Palm Beach County Fire Rescue News

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.

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

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

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

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.

(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 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.

(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 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.

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

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

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

(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 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.

(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 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

(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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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 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.

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

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

(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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on June 2nd , 2008.