Fire Chief Richie Bowers Announces Promotions

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

Chief Officer Promotions

Battalion Chief Barry Reid promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

Battalion Chief Adam Jones promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

Captain Tony Coleman promoted to Battalion Chief

Captain Alan Butsch promoted to Battalion Chief

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Captain:

• Ivan J. Browning
• Jason D. Blake
• Scott J. Herring
• Scott A. Kitner

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:

• Brent E. Frain 
• Brian J. Wolferman 
• Brian M. Kane
• Douglas C. Talley 
• Dustin J. Poist 
• James A. Snyder
• Jason R. Hade 
• Jason R. Light 
• Scott A. Ward
• Ryan A. Keyser

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

• Lawrence B. Morton
• Jeffrey S. Weber

NEWS ADVISORY - Winter Safety Tips

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service reminds residents of the dangers present with snow piles. With the recent record-breaking snow storms, roadside, driveway and cul-de-sac snow piles are getting bigger, but should remain off limits to children.


Children like to dig tunnels or build forts in piles of snow created by snow plows, but children risk becoming trapped by collapsing snow forts. Unstable walls and tunnels may collapse, trapping and burying a child inside. The weight of the snow collapsing on top of a child can quickly hinder their breathing, making it difficult to call for help and virtually eliminating their chances of self-rescue. The best place for children to play is under close adult supervision.

Additionally, Fire Chief Richard Bowers is asking residents to continue to clear snow from fire hydrants. The record-breaking snow accumulation combined with the after-effects of plowing roads and parking lots have left many fire hydrants partially or completely buried in snow. By keeping fire hydrants clear of snow, the public can help firefighters easily locate them and access water quickly, preserving valuable time to potentially save lives and structures.

If you have a hydrant on or near your property, please take a few minutes to clear away the snow. If you cannot clear the hydrant, please ask a neighbor or someone else who can do it for you. Remember, quick access to fire hydrants benefits everyone. Other safety reminders:

• Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing so drivers can see you, especially in times of poor visibility, and use reflective clothing or stickers for maximum visibility.

• Never go out on frozen ponds, lakes or creeks. It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is also dependent on water depth under the ice, the size of the water and water chemistry, currents and distribution of the load on the ice. The only safe ice is at the skating arena.

• Ensure your house numbers are visible and can be easily seen. Do this at night time as well.

House Fire on Estelle Road

Wheaton, MD July 22, 2009 - At approximately 4:20 PM units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service responded to 12909 Estelle Road in the Wheaton-Glenmont area for a reported house fire. Units arrived on the scene to find a two level single family home with fire on the first floor and extending to other areas of the home. Firefighters were also faced with a significant electrical hazard on the front yard when the homes' electrical wires came down and energized the fence in the front yard.

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. The adult female occupant stated she woke up when she felt heat around her feet and the smoke alarm activated. The adult female and teenager exited safely. It took firefighters 15-20 minutes to extinguish the fire. The adult female occupant and a firefighter were transported for a medical evaluation and are expected to be treated and released.

Fire Explosive Investigators estimated damages at $450,000. Origin of the fire is the first floor bedroom, and the cause is likely to be accidental involving an overloaded electrical circuit.

LOCATION: 12909 Estelle Road (Wheaton -Glenmont area)
ORIGIN/CAUSE: 1st floor bedroom / Accidental
DAMAGE: 450,000
INJURY: Two - 1 F/F, 1 Civilian (adult female)
DISPLACEMENT: 5 adults 1 Teenager
FIRE PROTECTION: Smoke alarm activated


Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Vehicle Into A Building

Wheaton, MD July 22, 2009 – At 12:50 PM, units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were dispatched for a reported vehicle into a building.

Fire and Rescue Units arrived on the scene to the rear of 2209 Glen Allen Ave.
and found a Honda Element, with a single occupant/driver, which had crashed into the apartment building. The adult male driver was transported to a local emergency room, with non life threatening injuries, for a check up.

No other injuries were reported. Montgomery County Police will be investigating the circumstances of the collision.

A Montgomery County Building Inspector was on scene and determined that the building suffered minor damage and was safe to occupy.

Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

8830 Piney Branch Road Two Alarm Fire

Silver Spring, MD July 12, 2009 - At approximately 7:35 PM last night units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and Prince Georges County, responded to 8830 Piney Branch Rd. (Pineway Towers Condominiums) in Silver Spring for a reported building fire with people trapped.

Units arrived on the scene to find a residential hi-rise building with fire and toxic smoke showing from the 12th floor. Battalion Chief Officer 701 arrived to the rear of the building and reported seeing fire from the top floor and requested a second alarm worth of equipment and personnel to the scene. An aggressive interior attack and search and rescue operations were initiated. First arriving fire fighters rescued at least a dozen occupants from the 12th floor to safer areas on the floors below.

Upon arriving on the scene, the Fire Investigators were able to identify and interview the residents from the fire apartment. Four occupants were home at the time of the fire and they advised that the smoke alarms sounded and when they investigated they found smoke coming from a rear bedroom. The four exited the apartment and called 911.

The investigation revealed that a number of electronic components were plugged into an undersized extension cord in the room of origin. An apparent failure of the electrical cord occurred which was the cause of the fire.

One Firefighter was transported due to dehydration and one civilian was injured from falling debris. Red Cross was on the scene assisting with the numerous people that were displaced from their apartments

LOCATION: 8830 Piney Branch Rd (Pineway Towers Condominiums)
ORIGIN/CAUSE: Bedroom / Accidental
DAMAGE: 600,000
INJURY: Two – 1 F/F, 1 Civilian
DISPLACEMENT: Approx - 80
Smoke alarm and building alarms activated

Photo provided by FEI Junghans

Car Crashes Into Home

Wheaton, MD July 11, 2009 - At approximately 6:10 PM, units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded for a report of a car crashing into a home. Upon arrival, units found a single vehicle into a home located at 11553 Daffodil Lane.

The driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local trauma center.
There was one resident of the house who was home at the time and uninjured. At this time, the home has been determined to be unsafe to occupy.


Photos courtesy of Captain Oscar Garcia.

Structure Fire Goes To Two Alarms

On 7/10/09 at approximately 11:47 PM Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded for a building fire at 15853 Crabbs Branch Way - which is part of the Franklin Office Park. Units arrived on scene with fire showing from the roof, and a defensive attack was initiated. The fire
was quickly extinguished and no occupants were found during search and rescue operations.

The area of origin is believed to be on the second floor. A partial collapse of the second floor and the roof occurred posting units 15847 - 15857 as unsafe to occupy.

ORIGIN/CAUSE: Under investigation / Undetermined

DAMAGE: $425000

INJURY: None

DISPLACEMENT: Three offices displaced




Photos courtesy of FEI Maxwell

Automatic Fire Sprinklers Save Again!

Rockville, MD July 11, 2009 - Early this morning at approximately 1:30 AM, units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched for a fire in the Shoppers Food Warehouse at 18140 Village Center Drive.

Workers in the store reported seeing and smelling smoke and upon discovering the fire, they promptly exited the building to safety. The automatic fire sprinkler system operated to control the fire and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units completed the extinguishment.

Chief Fire Marshal Mike Love noted, “This is the second time in less than a week where we have seen evidence showing the value of automatic fire sprinklers in their value to save lives and property. No home or business should be without automatic fire sprinklers.”

Fire Investigators determined that the fire started in a fluorescent light ballast attached to the refrigeration unit (see photo). The store is allowed to reopen although approximately half of it will be closed for a short time. Total damage estimates are still pending.

Illegal Fireworks Display Injures 20 Month Old Child

First Reported Firework Related Injury In 5 Years

On July 4, 2009 at approximately 11 PM, a 20 month old female was brought to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (SGAH) by her parents with burns on her back. SGAH staff contacted the on-duty Fire Investigators who responded to the hospital.

Upon questioning the child’s parents, it was learned that she was burned by fireworks that had inadvertently flown into her stroller during an illegal display at a private residence. Fire Investigators were able to locate and interview the resident where the illegal fireworks display had occurred. The resident confirmed that a fireworks package, that shot multiple flame balls, tipped over and shot burning material into the bystanders and injured the child. The child received second degree burns to 4%, and third degree burns to 1% of her body. She was treated at SGAH and was released shortly thereafter.

This is the first reported firework related injury in the county in roughly five years. Charges are pending against the defendant.

Please remember that ALL Fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County throughout the year.

County Executive Isiah Leggett Names Interim Chief Bowers To Fire Chief Role

County Executive Isiah Leggett today concluded a nationwide search for a new fire chief by naming Acting Chief Richard R. Bowers, Jr. as Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). Bowers is a 32-year veteran of the department, and he has filled every rank and leadership role in MCFRS, including the role of Acting Chief since October 31, 2008, when the County’s first and only Fire Chief Thomas W. Carr, Jr. retired.

“Although we conducted an extensive nationwide search for fire chief, it is gratifying to know that our own interim chief beat all other competitors for the job,” said Leggett. “Our residents should take comfort in knowing that Montgomery County’s first class Fire and Rescue Service can only get better under the tutelage of such an experienced and highly-regarded leader in the fire and rescue field.” READ MORE

Valor Awards to be Presented at Annual Public Safety Ceremony

NEWS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2009

Valor Awards to be Presented
at Annual Public Safety Ceremony

Unprecedented three Gold, two Silver and twelve Bronze Medals to be awarded

ROCKVILLE, Md., – The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host its 35th annual public safety awards program on March 20, 2009 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center located 5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, Maryland. The annual event honors the heroic deeds and community service initiatives of Montgomery County’s law enforcement and fire-rescue workers.

Along with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Department of the Montgomery County Police, other public safety agencies being recognized are the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division and for the first time the Maryland State Police and US Park Police.

Nearly thirty (30) public safety workers who were directly involved in various incident’s will receive medals of valor and community service awards. Honoring the awardees at the event will include County Executive Isiah Leggett, Council President Phil Andrews, Acting Fire Chief Richard Bowers, Police Chief Tom Manger, Sheriff Ray Kight, Acting MNCPP Police Chief Darien Manley, Correction and Rehabilitation Director Art Wallenstien as well as other local elected officials. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, as well as Senator Ben Cardin, Representative Chris Van Hollen and Representative Donna Edwards are expected to attend.

Awards Ceremony

Thirteen (13) police officers and thirteen (13) firefighters will receive various Medals of Valor for their involvement in nine (10) separate incidents. In the 35 year history of this program the Gold Medal of Valor has been presented only nine (9) times. This year there will be an unprecedented three (3) Gold medal recipients along with two (2) Silver medals, twelve (12) Bronze medals and ten (10) Honorable Mention medal awardees. There will also be a Unit Citation presentation. Several of the past Gold Medal of Valor award recipients are expected to attend.

Awards of Valor are designated in several categories, including the Gold Medal of Valor which is the premier award that recognizes an act of bravery involving extreme personal risk that is clearly above and beyond the call of duty or an incident of valor that results in serious injury or death. A Silver Medal of Valor recognizes acts of bravery involving great personal risk beyond the call of duty, while a Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded to those who are involved in unusual personal risk beyond expectation while performing the usual responsibility and can also be awarded for unusual judgment, zeal, or ingenuity during an emergency situation in the performance of duty.

Honorable Mention of Valor awards recognize acts of valor and acts that involve personal risk, unusual demonstration of judgment, zeal, or ingenuity not normally involved in the performance of duties. Unit Citations are presented to those groups who have collectively performed exceptional service. The (Police) Chief Bernard Crooke Community Service Award and the (Fire) Chief Leslie B. Thompson Community Service Award are special awards presented for dedication and initiative above and beyond the call of duty over a period of time that has affected and benefited the citizens of Montgomery County.

Steve Robins, of Lerch, Early and Brewer, a Bethesda law firm is the committee chair for the Chamber of Commerce 35th annual public safety awards luncheon and ceremony. Attendance is a “sell-out” and will top over one thousand people.

Awards Ceremony

Public safety workers will be recognized for their efforts in the following incidents:

January 28, 2008 – Timberbrook Lane, Gaithersburg (police)
- assisted Mobile Crisis Team with armed and dangerous patient

May 5, 2008 – Foxlair Court, Gaithersburg (police)
- domestic situation and prevented a suicide of young man

June 5, 2008 – Dalewood Drive, Wheaton (fire/rescue)
- injured worker entangled in power lines and difficult rescue from tree

August 12, 2008 – Grand Prix Road, Silver Spring, Prince George’s and DC (police)
- armed robbery, abduction and carjacking with car chase and capture

August 16, 2008 – New Hampshire Ave., Oakview (police)
- attempted robbery/carjacking with foot pursuit and apprehension

September 6, 2008 – North Summit Ave., Gaithersburg (police)
- robbery in progress, off duty foot chase and capture of suspect

October 20, 2008 – Hawkins Creamery Road, Damascus (police)
- assisted teenage crash victims involved in wreck and car fire

November 26, 2008 – Inwood Ave., Wheaton (police)
- pulled (homicide) victim from burning house

December 3, 2008 – Jamestown Rd. Bethesda (fire/rescue)
- rescued triplets from burning house

December 23, 2008 – River Road, Potomac (fire/rescue, police)- rescued several motorists from swift water, including helicopte

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service awarded Jensen Grant

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service of Maryland has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Rolf H. Jensen Memorial Public Education Grant. The $5000 award will support the fire and rescue service’s training program to provide outreach on fire safety for adults over the age of 65. Read on

Safety In Our Neighborhoods: Firefighters going door-to-door checking smoke alarms

NEWS ADVISORY
Richard Bowers, Fire Chief Pete Piringer, Public Information Officer
Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20850
Media Hotline – 240.777.2442

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2009

Safety In Our Neighborhoods
Firefighters going door-to-door checking smoke alarms

There has been a significant decline of residential fire fatalities in Montgomery County.

Having a functional smoke alarm is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries from fire. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

Since November 2008 the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) have been checking smoke alarms at least every Saturday afternoon in neighborhoods throughout Montgomery County as part of the ‘Safety in Our Neighborhood’ campaign.

Montgomery County firefighters have visited over 17,000 homes, installed nearly 500 smoke alarms and installed or changed over 600 batteries. The primary focus has been in areas populated with older residents and where residential fire fatalities have occurred. There was a significant decline of residential fire fatalities in Montgomery County. Last year in 2008 there were five (5) residential fire fatalities compared with thirteen (13) the previous year in 2007. All residential fire fatalities have occurred in a non-sprinklered dwelling.

2 – Smoke Alarms and Sprinklers
Fire Chief Richard Bowers notes, "This is a busy time of year for firefighters in this region. The simplest thing a family can do to protect themselves from fire is have a working smoke alarm, on every level of their home, and have fire escape plan."

Recent surveys conducted by fire fighters after serious fires in Montgomery County have found that nearly half, 50%, of the smoke alarms checked did not work. That is alarming! Smoke alarms DO save lives !

Montgomery County residents may schedule a home safety evaluation by calling the Home Safety Hotline @ 240.777.2476.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service recommend that homeowners follow these tips to help prevent fires, deaths, and injuries:
* Install and maintain smoke alarms.
* Develop and practice a fire escape plan.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning—a home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced.

Because fire can grow and spread so quickly, having working smoke alarms in your home can mean the difference between life and death. Once the alarm sounds, you may have as few as two minutes to escape. Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning devices available.

Remember, check you smoke alarm and put a finger on it!

The combination of working smoke alarms and residential sprinklers almost guarantees that a family will survive a home fire