CANCELED - MCFRS Fire & Life Safety Expo & Open House

After reviewing the impending weather forecast, it has been decided to postpone the open house scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday October 29^th from 10am to 4pm. 

MCFRS will look at alternative dates early next week and hope to host a Fire & Life Safety Expo and Open House for the general public in the near future.

Recent Department Promotions

MCFRS is pleased to recognize the below individuals who have been recently promoted. Best of luck, and be safe, in your new assignments!

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Captain:

Peter K. Dugan

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

David W. Knight

John T. Lyons

Keith D. Hipsley

Amanda N. Collins

Matthew E. Sutton 

News Advisory: First Responders Getting New Tools to Save Lives

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 24, 2011

 

First Responders Getting New Tools to Save Lives

Pet Oxygen Masks Ensure that the Right People have the Right Equipment

Who:     Fire Chief Richard Bowers and MCFRS personnel, representatives 
              from Wag’N Enterprises and Invisible Fence organizations

What:    Pet Oxygen Mask Donation

Where:   MCFRS Fire Station 31                                                                 

                12100 Darnestown Road, North Potomac, Maryland     

When:    October 26th at 3:30 p.m. 

Rockville - - -  The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is getting a new tool for its emergency response arsenal thanks to some local pet companies. MCFRS will accept 60 pet oxygen mask kits on October 26th at 3:30 p.m. The donation is being made through the combined efforts of Wag’N Enterprises’ O2 Fur Life program, and Invisible Fence’s Project Breath as part of their nation-wide campaign to provide kits to fire departments.  

While the U.S. Fire Administration does not officially track fire-related pet deaths, experts estimate that 40,000 to 100,000 animals die each year from smoke inhalation. Firefighters regularly rally to help rescue family pets and often have to improvise ways to save them.
 

“Saving lives is the top priority for firefighters responding to a fire. Humans top the list however pets are beloved family members too,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “We’re honored to partner with both these organizations on this important campaign and to elevate and raise awareness. Having the right tools and equipment to increase survival is critical and now pets will have a better chance for survival.”
                       

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MCFRS Hosting a Fire & Life Safety Expo and Open House

On Saturday October 29^th from 10am to 4pm – MCFRS will host a Fire & Life Safety Expo and Open House for the general public at the Public Safety Training Academy in Rockville.

The event will feature emergency equipment from throughout Montgomery County, as well as live fire and rescue demonstrations, moon bounce, fire truck displays, our specialty team K9’s, educational activities for all ages and other interactive activities for the whole family!  Food vendors will also be on site.

The women and men of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue look forward to meeting you on:

When:              Saturday October 29^th

Where:             Public Safety Training Academy

                        9710 Great Seneca Highway

Rockville, MD. 20850

                       

Time:               10 AM to 4 PM

As always, please remember to check your smoke alarms to make sure they are working and have a home fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside in case of fire.

 

Halloween Safety Tips

Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween. Using safety tips and common sense can help make the most of your Halloween season and make it enjoyable and safe for everyone. Follow the tips below and make it a fun and safe Halloween every year!

Some Facts:

• Decorations for special events, most often involving candles, account for an annual average of 900 home fires, causing nearly $6 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA.
• In the United States, more than 100 people die each year as a result of their clothing igniting.
• Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year.

TIPS:

• Purchase only those costumes, wigs and props labeled as flame-resistant or retardant.When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite and avoid billowing or long-trailing features.
• Be sure children know the stop, drop and roll technique in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.)
• Apply face paint or cosmetics directly to the face. It is safer than a loose-fitting mask that can obstruct a child's vision. If a mask is worn, be certain it fits securely. Cut the eyeholes large enough for full vision. Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping. Dress children in shoes that fit. Allow children to carry only flexible knives, swords or other props. Anything they carry could injure them if they fall.
• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
• When planning party decorations, bear in mind that dried flowers and cornstalks are highly flammable. Keep crepe paper and other decorations well away from all heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
• Let children be the artists and leave the pumpkin carving to adults. Children can draw the face of the jack-o-lantern, but only parents should handle the knives.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights for decorations. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• Use flashlights to illuminate Jack-o-lanterns. If you must use candles, use votives and be sure to place the pumpkin on a sturdy surface away from flammable objects.
• Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and stairs are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.
• Before heading out to trick-or-treat, apply reflective wrist bands, tape, and stickers to costumes, bags and sacks and use a flashlight with fresh batteries to see and be seen.
• Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all street corners before crossing, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right and left again before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross.
• Instruct children never to enter a home or an apartment building unless accompanied by an adult. Restrict trick-or-treating visits to homes with porch or outside lights illuminated.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.
• Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
• Set a time for children to return home. Tell children to bring their treats home before eating them. Parents should check treats to ensure that items have not been tampered with and are safely sealed. Be careful with fruit. Inspect the surface closely for punctures or holes and cut it open before allowing a child to eat it.

Major Exercise Notification

On Wednesday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m. – 2: 00 p.m, Montgomery County Government and Montgomery County Hospitals will participate in a full-scale (realistic) exercise to test the region’s ability to respond to a mass casualty terrorist attack.

The public should take note that the exercise will simulate the movement and treatment of mock victims to area hospitals. Residents should anticipate additional helicopter traffic in the area.

This exercise will not impact the ability to be promptly seen at local hospitals, but people should be aware that they will likely see mock victims dressed up to look like they have been severely injured and hospital staff in personal protective equipment simulating the decontamination process.

People should not be alarmed; this is a planned exercise to test the regions capability to respond to a mass casualty scenario.

Sincerely,
The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

MCFRS Fire Fighters Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

All this month, you may see your favorite MCFRS Fire Fighter wearing a special pink uniform tee shirt in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Below, Fire Station 22 A-Shift is proudly sporting their shirts.

In addition one of our fire fighters, Marshall Moneymaker, lost three sisters to breast cancer and was recently featured on ABC News telling his family story as well as what he is doing to make a difference.  Please take a moment to watch this video below:

Bring the Family! High Point BBQ Battle to Benefit the MDA

On Friday evening and Saturday October 14th and 15th, the Montgomery County Career Firefighters and the Montgomery County Career Officers will sponsor a BBQ competition and festival to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Friday evening's activity will begin at 5 p.m. and the Jay Henley and the Stonebroke Band will perform live from 7:30 p.m. until 10. There will be plenty of food and fun!

On Saturday October 15th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be food vendors, moon bounces, rock walls, and much more for the entire family. Here is a link to the event and hope to see you there to help raise much needed funds for our family at MDA: http://www.highpointcatering.com/bbq-battle/index.html

Assistant Chief Scott Graham appeared on FOX5 this morning to discuss the event along with reps from the MDA and High Point Farms.  Click below and learn more about the event!

High Point BBQ Battle: MyFoxDC.com

Blood Drive In Memory of Fire Fighters Carlos Alfaro, Sr. and Jr.

Did You Know?

CPSC estimates an annual average of more than 386,000 unintentional residential fires, nearly 2,400 deaths and more than 12,500 injuries each year from 2006 through 2008.


Fire kills and injures!  Make sure you check your smoke alarms today!  Also develop a home escape plan for you and those you love!

High Point BBQ Battle to Benefit MDA

On Friday evening and Saturday October 14th and 15th, the Montgomery County Career Firefighters and the Montgomery County Career Officers will sponsor a BBQ competition and festival to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Friday evening's activity will begin at 5 p.m. and the Jay Henley and the Stonebroke Band will perform live from 7:30 p.m. until 10. There will be plenty of food and fun!

On Saturday October 15th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be food vendors, moon bounces, rock walls, and much more for the entire family.

We would like to invite any BBQ enthusiasts to sign up to compete. If you have ever wanted to, but never entered a competition, this is a great low stress opportunity. There is $1400 in prize money and a great time to hang out with friends around the grill. Please share this with all of your list friends.

Here is a link to the event and hope to see you there to help raise much needed funds for our family at MDA: http://www.highpointcatering.com/bbq-battle/index.html

Assistant Chief Scott Graham

It’s Fire Prevention Week!

Hopefully all of you out there are aware that it is Fire Prevention Week this week.  This year’s theme is: Protect your Family from Fire!

Our friends at the National Fire Protection Association have a lot of great information on their web site that I highly recommend you check out. 

Please go HERE to learn more.

Speaking of checking out; have you checked your smoke alarm today to make sure it is working?!?!?

Be Safe! 

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Fire Department Open Houses

Rockville, Maryland - - -  The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting ‘Open House’ events at fire stations around the County during Fire Prevention Month. The National Fire Protection Association has designated this year’s theme “Protect Your Family from Fire” and firefighters and safety advocates will focus efforts on the importance of developing a home escape plan, practicing a home fire drill and checking smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

All Open House events are free and will feature many exciting activities including tours of the station, fire safety activities, information/handouts, demonstrations of emergency equipment and
much more. . . please visit the fire station’s website or call for a comprehensive listing of activities planned.

October 8        Chevy Chase Fire Department, Station 7                              10:00  – 3:00 pm
                        8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD  

                        301-652-0707

October 9        Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Station 24              12:00 – 3:00 pm

                        13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

                        240-773-4724

October 22      Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15           12:00 – 4:00 pm
                        13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

                        240-773-8957

October 29      Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department, Station 10   10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
8001 River Road, Bethesda, MD
301-379-9387

November 12  Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Station 11                        TBA               

                        5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD 

                        301-229-3200

Reminder - As of Oct. 1, Texting While Driving is ILLEGAL in Maryland

I thought it would be a good time to remind all of you of the recent law that became effective on October 1st.  Please take a moment to review the fact sheet put out by our friends from the Maryland Highway Administration.

Remember, the last thing we at MCFRS want to do is meet you by "accident!"

Stay Safe,

Bill D.

Fact Sheet Texting_Cell 2011

Montgomery County Fire Fighter Team Raises Over $26,000 to Support The Make-A-Wish Foundation!

By: Firefighter Mike Johns 


The 28th annual Make-A-Wish triathlon took place on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  A total of 18 people competed this year, representing Montgomery County Fire & Rescue.  This was the third consecutive year that a group of Montgomery County firefighters have organized a team to race.  It was also the largest team yet!

The Make-A-Wish triathlon takes place at Sea Colony Resort in Bethany Beach, DE.  The event is an olympic distance tri consisting of a 1.5K ocean swim, 41K bike, and 10K run.  Participants may compete as individuals or part of a relay team.  The MCFRS contingent consisted of 12 individual racers and two 3-person relay teams.  Firefighter Mike McDonald (3C) finished first amongst the group of firefighters with a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes.  MFF Kathy Evans (FCE) was captain of a female relay team that finished FIRST in their division with a time of 3 hours, 3 minutes!

Another large component of the Make-A-Wish tri is fundraising.  Competitors work hard before the race not only training, but raising funds to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.  This wonderful organization grants wishes for local children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  With the average cost of a wish being $7500, donations from generous race supporters is very important.  This year, the Montgomery County firefighter team raised just over $26,000 to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation!  Firefighters TJ Monahan (33A) and Amanda Viragh (34C) were 2 of the Top 5 fundraisers for the entire event!

All of this year's participants had a great time and are excited for next year's race!

2011 Make-A-Wish Triathlon Team

Firefighter TJ Monahan (33A)

Captain Robert Stojinski (29C)

Firefighter Mike Johns (29C)

Captain Mike Green (3C)

Firefighter Mike McDonald (3C)

Firefighter Josh Devries (34C)

Firefighter Jake Riddle (34C)

Firefighter Amanda Viragh (34C)

Firefighter Nelson Ortiz-Cruz (R2)

Firefighter Gino Reynosa (25A)

Elwood "Buddy" Ey (MD-TF1)

Kiersten Henry

Master Firefighter Kathy Evans (FCE)

Johanna Mansilla

Brenda Jacobs

Firefighter Geoff Olds (1A)

Firefighter Garland Hollenbach (22A)

Pamela Resurreccion

Montgomery County Firefighters to Join Area Students in Annual Walk to School Day Events Around the County

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 4, 2011

 

Rockville - - -  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel will be joining students around the County to celebrate International Walk to School Day to raise awareness and promote pedestrian safety. Thousands of students from 36 schools in Montgomery County will be participating in this year’s annual event. Walk to School events raise awareness and create safer routes for walking and bicycling while emphasizing the importance of increasing physical activity among children and promoting pedestrian safety.  

County Executive Ike Leggett, MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr and other officials will be joining students at Captain James E. Daly, Jr. Elementary School in Germantown, Maryland for the event. Media are invited to join in the program. 

When:  Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Where: Captain James E. Daly, Jr. Elementary School  
              20301 Brandermill Drive, Germantown, Maryland

Time:   8:30 a.m. – Walkers will meet at Clear Spring Park to walk to the school           

             9:00 a.m. – Assembly behind the school on the blacktop

           10:00 a.m. – School-wide pedestrian and traffic safety assembly

* Event will be held rain or shine. The assembly portion of the program will be moved indoors if the weather is inclement.
 

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