Go PINK With MCFRS & Raise Funds For A Great Cause

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue has joined the national campaign for the fourth year in an effort to raise awareness about the cause and money for cancer research and programs.

Breast cancer is not gender specific and firefighters in Montgomery County will be trading their traditional on-duty shirts for ones in support of breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October.

The general public can join the cause and show support by purchasing a tee shirt, sweat shirt or hat similar to what our fire and rescue personnel will be wearing during breast cancer awareness month. Photos of the gear are below.  

To learn more and order your own apparel please go here: Breast Cancer Awareness

September is National Preparedness Month! Take Action to PREPARE!

Are you and your loved ones ready for a storm that knocks power out for several days? Flash flooding that requires you to leave your home?  A tornado?  A fire in your home?

Unfortunately many are not.

Please take a moment to learn how you can take action to PREPARE by visiting the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security's web site.  Click on the image below to learn more from our partners in public safety.

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The metropolitan area is often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service respond. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR usfirst, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Montgomery County pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

Fire Captain Talks To Middle School Students About 9/11

Photo Courtesy of Pam Boe

For the last several years on every 9/11, Captain Troy Lipp has visited John Poole Middle School to tell the 7th Grade students the story of 9/11.  Not in textbook style, but in a very personal narrative as Captain Lipp was one of the Task Force Leaders of Maryland Task Force One that responded to the Pentagon that tragic day.

Most, if not all, of these 7^th Grade students were not alive that fateful day thus it is a history lesson for them – a very important history lesson.  Captain Lipp wants to make sure the kids understand what happened and the impact of the day.  How better to learn than from someone who responded to the Pentagon and lived it for many days straight? 

After the presentation for the 7th graders, some members of Maryland Task Force One (Urban Search and Rescue) ate lunch with the students.

Photo Courtesy of Pam Boe

Fire Lieutenant Graduates From Montgomery County Police Training Academy

Lt. Gettig (c) receiving certificate from
Chief Lohr (r) and MCP Chief Manger (l)

Fire Chief Lohr is extremely proud to announce the graduation of Lieutenant (Lt) Andrew Gettig, assigned to the Fire Investigation and Explosives section of the MCFRS, from the Montgomery County Police Training Academy, Session 60 yesterday.

Lt. Gettig was selected several months ago to fill a vacancy in the Fire Investigation and Explosives section.  One key requirement to fill this role is certification as a law enforcement officer in Montgomery County.  To obtain that certification Lt. Gettig was placed in the intensive, 27-week Police Training Academy program for all new law enforcement recruits that is designed to challenge the recruit physically, academically, and mentally.

If that was not enough, Lt. Gettig went a step further and distinguished himself as he was selected by Montgomery County Police Academy Instructors to receive the prominent Captain James E. Daly Award.  The award, created in memory of Captain James E. Daly who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 1972, is presented to the recruit who best exemplifies the ideals of guidance, knowledge, courage, skill, and dedication to public service. 

Lt. Gettig was presented this award by Mrs. Fran Daly, Captain Daly's widow, in a very moving ceremony.

Congratulations on a job well done Andy! 

Mrs. Daly presenting Lt Gettig w/Daly Award

left to right AC Van Gieson, Chief Lohr, Lt Gettig
DC Steckel and BC Frazier