By Amy Jeter
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 21, 2012

Troy Tippin recorded his memories of fire-fighting in a thin, red volume that had been published to commemorate the city’s department.

Under a 1964 picture of two firemen half-carrying a third through a scattering of rocks and planks, he wrote, “Steve was burned on the roof by hot roofing tar.”

Next to a 1987 photo of two engines surrounded by a tangle of hoses, Tippin scribbled the names of the streets – Detroit and Mount Vernon – and noted with a tinge of disappointment: “I just went off duty.”

Continue reading… Portsmouth firefighters question cancer rate | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.

Zachary Taylor “Zach” Whitacre, 21, of Gore, VA, died on Monday, February 13, 2012 at Winchester Medical Center in the line of duty as result of a traffic accident.

Previous coverage of this LODD is here

Zach was born on November 13, 1990 in Winchester, VA. He was a Volunteer Firefighter for Gore Vol. Fire & Rescue, Company 14 in Gore, VA and 2009 graduate of James Wood High School.

Surviving are his parents: Donald A. “Duck” Whitacre, Jr. and step-mother: Donna of Gore, VA; his mother: Diane Anderson Holmes and step-father: James of Stephen City, VA; one sister: Cheyenne Holmes of Stephens City, VA; he was raised by his paternal grandparents: Donald A. Whitacre, Sr. and Sue H. Whitacre of Gore, VA; maternal grandparents: Norman and Pansy Anderson of Gore, VA; one step-brother: Justin Rudolph of Gore, VA and one step-sister: Victoria Rudolph.

A funeral service will be held at the Winchester Church of God in Winchester, VA on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Officiating will be Pastor Kent Woodward. Interment will be private in Ebenezer Cemetery near Gore, VA.

Family will receive friends at the Giffin Funeral Home in Capon Bridge, WV on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 12-3 and 6-9 PM. Friends may call on Saturday at the Winchester Church of God two hours prior to service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gore Vol. Fire & Rescue, PO Box 146, Gore, VA 22637 or Ebenezer Cemetery, 2158 Ebenezer Church Rd., Gore, VA 22637.

Departments who are attending the funeral procession on Saturday are asked to submit information, including number of personnel attending via this link.

Zachary Whitacre, 21, died this morning when the apparatus he was riding on lost control and overturned. Zach was a member of the Gore Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department in Frederick County, Virginia. Zach died shortly after the accident at the hospital. His father, Donald Whitacre, was driving the apparatus when it crashed. Donald was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

The incident they were helping with was a fire in Hampshire County, West Virginia. The tanker they were using was shuttling water to the scene. Zach was riding on the back of the apparatus.

Zach, his father, and his grandfather were all firefighters for Gore VFR.

You can view earlier information below including links, photos, and news.

Update 7:51pm

Update: 3:51pm

The apparatus Zachary Whitacre and his father, Donald Whitacre were on was Tanker 14. Apparently, Zach was riding on the rear tailboard of the apparatus when the driver, Donald, lost control due to icy road conditions. Zach was thrown from the apparatus and died at the hospital shortly after. It is unclear why Zachary was on the rear of the apparatus at the time of the accident.

Tanker 14 was photographed by Mike Sanders in an apparatus profile of the Gore Fire & Rescue Department. View the rest of Gore VFR’s apparatus here.

Tanker 14 is a 1986 Ford 8000 that was built by Alleghany. It has a 1500 gallon water tank and is equipped with a 1000 gallon per minute pump. Mike Sanders photograph featured on VAFireNews.com.

Update: 1:07pm

Zachary Whitacre has been identified as the Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Firefighter who died in a single vehicle apparatus wreck this morning around 4am. The accident is under investigation. The wreck happened as the apparatus was shuttling water to a fire in Capon Bridge in Hampshire County, West Virginia. Gore Firefighters were operating at this fire through mutual aid.

This photo of Zach Whitacre is from his Facebook Profile.

Initial reports were that the firefighter was 19 years old. Zach was 21. He had been a member of the Gore VFR for about a year.

The other firefighter in the tanker at the time of the accident was Zach’s father Donald Whitacre. Donald was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Gore VFR, Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department, and Zach’s friends and family.

We will continue to update as information is available.

Update: 12:23pm

There will be a 1pm EST news conference by the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department.

There have been many people on Facebook talking about the firefighter who died. We understand that some of them have identified the firefighter. VAFireNews.com does not report on details such as this until they are released by the department and/or family. Thank you for your concern.

Update: 11:18am

The Firefighter who died is reported to be 19 years old. West Virginia State Police are investigating the accident.

HampshireReview.com has a story on the incident here

……….

News and Information is still being gathered/released on this incident. Stay tuned as we are able to offer more information on this LODD.

A Firefighter with the Gore Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (station 14) has died in the Line of Duty early this morning. The Firefighter was killed in an apparatus wreck while responding to a mutual aid fire in Capon Bridge in Hampshire County, West Virginia around 4am.

One firefighter was killed, another is at the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Gore Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department is one of eleven stations within the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department. Gore is located about 10 miles from Winchester near the Virginia/West Virginia State Line.

Gore VFR is a volunteer department, although it is among the volunteer departments which has daytime career staff.

The Frederick County Fire and Rescue Department consists of 11 volunteer fire and rescue companies operated by approximately 320 operational volunteer personnel, supported by 73 uniform career staff and six office staff.

Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department is led by their Fire Chief Dennis Linaburg. Gore VFD does not have their own web site

Links:

• Frederick County (VA) Fire & Rescue Department
• Frederick County (VA) Fire & Rescue Department Stations
• Apparatus Profile of the Gore Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
• TV3Winchester.com - Emergency Responder Lost in Accident
• HampshireReview.com has a story on the incident here
• Winchester Star
• STATter911.com reports here

The Secret List:

We regret to advise you that a Firefighter with Gore (Frederick County, VA near Winchester) Volunteer Fire & Rescue was killed in the Line of Duty early this morning. Initial reports are that they were responding to a mutual fire in nearby West Virginia. One FF lost his life and another transported for evaluation. Our condolences to the members, especially the family and friends of those affected. We will have more details on this very tragic loss later as released by the department. Rest In Peace.

Gore VFR Patch as found on http://www.911patches.com

Previous Coverage of this incident here

Related: Local fire officials remember, mourn Joshua Weissman

From: http://alexandriava.gov/LODDJWeissman

WHEN:           Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012

WHERE:         Alexandria, Virginia

WHO:             Paramedic Joshua Weissman

WHAT:           It is with great sadness that Alexandria Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel announced the death of Paramedic Joshua Weissman at 4:25pm on February 9. While responding to a car fire on Interstate 395 near Glebe Road on the evening of February 8, Paramedic Weissman fell from the roadway, where he suffered a severe head injury. He was rescued by City of Alexandria and Arlington County Firefighters and Paramedics, with assistance from the City of Alexandria and Arlington County Police Departments and the Virginia State Police. Despite valiant efforts by the medical team at the Washington Hospital Center, Paramedic Weissman’s injuries proved to be fatal.

All participants are urged to carpool and use public transit to attend memorial events. Parking will be extremely limited and road closures or traffic delays could make it difficult for participants to arrive at events. By Tuesday, February 14, the City will post locations online where public parking is available, and provide a shuttle service schedule for groups that are parking at designated locations off-site.

Please direct all inquiries to 703.746.HELP (4357).

Visitation on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 5 p.m. – midnight

Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home
1500 West Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703.998.9200
http://www.everlywheatleyfuneralhome.com

Funeral services with honors will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 1 p.m.

Beth El Hebrew Congregation
3830 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
703.370.9400
http://www.bethelhebrew.org

Interment will follow at:

Ivy Hill Cemetery
2823 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22302-4012
Telephone: 703.549.7413

*Parking details will be provided at a later time.

At the request of the Weissman family, condolences and donations may be sent to:

Joshua A. Weissman Memorial Fund
c/o Alexandria Firefighters, Inc – IAFF Local 2141
4600 Duke Street, Suite 429
Alexandria, VA 22304

Due to space limitations at the funeral home and Beth El Hebrew Congregation, seating is limited.  The public is advised to dress appropriately for waiting in outdoor winter weather.

Previous coverage of this incident here.

Alexandria Fire Department Paramedic Joshua Weissman has died after succumbing to injuries after a fall. Weissman fell after trying to cross a 3 foot gap between I-395 over Four Mile Run Creek.

Weissman, 33, was a 7 year veteran of the department. Prior to coming to Alexandria, Paramedic Weissman had also served the Cayuga Heights Fire Department (New York) and for Bang’s Ambulance Service in Ithaca before moving to Virginia. Our condolences to all affected, especially the family and members of the AFD.

Weissman’s Facebook profile has become a virtual guestbook of messages from friends, colleagues, and family.

Joshua Weissman

Be sure to connect with VAFireNews.com on Facebook and hit “like”

Update 2/9/12:

Joshua Weissman has been identified as the Alexandria Paramedic who fell from a bridge on I-395 last night. Weissman remains in the hospital. His Facebook page has become a virtual guestbook of well wishes for the 33 y.o. medic.

Photo by Brian M. via ARLNow.com

Update 11:00pm:

The injured Paramedic has been with the Alexandria FD for 7 years. His name has not been released. He remains in critical condition at Washington Hospital Center Medstar unit.

Alexandria First Responder Critically Injured on I-395: MyFoxDC.com

Update 9:26pm:

The Secret List: An Alexandria (VA) FD Paramedic operating at a car fire this evening, fell from I-395 in Shirlington into Four Mile Run Creek, according to an Alexandria Fire Department spokesperson. Fire companies from both Arlington and Alexandria were initially sent to the scene of the car fire, which was on I-395 Northbound. The fire was out, but the Paramedic from Alexandria reportedly fell between an open area on I-395 NB into the Four Mile Run Creek below. Last reports were that the Paramedic sustained critical injuries and is now being treated at Washington DC MedStar. Keep him and the AFD in your prayers-updates to follow.

This news is still developing and will be updated as more information is available.

An Alexandria Paramedic was critically injured after a fall from I-395 into Four Mile Creek Run. The medic was responding to a car fire when he apparently became unconscious and fell from the bridge.

This happened around 7:05pm.

I-395 was in gridlock while the member was rescued after the fall. There are conflicting reports on whether it was an Alexandria Paramedic or Firefighter/Paramedic. His condition is unknown at this time.

• Washington Post – I-395 N closed after medic rescue; serious delays southbound
• WUSA9 – BREAKING NEWS: Paramedic Falls From I-395 Overpass
• MyFoxDC – Alexandria Firefighter Critically Injured on I-395
• WTOP – Major backup on 395 after paramedic falls into Four Mile Run
• ARLNow – BREAKING NEWS — Paramedic Falls into Four Mile Run From I-395
• Follow STATter911.com for updates as well

Company 2 was dispatched to assist Company 3 (Buchanan) with an overturned tractor trailer on fire, over embankment and possible entrapment. W-2 & S-2 responded within minutes of dispatch with 12 members. Chief 3 arrived on scene and advised there was entrapment and it was carrying Hazardous Materials and no fire was present, while that was going 2 more tractors-trailers hit the trailers of the overturned tractor-trailer. Squad 2 arrived and started extraction along with Company 3, it was difficult due to all the responders having to wear SCBA during the whole extrication. Wagon 2 arrived and setup initial De-con for the incident and members assisted in extraction also. During this time I-81 was shut down and evacuation was issued for a half mile radius of the incident via reverse 911 from Botetourt County dispatchers. In the mean time Roanoke’s Regional Haz-mat team was requested to respond to the scene as well. After a lengthy extraction, victim was removed from the cab, sent De-con, transferred care to Carilion Lifeguard by ground. All members were put through De-con by the Roanoke Regional Haz-mat. Units on the scene from Troutville were W-2, S-2, A-2, U-2 with 17 personnel.

Report by Christopher Boothe

Photo by Scott Elmquist. Keith Andes, president of Richmond Fire Fighters Association Local 995, says the Fire Department is wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new safety monitoring system.

Style Weekly:

Think of it as a black box for firetrucks. The Richmond Fire Department is installing a new road-safety system on seven recently purchased vehicles as part of an effort to ensure driver safety.The devices track everything from braking speed to whether passengers are buckled in. If a driver violates the pre-set driving parameters, an alarm erupts in the cab and grows progressively louder until the activity ceases. The ZOLL road safety system also allows department officials to compile scored data reports for each driver.”Its really about safety,” says Richmond Fire Chief Robert Creecy. “It helps us modify driver behavior. It helps protect citizens and lower the citys liability in case of an accident.”

Continue reading… Firetruck Monitors Unnerve Firefighters | News and Features | Style Weekly – Richmond, VA local news, arts, and events..

Submitted by: Dustin Gladwell, Duty Officer Harrisonburg Rescue Squad

On Sunday afternoon on January 29th, 2012 at 1326 hours Holly Grove VFD was dispatched to Johnson Mill Road for a working residential structure fire. Units responding were Car 4, Engine 4, Heavy Rescue 4, Tower 4, Tanker 4, and Fire Rescue 4. Other  companies responding were Locust Creek VFD with Engine 5, Wagon 5, and Brush 5. Bumpass VFD Wagon 3 and Tanker 3. Mineral VFD Engine 2 and Tanker 2. LCES Fire Rescue 3. LCES Medic 2. Mutual Aid Hanover County Tanker 8. Upon arrival crews found a one story structure with heavy fire. Crews quickly went to work on extinguishing of the fire. Engine 2 was directed to set up a draft site in the area of the fire for water supply. Fire crews were able to make a stop on the fire saving a portion of the residence. Crews were on scene until approx. 1623 hours.

Submitted by Lt. Knighton

By Becky Robinette Wright
Photos by Al Goulder

On Jan. 27., 2012 at approximately 8:49 p.m., Virginia State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 95 southbound at the 53 mile marker in Colonial Heights. According to Sgt. Thomas Molnar of the Virginia State Police, the crash occurred when the driver of a 2010 Toyota 4Runner, who suffered a medical condition, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a 2000 Nissan Maxima. The Nissan was disabled on the right shoulder with the driver still inside the vehicle. Police said the driver of the Toyota, a 47 year-old female from Mechanicsville, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Chippenham Medical Center. She was wearing her safety belt.  The driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Southside Regional Medical Center. The crash remains under investigation.

At approximately 2:55 a.m. this Saturday morning. CFD, CARS and PD were dispatched to 380 Crispell Drive (near UVA) and next to the RR tracks for a person reported impaled and upside down on the metal fence. CARS and CFD arrived at 2:58 a.m..

CFD personnel cut the fence to free the individual and begin patient care. CARS also provided patient care and transported the patient to UVA Medical Center Emergency Room.

Firefighters survey the damage after a fire engulfed a 2008 International crash truck and a 2005 ambulance Thursday night at Brosville Community Volunteer Fire Department. photo from WSLS.com

WSLS 10

BROSVILLE –

The Virginia State Police and state fire marshal are investigating a fire that damaged the building and two emergency vehicles at Brosville Community Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday evening.

Pittsylvania County Emergency Services Coordinator Jim Davis said an outside agency will examine the case to ensure an independent investigation. The department’s building is county insured, he said.

via Blaze damages fire station in Brosville | WSLS 10.

WSLS 10:

BOTETOURT COUNTY, VA –

Botetourt County firefighters do daily training, a luxury the department never used to have.

But thanks in part to a FEMA grant known as Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or S.A.F.E.R.; the county added eight full time firefighters and EMS responders to its volunteer force last May.

The added responders mean a full time firefighter is in the Fincastle station at all times and EMS workers are stationed in Fincastle, Troutville, and Buchanan.

Fincastle Volunteer Fire Chief Dave Moran said having a full time responder has significantly improved his department’s response times.

Continue reading…Botetourt County beefs up public safety | WSLS 10

Bedford Fire Department 2011 “No Illusion”. Video and Pictures taken from 2011.

Joint Fundraiser to Benefit F.D.N.Y. Rescue 2 Injured Firefighters Established by MN8-Foxfire, FireCritic.com and IronFiremen.com 

Cincinnati, OH, January 23, 2012— MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough illuminating products for firefighters, Lt. Rhett Fleitz of the Fire Critic blog (FireCritic.com) and Captain Willie Wines Jr. of the Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen blog (IronFiremen.com) have teamed up to establish a joint fundraiser to support two injured firefighters with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Rescue 2. The fundraiser begins on Monday, January 23 and ends at midnight on Monday, January 30. During this time, MN8-Foxfire will donate 50 percent of all product sales through the company website to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund. Opportunities for individuals to make donations without a product purchase will also be available through the MN8-Foxfire website at www.mn8products.com.

            On Monday, December 19, 2011, two firefighters from Rescue 2 suffered severe burns during a brownstone structure fire and were in critical condition upon hospital admittance. Both men face long recoveries. One is still hospitalized in critical condition and the other is now recovering at home under the care of a burn center outpatient program.

“We were devastated to hear about the fire involving the Brooklyn firefighters as we have a special connection with Rescue 2,” said Zachary Green, president of MN8-Foxfire. “I’d met and spent some time Captain Liam Flaherty (from Rescue 2) in San Diego last year. Then last fall, Willie, Rhett and I visited Rescue 2 and they welcomed us like we were part of their team.”

“We had great discussions over coffee with Captain Flaherty and his men at their kitchen table and even watched a hockey game with them while we were there,” said Wines.

            Fleitz, Wines and Green will travel to New York to personally present a check towards the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund during the first week of February. “There is such a sense of brotherhood among firefighters,” said Fleitz. “And when one of our brothers is in need, the firefighting community pulls together. We want to do all we can to help these men and their families.”

All Foxfire illuminating products are eligible for the 50 percent Rescue 2 Mayday fundraiser, including illuminating helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, tetrahedrons, equipment bands and t-shirts.

Visit MN8 FoxFire and purchase/donate to support the fund here

Read more about the fund raiser here:

• IronFiremen.com
• FireCritic.com
• MN8 FoxFire Blog
• Rescue 2 FDNY Official Web Site

About MN8-Foxfire

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company offering energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced illumination technology. MN8’s product offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and performance-proven. This is readily apparent in Foxfire’s photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, equipment bands, helmet tetrahedrons and other products. Both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8products.com.

LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!

Yes folks, it is that time again to converge at the Roundhouse (Roanoke Civic Center) for the Annual Guns N Hoses Hockey game. The game is this Saturday, January 21st at 6pm.

Join Firefighters, Police Officers, Medics, First Responders, Friends, Family, and most importantly HOCKEY FANS as they watch the heated battle between the Guns and Hoses.

About Guns N Hoses:

Guns and Hoses is an annual charity ice hockey tournament played in Roanoke, Virginia, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the official charity of the International Association of Firefighters. Last year alone, the I.A.F.F. raised more than $25 million for the MDA through events such as this.

Each year, local Roanoke-area firefighters (the “Hoses”) take on a team of local Roanoke-area police officers and law enforcement personnel (the “Guns”). During the last eight years, Roanoke’s Guns and Hoses has raised more than $81,000 for the MDA, and more than 20,000 people have attended the games.

• Check out Guns N Hoses online
• Catch up with Guns N Hoses Hockey on Facebook
• Read articles on VAFireNews.com about past Guns N Hoses games here

On January 17, 2012 Stations 9 (Onancock), 7 (Parksley), 8 (Tasley) and 18 (Onley) were dispatched for a residential structure fire on Bayside Road in the community of White Rabbit. DPS 3 (Pruitt) arrived on scene with a 2.5 story wood frame structure heavily involved. Stations 6 (Bloxom) and 10 (Melfa) were added to the assignment. Deputy Chief 9 (Ross) had the Command. DPS 3 (Pruitt) had operations. Two residents were transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and one Firefighter was treated on scene and released. A&N Electric controlled utilities and the Accomack County Sheriffs Office assisted with traffic control.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Wheatley, David Allen, Hailey & Thomas Berry

More information and pictures at EasternShoreFire.com

This video is offered by the City of Alexandria and discusses the Hazardous Materials Response team which is housed at Firehouse 209 at Potomac Yard.