Nine Graduate from Paramedic Course

(Frederick, MD, September 30, 2013) – The Frederick County Public Safety Training Facility (FCPSTF) was the site for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) Paramedic Class 2013 graduation Friday evening September 27. Paramedic Class 2013 consisted of one volunteer and eight career students all of whom will provide advanced life support to the citizens of Frederick County. Each student received over one-thousand-five-hundred hours of lecture, simulation and clinical training during the ten month course that was taught by DFRS personnel at the FCPSTF. Special acknowledgement went to class Valedictorian Firefighter / Paramedic Steven Snyder who had a course average of over ninety-three percent. The keynote speaker, Jeffrey Fillmore MD, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Region II Medical Director, told the graduates to “love your patients and never stop learning.” Chief Denise Pouget said, “I am so proud of your accomplishment! What an awesome achievement!” For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Frederick County’s Latest Class of Paramedics Set to Graduate This Evening!

The Division of Fire & Rescue Services Frederick County, Maryland requests the honor of your presence at the Graduation Exercises for Paramedic Class 2013 on Friday, September 27, 2013 at Seven O’Clock in the Evening at 5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, MD Room 130

Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services Reminds Residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires”

(Frederick, MD, September 26, 2013) – The Frederick Board of County Commissioners and Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services held a joint public information briefing today to announce their plans to join forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires” during Fire Prevention Week from October 6 through 12. During this year’s fire safety campaign, emergency medical services (EMS), fire and rescue companies throughout Frederick County will be spreading the word about the dangers of kitchen fires, most of which result from unattended cooking, and teaching local residents how to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place. According to the latest NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Two of every five home fires begin in the kitchen, more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries. “Often when we’re called to a fire that started in the kitchen, the residents tell us that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes,” said Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services. “Sadly, that’s all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will help us reach folks in the community before they’ve suffered a damaging lesson.” Among the safety tips that EMS, fire, rescue and safety advocates will be emphasizing: • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food. • If one must leave the room, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. • When simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home and use a timer as a reminder. • Have young children? Use the stove’s back burners whenever possible. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove. • When cooking, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves. • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper and plastic bags, towels and anything else that can burn, away from a stovetop. • Clean up food and grease from burners and stovetops. Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For further information or assistance in scheduling a fire prevention event, contact the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, Fire and Life Safety Committee Chairperson Sherry Soper at 301-514-0019 or via e-mail at prevention1@yahoo.com or Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Utility Worker Trapped in Water-filled Trench

(New Market, MD, September 24, 2013) – Frederick County Fire/Rescue and Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to Eaglehead Drive between North Shore Way and Whistling Swan Way in Lake Linganore for a trench rescue at 3:09 p.m. First arriving fire and rescue units located one adult male trapped in a trench with rapidly running water, from a twelve inch water main, up to his neck and rising. Initial rescue efforts focused on maintaining the victim’s airway and working to shut down the water main. With the water turned off, rescuers were able to determine that he was conscious, alert and trapped in mud and construction debris up to his waist. Technical Rescue Teams from Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard counties began work on an extrication effort that would last three hours. The patient was successfully extricated at 6:15 p.m. and flown by Maryland State Police Aviation to the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services told responders in the on-scene critique (hot wash) immediately following the incident, “I am extremely proud of the response today that led to a successful outcome with the victim rescued. I want to thank all of the responding agencies from Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard counties. This was a job well done!” A total of 65 personnel responded to the scene on 38 units. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health remained on the scene investigating. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Media Advisory -- Frederick County Commissioners and Fire Officials to Hold Public Information Briefing on Fire Prevention Week

MEDIA ADVISORY FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Services Division (DFRS) and the Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, Inc. will hold a public information briefing on Fire Prevention Week at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, in the first floor hearing room of Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, Md. Speakers will address fire safety issues as the season shifts to more indoor activities such as cooking and holiday meal preparation. In light of an increase in local home fires recently, county officials will address ways to prevent cooking fires and home fire-related injuries. The public information briefing will be televised live on FCG TV, cable channel 19, and also on webcasting at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video. For further information, contact DFRS Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@FrederickCountyMD.gov or contact county Public Information Officer Robin Santangelo at 301-600-2590 or via e-mail at rsantangelo@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

One Injured in Late Morning Apartment Fire

(Frederick, MD, September 21, 2013) – One occupant received minor injuries as a result of a late morning apartment fire at the Kingscrest Apartments. Frederick County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched at 11:57 a.m. for the report of an apartment fire with one person burned. Smoke was coming from coming from a second floor window at 6961 Castle Court when the first fire and rescue unit arrived. Crews quickly located the fire in a bedroom on the second floor and extinguished it within five minutes. One occupant was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with minor injuries as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross assisted the remaining occupants of the effected apartment. No other families were displaced. Investigators from the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to the scene and the fire remains under investigation. Initial damage estimates place the total loss at $20,000.00. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Fire and Rescue at Hispanic Community Event

The Hispanic Community Event held Wednesday at Hill Street Park was a tremendous success by all accounts. Above, fire and rescue personnel stay busy ferrying children in and out of the fire truck while others pass out fire prevention information and fire helmets. Below, Chief Denise Pouget addresses the large crowd focusing her discussion on fire safety in the home.

Public Fire Safety Education at The Great Frederick Fair

Chief Mickey Fyock of the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company discusses fire prevention with (left to right) Maya Kane, Haley Kane, and Ashley D’Andrea this afternoon at the Great Frederick Fair. Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services is located on Welcome Way across form building 17 (Livestock Scales) in the First Aid / Fire & Rescue / Police area.

Quick Reaction, Immediate Evacuation, 911 Activation and Detailed Information Prevent Injuries and Greatly Reduce Fire Damage

(Middletown, MD, September 17, 2013) – The adult occupant at 8606 Valley Court noticed fire coming out from around a bathroom light / ventilation fan on the second floor. She turned off the electrical switch, evacuated the home with two young children, activated 911 and provided detailed information as to the location of the fire. Fire and Rescue units from Frederick and Washington Counties were dispatched at 11:43 a.m. The first arriving unit reported that smoke was coming from the house. Crews entered and quickly located the fire, at the reported location, in a bathroom on the second floor. The fire was extinguished within ten minutes and damage contained to the bathroom. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services stated, “It’s obvious she had a plan, remained calm and put the plan into action when the emergency occurred. She did a fantastic job and made our job easier!” The Incident Commander requested the Fire Marshal who responded from the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office. They determined that the bathroom light / ventilation fan overheated and caught on fire. The fire has been ruled accidental. Damage estimates place the total loss at $7,500.00. No injuries were reported. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov. ###

Safety in the Neighborhood

(Brunswick, MD, September 16, 2013) - Volunteer personnel from the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company and career and volunteer personnel from the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company returned to Jeffrey Lane, the site of a house fire Sunday afternoon, bringing a message of fire safety to the neighborhood. During the event, personnel checked smoke alarms, offered free smoke alarms, if needed, and passed out safety information to every home on the street.

Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Single Family Home

(Brunswick, MD, September 16, 2013) – Frederick County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched at 5:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon to 24 Jeffrey Lane in Brunswick for the report of a house fire. The first arriving unit reported that fire was visible from the rear of a two-story single family home. The Incident Commander quickly requested a rapid intervention dispatch. Firefighters will be returning to the neighborhood this evening from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. offering free smoke alarms, replacement batteries, and safety information to residents. The bulk of the fire was out at 5:28 p.m. and firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots, monitor conditions and conduct overhaul. No injuries were reported. Investigators were requested to the scene and the fire remains under investigation. Initial damage estimates place the total loss at $250,000.00. The fire caused extensive damage to the home and the American Red Cross offered assistance to the residents who were displaced by the fire. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue goes to The Great Frederick Fair

Beginning today and running thru Saturday September 21, 2013, Frederick County Fire and Rescue will be on site at The Great Frederick Fair providing basic and advanced life support and fire suppression services from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services wrote to fire and rescue personnel in the incident action plan introduction, “It is the intent of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services to provide for the safety and welfare of the patrons and workers at The Great Frederick Fair.” Please stop by to Gear Up, www.GearUpFireRescue.com, or just say hi to your fire and rescue first responders! Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services is located on Welcome Way across from building 17 (Livestock Scales) in the First Aid / Fire & Rescue / Police area. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Three-Alarm Apartment Fire Causes Extensive Damage

Frederick County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched at 2:48 p.m. Monday afternoon September 9, 2013, to the 800 block of Blakely Court in Frederick City for the report of an apartment fire. First arriving units encountered heavy fire conditions in a first floor apartment that extended up the exterior of the building to the second and third floors and roof. The Incident Commander quickly requested additional resources including a rapid intervention dispatch and second and third alarms. Firefighters will be returning to the neighborhood this evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. offering free smoke alarms, replacement batteries, and safety information to residents. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services stated, “I encourage everyone to become a partner in fire safety by making sure they have a functioning smoke alarm and escape plan.” The bulk of the fire was out at 5:00 p.m. and firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots, monitor conditions and conduct overhaul. Investigators were requested to the scene and the fire remains under investigation. Initial damage estimates are unavailable at this time. The fire caused extensive damage to six units and the American Red Cross offered assistance to residents displaced by the fire. One firefighter and one civilian were injured. The firefighter was transported to an area hospital; the civilian refused treatment and transport. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.

Frederick County Firefighters Raise Over $35,000 for Muscular Dystrophy

Frederick County Firefighters collected $35,032.59 in donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during their annual “Fill the Boot” campaign. Firefighter William Rossomondo commented, “I want to thank everyone who donated money, the volunteer corporations for the use of their vehicles, Frederick County for allowing us to collect while on duty, and, most importantly, the businesses on the Golden Mile (Frederick Shell Car Wash – Route 40 Golden Mile, McDonald’s – Shoppers World, Frederick Sunoco, Jiffy Lube Service Center #33) that allowed us to collect on their properties. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services commented on this year’s campaign by saying, “We are all so proud of you. What a great group of people!”

BRUNSWICK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY TO HOST SEPTEMBER 11 TRIBUTE

The Frederick Board of County Commissioners’ September 11 Tribute will be held at the state-of the art facilities of the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11. The fire company is located at 1500 Volunteer Drive, Brunswick, Md., (driving directions are available at http://goo.gl/maps/pKVCW). The fire company has been serving the City of Brunswick and surrounding area as a 100 percent volunteer organization since 1897. The program will include remarks from the following: Emcee and Director Clarence Jewell, III, Emergency Communications Department; National Anthem by soloist Angela Spencer, Sheriff’s Office - Community Services Division; Board President Blaine Young; Sheriff Chuck Jenkins; Chief Roy Lipscomb, Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company Inc., and Director/Chief Denise Pouget, Fire & Rescue Services Division. New Fire Director/Chief Pouget will share her reflections of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, as well as offer some words of wisdom gained through her experiences. Personnel from fire and rescue, military, law enforcement, emergency management and other organizations, as well as the public, Frederick County Government employees and media are invited to attend. Although the ceremony will not be broadcast live, it will be filmed and available on FCG TV and the county’s webcasting page (www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video). The County Commissioners also invite citizens to “Like” the Facebook page titled, “September 11 Tribute – Frederick County, MD” and share their memories, reflections and heartfelt appreciation to the heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. The direct link to the page is www.facebook.com/September11TributeFC. For further information regarding the September 11 Tribute, contact Public Information Officer Robin Santangelo at 301-600-2590 or via e-mail at rsantangelo@FrederickCountyMD.gov or Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Frederick County Firefighters Sell Tee Shirts for Patty Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund

Since 2010, Frederick County Firefighters have supported the Patty Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund from the annual sale of breast cancer awareness t-shirts. With 100 percent of the profit going to the fund, they were able to donate $21,000 in 2012. The firefighters hope to exceed that amount this year by encouraging residents to purchase one of the tee shirts pictured below for as little as $15. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services commented on this year’s campaign by saying, “The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund is responsible for some valuable enhancements to the Radiology and Breast Center departments at Frederick Memorial Hospital and I applaud our firefighters for supporting such a worthwhile community cause.” For additional information and to order a tee shirt, contact Technician Steve Williams via e-mail at swilliams1@frederickcountymd.gov.