Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes & Drums Plays For Wounded Warriors

Yesterday, members of the Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes & Drums, along with the Northern Va. Pipes & Drums Band, had the honor and privilege of playing for our wounded warriors, their families, the staff and volunteers at the Wounded Warrior Picnic held at Walter Reed Military Medical Center.

A true honor and privilege for all MCFRS members in attendance to play for these American heros! 

Photos Courtesy of Capt. Rick Blandford

Photos Courtesy of Capt. Rick Blandford

Photos Courtesy of Capt. Rick Blandford

Day One Totals From The "Fill The Boot" Campaign

Yesterday, members of the MCFRS "A" Shift raised over $45,000.00 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the annual Fill the Boot campaign.  Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.

The photo on the right is of Captain Brock Cline, Bethesda Fire Station #26, taken at Old Georgetown and Democracy after returning from a call.

Germantown Fire Station #29 was the top station for the day with over $7,000 collected followed by Rockville Fire Station #31 (over $5,000 collected).

Keep up the great work all!  Thanks to all of you out there who have made donations.  Look for our firefighters at various intersections throughout the county today and tomorrow.  

Practice Makes Perfect!

By: Master Firefighter Joe Hayunga

In the photo below, Captain Tom Potter is leading a company drill at Fire Station 13. The topic of the drill is slope evacuation, a rescue technique used to access a victim at the bottom of a steep slope. Each crew member got to practice tying anchors, building a hauling system, building a belay system and attending to the victim during the haul up the slope.

Every single day Montgomery County Firefighters, when not responding to calls for help, spend a part of their work day training hard so we are ready to assist those who need our help no matter what the situation.

Click on the photo below to see seven more photos from the training on our MCFRS Flickr site!   

Firefighters Want to Give Muscular Dystrophy the Boot

Annual Three-Day ‘Fill the Boot’ Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

Montgomery County, MD  - - - Montgomery County Firefighters will be involved in a different kind of life-saving activity when they hit the streets Wednesday as the 2012 “Fill the Boot” Campaign, an annual tradition across the country, kicks off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Teams of firefighters will have boots in hand for three days raising money for the MDA in hopes of speeding research into debilitating neuromuscular diseases and serving the needs of children and adults with muscular dystrophy. Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. 

Last year, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) raised nearly 28 million for MDA, making the grand total for the 57-year tradition over $455 million.  In the 28-year history of Montgomery County Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Montgomery County Fire Fighters have raised almost $1,790,000.00 and have consistently ranked in the top three of all fire departments in the Washington Metropolitan area. Montgomery County Fire Fighters have ranked as high as fourth in the country, raising over $254,000 in 2009. Beginning Wednesday, firefighters will be fanned out in intersections across the County and joining forces with the MDA to raise money as this charitable organization strives to eradicate neuromuscular disease.  Firefighters will remain in their normal response areas and will be available for emergencies and immediate dispatch. This year’s goal takes on significant meaning as firefighters are just over $210,000 away from raising $2 million collected for this important cause since the County began participating in 1984.

Proceeds raised during the campaign will help support MDA’s local services and research programs, including a week long summer camp for kids, support groups, and local clinics. MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of Muscular Dystrophy, including ALS and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Every donation makes a difference. Please join us in giving generously and support the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue thanks you for your support and asks that you please slow down for safety when you encounter a “Fill the Boot” intersection. To make a donation if you can’t get by any of the ‘Fill the Boot’ intersections, please stop by any Montgomery County Fire Station to make your donation.     

Master Firefighter Promotions

Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pleased to announce the following promotions to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• Joseph A. Keefer II
• Arthur L. Russell 
• Bryan L. Duffer 
• Darryl T. Benner 
• Donald W. Smith 
• Evan A. Stevens 
• Gregory E. Stevens
• Henri E. Jones
• Richard L. Tatum 

Congratulations to all!

Slow Down, Watch Out! Kids Ahead. Back to School Safety Tips

Rockville - - - Children across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Richie Bowers is asking drivers to exercise extra caution as the school year begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers should allow extra time and be on the look-out for kids at intersections and in roadways,”said Chief Bowers. “Additionally, as a matter of safety and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down and refrain from talking or texting while driving.”

For Drivers

• Be alert and slow down. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.
• Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the lookout for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before. Be alert. For many children this may be the first time they have ever traveled on a bus.
• Each passenger should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Children of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the backseat.
• Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light. This can be a dangerous situation for pedestrians.
• School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back out of your driveway or exit your garage.
• Expect delays near schools, plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination.

• Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers that may be driving to school for the first time.
  

Reminders for Parents and Children 

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision and walk the route with your child beforehand.
• Children often have a hard time judging speed and distance and should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old. Teach children to always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet! Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in Maryland.
• Be sure that your child knows his or her phone number and address, your work number and when to call 911 for emergencies.
• Only drive or park in authorized areas when picking up or dropping off students at school.
• Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your best behavior while waiting for the bus. 

School Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know 

All motorists are required by law to stop when the red lights on buses are flashing. Passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In Maryland, the law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier. Violations can result in a citation and fine. 
County police remind motorists that the violations of these Maryland Transportation Articles may results in the following penalties:  speeding in a school zone incurs a fine of up to $1,000.00 and 5 points on your license and passing a school bus with flashing red lights incurs a fine of $570.00 and 3 points on your license.  Parents who bring their children to school or pick them up after school are reminded to obey the “No Parking, No Stopping and No Standing” signs in a school zone.  A violation of these signs incurs a fine of $50.00.

Home Alone

Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective policies in your jurisdiction and, because children mature at different rates, your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone will meet if the smoke alarm sounds and ensure they know when and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Unattended cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires in Montgomery County and firefighters strongly recommend having after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking. Children should only use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision. Additional safety tips can be found on our website at mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

For the law in Maryland:
Section 5-801 provides:
(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confirmed in a dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

Chief Bowers Presents the Distinguished Service Citation

On August 10^th the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce hosted a public safety awards breakfast at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  During this event, Fire Chief Richard Bowers presented the Distinguished Service Citation to members of Companies 29, 34 and Battalion Chief 705 for their response to a traffic collision this past February 19th.

Video of the presentation is below.

Back to School Safety Tips

Cell Phones and Driving DON’T Mix

Rockville - - - Children across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Richie Bowers is asking drivers to exercise extra caution as the school year begins. “With schools back in session, drivers should take extra time to be on the look-out for kids at intersections and in roadways,”said Chief Bowers. “Additionally, as a matter of safety and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down and refrain from talking or texting while driving.”

For Drivers

• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.
• Each passenger should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
• All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the back seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the back seat (i.e., for example, when carpooling) move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible.
• Be watchful for bus riders. For many children this may be the first time they have ridden a bus.
• Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the watch for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before.
• School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back out of your driveway or exit your garage.  

• Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers that may be driving to school for the first time.
   

Reminders for Parents and Children

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision.
• Children should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old.

• Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

• Bus riders need to make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street and never enter streets from between parked cars or from behind shrubbery.
• If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet! Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in Maryland.
• Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your best behavior while waiting for the bus.
  
  

School Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know 

All drivers need to stop when the lights on school buses are flashing. Drivers should be aware Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street if there is no physical divider or barrier. Drivers who pass the bus before all lights have ceased flashing may face the following consequences:

     - Drivers who pass school buses while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum fine of $570 and a 3-point penalty.

     - Drivers who stop but then proceed while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum fine of $570 and a 2-point penalty.

Home Alone

Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective policies in your jurisdiction and, because children mature at different rates, your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone will meet if the smoke alarm sounds, ensure they know when and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency and unattended cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires in Montgomery County. Firefighters strongly recommend having after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking and that children only use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision. Additional safety tips can be found on our website at mcfrs.org/mcsafe. For the law in Maryland:

Section 5-801 provides:
(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confirmed in a dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

Assistant Fire Chief Promotions

Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pleased to announce the following Assistant Fire Chief promotions:

Battalion Chief Gary Cooper promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

Battalion Chief Eric Houston promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

Congratulations! 

River Training

By: Fire Fighter Kris Kostura

Getting ready for river training this morning.  Swift water training with Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 30.  Today's topics are shallow water operations, crossings and navigation. 

Our Fire and Rescue personnel are always training to fine tune techniques and knowledge to ensure we are always ready to respond to all types of emergencies! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                             

Chief Officer Promotions

Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pleased to announce the following Battalion Chief promotions:

Captain Kelvin Thomas promoted to Battalion Chief

Captain Douglas Hinkle promoted to Battalion Chief

Congratulations!

GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

Please take a moment to review a very important recall from our friends at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.


GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: GE, GE Adora(tm), GE Eterna(tm), GE Profile(tm) and Hotpoint(r), Dishwashers

Units: About 1.3 million in the United States

Manufacturer: GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, including seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint brand dishwashers. They were sold in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel(tm) exterior colors and finishes. The model and serial numbers can be found on a metallic plate located on the left tub wall visible when the door is opened. Model and serial numbers will start with one of the following sequences:

Brands GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile, Hotpoint

Model Number Begins With (except Hotpoint): GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4, GHDA6

Model Number Begins With (Hotpoint): HLD4

Serial Number Begins With:  FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL, AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR, GR

Sold at: Appliance dealers, authorized builder distributors and other stores nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for between $350 and $850.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. For all dishwashers, contact GE for a free in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $75 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control plastic tub dishwasher, or a rebate of $100 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control stainless tub dishwasher or GE Profile top control dishwasher. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where they purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 918-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/recall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12244.html

                                                                                                                                                                                         

County Breaks Ground for Travilah Fire Station; New Facility Scheduled for Completion in Late 2013

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Travilah Fire Station #32, which will be located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Darnestown and Shady Grove roads, one of the fastest growing areas in the County. The building is expected to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating by incorporating environmentally-sensitive design elements.

“Public safety is among my highest priorities, and the new Travilah Fire and Rescue Station will strengthen critical emergency services to our residents in an area of tremendous growth, with even more anticipated in the future,” said Leggett. “Montgomery County is committed to providing a level of fire and rescue response that rivals any in this country, and to live up to that standard, we must provide the facilities and equipment that enable our emergency responders to do the job.

“That’s why the Emergency Medical Services Transport Insurance Reimbursement Act is so critical, particularly as our County’s population continues to grow. The program will generate $18 million a year specifically earmarked for Fire & Rescue Services -- over and above Fire & Rescue’s current budget. In the first year, the additional funding will purchase two engines, a rescue unit, five ambulances and equipment for these vehicles; allow four-person staffing for eight engine companies, 13 ladder companies and four rescue squads; provide funding for facility maintenance and repair for every County-owned and volunteer fire station; provide personal protective equipment for career and volunteer firefighters; replace apparatus, such as engines, ladders, rescue and EMS units; provide maintenance, utilities and personnel for the new Travilah Fire Station; train and pay salaries for staff and new recruits; restore service reductions; and provide other essential resources.

“We need this money to ensure that our Fire and Rescue Service has the personnel and equipment to keep us safe as our needs grow. And the win-win for the County’s taxpayers is that the money will come from insurers – no County resident will ever get a bill and no County resident will ever pay a dime when they call for an ambulance.”

The new, state-of-the-art, one-story, 26,550-square-foot Travilah Fire Station will serve about 40,000 people within a 13-square-mile area that includes Traville, Fallsgrove, western Rockville, Travilah and North Potomac. The area’s population is expected to increase significantly with the planned development of the Johns Hopkins University Belward Campus, Life Sciences Center expansion, Crown Village community, Bright View Assisted Living Facility and mixed use development on the Public Safety Training Academy property.

The station will have four, 20- by 80-foot drive-through apparatus bays; living areas, including dormitory and bunk rooms, kitchen, dining, lounge and exercise rooms; a training room; administrative, battalion and storage spaces; a law enforcement office and a lobby area.

“Delivering outstanding fire and rescue service has long been one of the County’s highest priorities,” said Councilmember Phil Andrews, chair of the County Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The ideally located Travilah Fire Station, sited at two major roads in the center of a high call volume service area, will enable the County to meet the growing needs of the West Rockville, Travilah and North Potomac communities.”

“Today’s groundbreaking represents an important milestone,” said Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “Travilah Fire Station #32 will reduce critical response time while improving safety to the residents and businesses in this area of Montgomery County. The station is being built with the future in mind and will serve a vital role in the community for generations to come.”

To achieve the LEED rating, the building will incorporate sustainable design elements, including:

• Clerestory windows that reduce lighting needs by allowing daylight into most of the occupied spaces, as well as views to the exterior;
• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures;

• An energy-efficient building envelope and heating, ventilation and air conditioning design;

• Use of recycled and locally manufactured materials; and

• Environmentally sensitive design to reduce storm water runoff quantity and quality from the site.

The station will include a public parking lot on the south side, and a staff parking lot on the west. A 1.65 acre forest conservation easement will be preserved on the west side of the facility.

The architect for the renovation is PSA-Dewberry, Inc. The construction contractor is Dustin Construction, Inc. of Gaithersburg. The project should be completed late in 2013.

For more information about the Travilah Fire Station, go to the County’s website. 

Video streaming by Ustream ** From County Press Release ID: 12-226