Promotions

Congratulations to the following personnel who have recently been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• Bradley S. Disharoon
• Thomas J. Carlin
• Patrick D. Ellis

Be safe and best wishes in your new role and assignment!

Time Again to 'Fill-the-Boot' for Muscular Dystrophy

Beginning today and continuing until Friday evening MCFRS will support International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) Local 1664 with it's efforts to collect for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

County Executive Leggett makes the first contribution 

The effort was kicked off yesterday at our Fire Station #34 with a contribution from County Executive Leggett as well as a Proclamation presented by Mr. Leggett to Fire Chief Scott Goldstein and IAFF Local 1664 President Jeff Buddle.
 
Thanks to the residents (and commuters) in Montgomery County, MCFRS is the leading Fill the Boot IAFF contributor in the Maryland and consistently has been one of the top contributors in the Country.  In the 30 year history of MCFRS supporting MDA, IAFF Career Fire Fighters Local 1664 has raised about $2.5 million!

So if you see our Firefighters out in the community over the next three days, please consider making a donation to help the cause.

All monies raised through “Fill the Boot” stays locally in the metro area to help support families dealing with neuromuscular diseases by providing research, wheelchairs, clinic treatments and most importantly allowing children to MDA Summer Camp for 1 week.

History of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters and MDA

• Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, Local 1664, joined the fight against the more
  
  than 40 neuromuscular diseases by holding its first “Fill the Boot” campaign in 1984. 


• Since the first Fill the Boot campaign in 1984 till 2006 Montgomery County Fire Fighters would donate their “off duty” time for 3 days prior to the Labor Day weekend to conduct “Fill the Boot” at various intersections around Montgomery County. During this period Local 1664 raised $783,452.00. 


• In 2007, thanks to the efforts from Past President John Sparks, Past Fire Chief Tom Carr and then Division Chief Ritchie Bowers along with the support of County Executive Ike Leggett career fire fighters were given permission to participate in “Fill the Boot” while on duty. During the period from 2007 to 2014 Local 1664 has raised, $1,540,842.00


• Local 1664 is the largest contributing IAFF Local in the state of Maryland for MDA.  


• In 2007 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 5 in the country collecting over $234,000. 


• In 2008 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 9 in the country collecting over $206,000.


• In 2009 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 4 in the country collecting a record $254,102.


• In 2014 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 10 in the country collecting over $194,000.00. 


• In the 30 year history of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Local 1664 has raised $2,324,294.00


• Local 1664 also supports MDA by attending MDA Summer Camp in Leonardtown, MD. During Summer Camp, Montgomery County Fire Fighters bring a fire engine to camp for kids to tour and the Locals “Beef Brothers” provide dinner to approximately 150 children and counselors. 

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Please consider joining Montgomery County Firefighters on Saturday, September 5 to raise money for a great cause while honoring the memory of the firefighters and law enforcement officers who perished at the World Trade Center on 9/11.  Firefighters and police officers are encouraged to do the climb in their gear, and civilians may participate in PT attire.

Note that although the flyer says that registration is closed, registration has been extended so people can still sign up!

You can register here: Registration for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

High Rise Fire Fighter Stair Climb

New Promotions

MCFRS is pleased to report the following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• James M. Riddle 
• Jaymie R. Birney
• Sean T. Murphy

Congratulations and be safe in your new assignment!  Bill D

More Medals For MCFRS Competitors At World Police & Fire Games

Captain Penny Ingles earned 2 Silver Medals during Tuesday's Track and Field events, being held at George Mason University. She had a new personal record in the Javelin throw and Long Jump events.

These two silver medals bring her medal count to 4 ( 1 Gold and 3 Silver).  Good job Penny!

World Police & Fire Games Just One Week Away

In one week firefighters from across the world will be descending on the Washington-Metro Area to participate in the World Police & Fire Games.

A good number of MCFRS personnel will be participating as well.  Below is the top that will be worn by our folks during the opening ceremony next week.  On the back it says, "MCFRS- Maryland."

GOOD LUCK to all of our firefighters who are participating!

MCFRS Recruiting Section Hiring Update

Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, MCFRS will not hire a recruit class in 2015.  The current eligibility list is set to expire in June of 2015.  Pending budgetary approval, we anticipate having an entry level exam in the Fall of 2015 to establish a new eligibility list. 

We encourage you to visit the MCFRS Recruiting Section website and Facebook page often for updates about future employment opportunities.   

Thank you for your continued interest in MCFRS employment opportunities.

Contact the Recruiting Team: 

 Fire.recruiting@montgomerycountymd.gov

 Follow us on Facebook

  

www.mcfrs.org/recruiting

  

240.777.2238 (voice mail only)

Volunteer With Us!

Montgomery County Maryland has a long and proud tradition of neighbors serving neighbors by volunteering at one our many local fire rescue departments. Find out more at joinfirerescue.com.

Department Promotions

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is pleased to announce the following promotions.  Best of luck and be safe in your new assignments.

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

• Peter R. Gillis

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

• David T. Burger
• Logan L. Mcgrane
• Michael R. McDonald
• Nicholas S. Wagner
• Andrew D. German
• Bryan W. Riley
• James J. Falise
• James L. Reising
• John B. Trawinski
• John D. Gilkey
• Robert J. Evans III 

MCFRS IAFF Local 1664 40+ Softball Team Wins 40th Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy Softball Tournament

By: Captain Brett Livingston

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue's IAFF Local 1664 40+ Softball team won the 40th Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy Softball Tournament in Prince Georges County, MD this past weekend. The tournament consisted of softball teams from across the United States and Canada.

Local 1664's Team #3 defeated, teams from Pittsburgh PA, Providence RI, FDNY (NY), and Prince Georges County twice in the Championship. In the 40 years of this tournament more than $2 million dollars has been raised for this wonderful charity by the teams participating. Of the 40 years, no local team has won the overall tournament with the exception of MCFRS IAFF Local 1664 (1994), and now the main core of the team remains the same to win the 40+ division 19 years later. What an incredible weekend of brotherhood and memories by all!

The 40+ Tournament MVP was 3rd base Coach Warnie Stevens (Retired Battalion Chief MCFRS).  A very special thanks to Brother Mark Montgomery (Retired Assistant Chief FS55 NSWC) for his support and leadership. The very special Trophy resides at IAFF Local 1664's headquarters in Rockville.

Firefighters Raises Over $196K for MDA

Every year around Labor Day, MCFRS personnel participate in the Fill the Boot campaign to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  This year was no different as over a three day period last week firefighters, when not responding to emergency calls, were out in force at various intersections collecting donations from a lot of very generous people.   

According to Master Fire Fighter Donnie Simmons, who heads up the effort for International Association of Firefighters Local 1664, approximately $196,101.00 was raised for this worthy cause! 

None of this would be possible without the generosity displayed by our wonderful County residents!  THANK YOU!

Fire Station 24 B-Shift (photo courtesy of L-1664)

Happy Trails After 36 Years

By: Master Firefighter Tim Burns

Today, a fixture of the 1st Battalion completes a long and distinguished career. After 36 years, Captain Donny Deibler will retire effective July 1 and this is his last shift. 

Pictured here center, Captain Deibler was hired on May 22, 1977 at Fire Station 1. To give some perspective to that date; Jimmy Carter was beginning his term as president, the Apple II computer was first being released for sale, and the first Star Wars movie was new in theaters.

Captain Deibler was promoted to “technician” in 1980 and moved to Fire Station 16 in 1981. Captain Deibler spent the majority of his career at station 16 as a technician; a position that was later renamed “master firefighter.” In 2000 he was promoted to Lieutenant and moved to station 12. After 23 years he did a short stint outside of the 1st Battalion at Fire Station 17 in Laytonsville when he was promoted to Captain in 2005. Fortunately, his love of the 1st Battalion was too great and he returned to us after only 3 years, taking the Station Commander position at Fire Station 19 in 2011.

During his entire career Captain Deibler has been an exceptional employee, mentor, leader and friend. The 1st Batallion will truly miss his contributions to the organization but we wish him success and happiness in retirement.

Master Firefighter Promotions Announced

Fire Chief Richard Bowers is pleased to announce the following promotions to Master Firefighter.  Best of luck to all in their new positions and be safe!

David J. Kennedy

John T. Mcelfresh

Michael R. Damskey

Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes & Drums Honor Wounded Warrior

By: Captain Rick Blandford

This past Saturday the Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes and Drums band, along with members of our brother bands in the area, escorted Lance Corporal Michael Martinez to the site of his new modified home. We were proud to play the ceremony that honored a returning warrior who so proudly served his country.

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Rick Blandford

The home was presented to LCpl Martinez at the key ceremony on Saturday and was built by "Home for our Troops", a non-profit organization that provides specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans at no cost to those veterans.

Courtesy of Firefighter Peter Leong

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Rick Blandford

Blood Drive In Memory Of Father-Son Firefighters

Source: Uploaded by user via MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire on Pinterest

The 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle To Benefit The Muscular Dystrophy Association

Please plan on coming out to High Point Farm on October 12 - 13 for the 2nd Annual High Point BBQ Battle to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

High Point Catering, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Career Firefighters Association, the Montgomery County Career Officers Association, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is sponsoring this fun filled two-day fundraising event. 

For more information, please go here: 2^nd Annual High Point Farm BBQ Battle

High Point Farm Event Flyer

County Firefighters Participate in IAFF Muscular Dystrophy National Softball Championship Tournament This Weekend

By: Captain Brett Livingston

Every year firefighters from all over the United States and Canada join together in brotherhood, tradition and competition to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy. These men and women, including many from Montgomery County Fire Rescue, use the weekend to come together and celebrate a long tradition of selflessly helping others in need.

The Annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy National Championship Tournament draws players and spectators from across North America together for the cause. Firefighters of Montgomery County have participated since the tournament's beginning 39 years ago and are the only local team to win the championship in the open division. But it is more than the championship, it is about coming together with fellow firefighters to celebrate the job they love, remember those that have been lost doing the job and to raise money for a cure. It is about helping those stricken by a debilitating disease that often affects children the hardest.

Several of the firefighters in the group pictured below have been part of the tournament since its inception, having played in all 39 tournaments, and some where part of the championship team. This year Montgomery County entered one team in the Open Division and three teams in the Forty and Over Division.

Photo Courtesy of Captain Brett Livingston

News Advisory: Check Presentation from Pink Uniform T-Shirt Campaign

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 12, 2011

Proud to Put on the Pink and Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Check Presentation from Pink Uniform T-Shirt Campaign

When:    Wednesday, December 14^th at 11:00 a.m.    

Where:   Germantown-Kingsview Fire Station 22
                18910 Germantown Road (Route 118 and 117)

    Germantown, MD 20874

      

Rockville - - - The Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1664's Breast Cancer Awareness Committee is pleased to announce a check presentation ceremony to benefit the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and the Red Devils, Inc.

October’s pink uniform t-shirt campaign promoting breast cancer awareness raised over $10,000. A portion of the net proceeds from this campaign is being donated to both the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and the Red Devils, Inc. Both of these organizations are Maryland based non-profits which work in the breast cancer community providing grants, education and access to resources (e.g. - transportation to and from treatment). Please join us on Wednesday, December 14^th at 11:00 am at Montgomery County Fire Station 22 as the committee presents both organizations with donations.

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 

Firefighters and Fire Chief Bowers to Tackle County's Tallest Tower To Honor 9/11 Fire Fighters On Saturday

On Saturday more than 50 members of MCFRS, including Fire Chief Richie Bowers, will climb 110 stories at the North Bethesda Market East Tower in honor of our 343 colleagues who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

The event, which was organized by Firefighter TJ Monahan of Station 33 in Potomac to commemorate next month's 10th anniversary of the tragedy, is a fundraiser for the International Association of Fire Fighters' Burn Foundation. It is the first firefighter stair climb in the Washington region, according Ron Benedict, the Fitness Team and Grants Coordinator for IAFF who's been helping plan the event.

The apartment tower at North Bethesda Market, the tallest building in Montgomery County, is the equivalent of 25 stories from ground level.

"I'd heard of other stair climbs around the country that other firefighters do, and I thought it fitting to do something locally to honor the 343 firefighter lives lost in New York on 9/11, almost a decade ago," Monahan said. "I began searching for the tallest building I could find, and found it virtually in my backyard.  To 'climb the World Trade Center,' we'll be going up and down four times, plus 10 extra stories at the end."

Many of the participants will make the climb in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), about 60 lbs. worth of gear. In addition to raising money for the Burn Foundation in memory of our fallen brothers and sisters, the event will give participants the opportunity to realistically gauge their personal performance expectations during an actual high-rise incident--without the benefit of elevators.

The event begins at 9 a.m., Aug. 20, at North Bethesda Market, 11418 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Md. Stop by to lend support and cheer for those tackling the tower climb. The event is hosted by IAFF and IAFF Local 1664, and sponsored in part by North Bethesda Market and The JBG Companies.

Donations to the IAFF Burn Foundation in support of the stair climb can be made at the event or online at http://www.active.com/donate/FFStairClimb.

Day One of Fill the Boot for Jerry's Kids

Montgomery County Fire Fighters raised over $37,000.00 on day one under some extreme conditions. A very heavy 9-1-1 call load with one working fire involving Hazardous Materials and the Silver Spring hostage situation which depleted about 1/2 the fire stations in the lower end of the county for most of the day.

Germantown Station 29 was the top station for the day raising $11,510.18 Congratulation Station 29 B Shift!!!!!

Thank you to all the citizens who donated Wednesday. Fire Fighters will be out again today and tomorrow.

Master Fire Fighter Donald A. Simmons

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service