evolution, from our equipment to firefighting techniques and even to the operations of the departments themselves.  Several years ago I approached ENO with a proposal to merge with Harvey-Brewers and form one Fire Department.  During this time, many people have asked why a merger is necessary.  My answer is that it isn’t necessary.  Progress doesn’t require necessity to work.  There are many more reasons to consider consolidation with economic instability, waning manpower concerns, equipment redundancies, spending reductions, etc. as opposed to reasons not to merge.  However, let me assure you all this merger is not happening due to personnel, operational or financial despair of either department.  Both departments were functioning satisfactorily on their own.  With that being said, I’d like to take a moment to personally and publicly thank Doug Redden for the outstanding job he has done with ENO over the past several years.  Doug, as well as Jonathan Smith, will both represent the West Marshall Fire Department well as Assistant Chiefs. 

We will continue use of the “8” series of unit numbers and will discontinue use of the “12” series.  Due to the number of vehicles, there will be some changes in our truck numbering to accommodate.  As far as responses, all automatic mutual aid agreements still exist and no substantial changes should be noticed.  We will still depend on our neighboring departments for mutual aid as we always have, and hopefully this will blossom new opportunities for collaborative training efforts and improved operational relationships. 

We feel that this is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow as a Fire Department and continue to provide the level of service that our taxpayers deserve, while simultaneously reducing redundancies and streamlining operations.  

CPR Training

HB/ENO units as well as Palma-Briensburg conducted a joint CPR training at the Briensburg Fire Station.

Harvey-Brewers Fire Dept. Awarded FEMA Fire Grant

We're pleased to report that the Harvey-Brewers Fire Dept was awarded $23,798 for operations and safety from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  These funds will be utilized to purchase state of the art extrication equipment in order to better serve the residents and travelers in the West Marshall area.

Brush Fire on Arant Road

Harvey-Brewers/ENO Units responded to a report of a brush fire behind a residence on Breezel School/Arant Road area.  Units arrived to find approximately 1/2 acre of heavy woodland on fire.  Units utilized ATV and hand tools to extinguish the fire.  HB/ENO Units requested the assistance of Palma-Briensburg Fire Dept as well.

Units responding:  1201, Brush 2, Ranger 1

Two Vehicle MVA on Symsonia Highway

HB/ENO Units responded to a 2 vehicle crash on Symsonia Highway this evening.  Units arrived to one vehicle blocking the roadway and another vehicle in a ditch.  Units provided traffic support and fluid cleanup.  No injuries reported. 

Units Responding: Engine 800, Engine 802, Brush 1201

Blake and Garrett getting it done

Deameon Phillips

Since the website has taken off quite well, I'm going to start passing accolades occasionally.  One thing that we're really proud of at HB/ENO is our firefighter certification percentage.  We continually maintain over 80 percent certified firefighters, and that is attributed to hard work and dedication of everyone.  But thanks to technology I can now spread the word!  We just received in the mail a recent certification for Deameon Phillips.  It took him some time and effort, but it's all worth it.  Congratulations Deameon!

Traffic Control on Symsonia Highway

HB/ENO units assisted Benton FD in traffic control on a semi trailer that is stuck blocking Symsonia Highway.

Units Responding:  Engine 800