Another Day of Mutual Aid...

Saturday morning began early with the usual medic assist at 609am.  At 0830hrs, Truck 27, 2 firefighters and 1 probationary firefighter left the area to assist with a MFRI Firefighter 1 class in Hagerstown.  Longmeadow was then alerted at 1135hrs to assist Company 13 (Maugansville) with a shed fire in the area of station 13.  Engine 27-1 was cancelled as Co. 13 had a false call (homeowner was smoking hams).

At 1515hrs, Company 9 (Leitersburg) was alerted for the field fire on Millers Church Road.  FRC advised Deputy Chief 9 (Butch Bloom) that the fire sounds to be spreading rapidly with the help of the 30 MPH winds.  DC 9 then requested Longmeadow for the Engine company, Engine-Tanker and Special Unit and an engine tanker out of Co. 7 (Smithsburg).  Engine (Tanker) 27-1 responded first with 4 firefighters, followed by Special Unit 27 with 2, then Rescue-Engine 27-2 with 3.  Truck 27 soon returned to the station from the MFRI class to provide coverage for the Meadow.  Units and manpower assisted with extinguishment. 

At 1629hrs, Co. 9 was again alerted for a field fire.  This time FRC received additional reports of the fire endangering a structure.  Again DC 9 (Butch) requested assistance from Longmeadow and Smithsburg.  Engine (Tanker) 27-1 and the Deputy responded immediately with 4 firefighters, followed by the Special Unit with 3.  Company 9 units handled the call and placed the rest available. 

                

                                   Pictures from the MFRI Firefighter I class at the HFD Training Center

Busy Day Includes 2nd Alarm, Truck Transfer and Shed Fire

The day began at 1322hrs with the Truck running on the 2nd alarm apartment building fire in Waynesboro.  The Truck and The Fire Chief responded immediately with 4 firefighters, but only stood by briefly on the scene as Franklin County Company 2 (Waynesboro) had the fire knocked. 

The usual medic call was followed at 1720hrs by a double transfer to HFD- Engine Company to HFD Engine 3, and Truck 27 to Truck 1.  Although Station 27 had enough crews to cover the calls plus 4 firefighters to remain in Paramount, FRC decided to pull from other areas for the engine and continue Truck 27 to cover Truck 1.  While in town, the Truck ran 2 calls.  One of the calls was our own in Longmeadow.  Station 27 responded Engine 27-1 and Deputy 27 (Eckstine) with 4 firefighters, 5 additional firefighters remained on station.

Shortly after returning to quarters from the transfer, at 1908hrs, FRC alerted Funkstown VFD, HFD Engine 3 and Truck 27 for the shed fire on Mt. Aetna Road.  LT 10 (E. Fraley) arrived to find a 20 X 20 shed well off.  The Truck remained on the scene approximately 90 minutes for overhaul, lighting and mop-up operations. 

On the day Longmeadow handled 6 calls, averaging about 13 volunteers on each call.  

2nd Alarm and Transfer to HFD

At about 5am this morning, Longmeadow was dispatched for the Truck on the 2nd alarm duplex fire in Hagerstown.  Truck 27 responded with 6 firefighters under the direction of Chief of Department Ricker.  HFD had heavy fire conditions with multiple occupants needing rescued.  First in crews did a great job making several rescues.  Ambulances from Community Rescue transported multiple residents.  Command requested the Truck to get to the rear as best they could.  The crew of the truck cut several chains and small fence posts to get excellent position.   Operator Eckstine did a great job with the help of Captain Latimer to ensure the Truck arrived with access to the fire, without any damage to the truck or other rigs.   Truck 27 was soon stripped of all its equipment as the crew went to work.

During this fire, Rescue Engine 27-2 transferred to Hagerstown Engine 3.  Co. 27 maintained a third volunteer crew in station as long as we could, then Franklin County Company 3 was requested to fill our station.  Thanks to Greencastle for their help.

Submitted by LT Byard

Happy Birthday Matt!!!

One of our live-in members, Matt O'Connell, celebrated his 28th birthday today.  The guys enjoyed the brownies and balloons that Matt's mom brought to the station.  We all look forward to many more of Matt's birthdays as a live-in at The Meadow.  And keep those brownies coming, Claire!!!

Another Transfer...

This time Engine 27-1 transferred to Funkstown VFD (Co. 10) while they operated on a barn fire on College road.  Co. 27 maintained firefighters in our area to protect Paramount and assist our mutual aid companies if needed.

Old Time Photos Added

Some classic photos have been scanned and added here.  There are some old faces, old calls and classic scenes.  Be sure to sign the guestbook and let us know what you think about the pictures.  Email us any old photos you'd like to see on the website. 

Click here for the photos!!!

In-House Training

Weekly training for this week consisted of familiarizing the firefighters with the new Kodiak Rescue Strut System.  This new addition to the Rescue Engine was purchased using money donated by the Ladies Auxiliary.  This system allows us to quickly stabilize an over turned vehicle, or a vehicle on its side.  The Ladies Auxiliary also donated money for a Rapid Intervention bag to store specialized equipment used in RIT.  This will also be carried on  Rescue Engine 27-2.

                           

                      

Photos and story by LT Byard

Appliance Fire In The House

At 1605 hours, Longmeadow was dispatched for the appliance on fire inside the house.  Deputy Chief 27 (Eckstine) responded immediately, followed by Truck 27 with 5 firefighters.  DC 27 arrived with heavy smoke in the house, established command and requested a tactical channel.  The crew from the Truck extinguished the fire with a water can, and overhauled the area.  Crews from Rescue Engine 27-2, Engine 27-1 and Engine 13-2 (Maugansville) stood by until Command confirmed the fire was contained to the storage area of the stove.  Pictures soon to follow...

Submitted by LT Byard

Transfer to HFD Truck 1

Longmeadow was asked Friday if we could support a Truck transfer to the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company in Hagerstown on Saturday night for their annual banquet.  Truck 27 transferred under the command of LT Byard, operated by Kieth Abrecht and staffed by 'senior' firefighters Scott Adams and Nick Bohnage.  The crew ran 1 call during the evening.  This brings the number of banquet transfers Longmeadow has handled to about 5 for the year and we're glad to assist our mutual aid neighbors.

Another Mutual Aid Fire In Greencastle

At 1106hrs, Truck 27 was alerted to assist Franklin County Co. 3 (Greencastle) with a dwelling fire.  Truck 27 responded immediately with 6 firefighters and the Deputy Chief (Eckstine).  Arriving just as Engine 3-1 was pulling the first line, the truck crew went to work searching the second floor, looking for extension, and opening up.  Engine 27-1 responded as the box was filled and stood by as the RIT crew.  Greencastle held the fire to the kitchen, and the Truck crew's searches were negative.  Assistant Chief 3 (the middle-aged Hann) had command.

                    

                    

                      

Photos by LT Byard

Longmeadow Celebrates 2005

On Saturday, February 11th, Longmeadow gathered to celebrate a successful 2005.  Once again, Co. 27 proved willing and able to go out in a little snowy weather.  The annual banquet was held at the Leitersburg Activities Center.  Members and distinguished guests enjoyed a meal catered by  the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant.   Then danced the night away to the music of The Knights of the Turn Table.   Thanks to the Greencastle Volunteer Fire Company for standing by for us for the evening.

The following firefighters took home awards:

• Firefighter of the Year- Anna Eckstine

• Chief's Award- Jack Latimer

• John J. Roche Award- Captain John Latimer IV

• Top Responder- Deputy Chief Jason Eckstine

• Top In-house Training- Deputy Chief Jason Eckstine

                   

                                   Awards                                    Chief's Award                           FF of the Year

                   

                                  Firefighters...                  Top Responders/Trainers      Chief gets $$$ from Pres.

                   

                   

                   

                                                              

Photos by LT Byard

Co. 27 Assists HFD with Small Fire

Longmeadow was alerted to assist the Hagerstown Fire Department with the fire in the building call at the Northern Middle School.  HFD found a trash can fire of suspicious nature in a restroom.  Truck 27 and Engine 27-1 responded with 9 firefighters.  Co. 27 assisted with clean up.