The OFFICIAL page for The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company You are protected by an all volunteer fire service and a combination paid/volunteer EMS service of 175 men and women.
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With nearly 8,000 fire and EMS emergency responses a year the BAVFC is not only the busiest volunteer company in Harford County
but one of the busiest in Maryland. This amounts of approximately 22 fire and EMS emergency calls per day. The BAVFC operates 5 engines, 2 ladder towers, 1 rescue, 4 ALS transport units (medic units), 1 air cascade, 2 brush trucks,
1 aux service vehicle, and 6 utilities out of three fire stations strategically placed in their 80 square mile first due response district. All of the BAVFC fire officers have an average experience time in the fire service of 18 years. and they meet or greatly exceed the nationally recognized standards for fire officer training – some hold Fire Engineering and Fire Science degrees.
With nearly 8,000 fire and EMS emergency responses a year the BAVFC is not only the busiest volunteer company in Harford County
but one of the busiest in Maryland. This amounts of approximately 22 fire and EMS emergency calls per day. The BAVFC operates 5 engines, 2 ladder towers, 1 rescue, 4 ALS transport units (medic units), 1 air cascade, 2 brush trucks,
1 aux service vehicle, and 6 utilities out of three fire stations strategically placed in their 80 square mile first due response district. All of the BAVFC fire officers have an average experience time in the fire service of 18 years. and they meet or greatly exceed the nationally recognized standards for fire officer training – some hold Fire Engineering and Fire Science degrees.
Operating as usual
2/11, 630a: BAVFC crews with assistance from Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co. , worked a small attic fire at the maintenance building at the John Carroll High School on Churchville Rd. Crews opened the ceiling and found a small fire. Damage was contained to that space.
Photos: Mark Ensor, BAVFC
Many thanks to VFC Strong and Traffic Jam Jimmy for spending some time with BAVFC and county recruitment chair Todd McKinney talking recruitment during the pandemic and how the pandemic affected membership and operations. Thank you guys!
This is the first 15 minutes of a townhouse fire last week on Amelanchier Court taken from the dash cam footage of Asst Chief Johnson. Dash cams are a feature recently added to the BAVFC apparatus.
The BAVFC is deeply sadden to announce the passing of life member and past president, Frederick D Godman, Sr. on Jan 24 2021. Born in May of 1932 Fred joined the BAVFC in 1977 and remained a member until 1983. In 1999 Fred rejoined until his passing. Services will be held May 15, 2021, at 1 PM, at the Loudon Park Cemetery, 3620 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229, for a graveside service and inurnment.
1/23, 12p: BAVFC sent four engines, one tower and two chiefs to assist the Abingdon Fire Company - MD and others on this middle of the group townhouse fire in the 400blk Amelanchier Ct off of South Tollgate Rd.
Photos: Nick McGowan, Sr BAVFC
1/22, 11p: BAVFC along with Darlington Volunteer Fire Company worked this single vehicle collision with entrapment on Rt 543 near St. Anne's Dr. One person was flown to a regional trauma center and one other taken by land for treatment. It took crews approx 30 min to complete extrication.
Photo: Nick McGowan, Sr., BAVFC
1/20, 2p: The BAVFC worked this motor vehicle collision with entrapment on the southbound Bel Air Bypass just south of the Rt 24 traffic signal. Extrication was completed with assistance from the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co. One person was flown by Maryland State Police - Aviation Command to a regional trauma center while a medic unit from Fallston and Abingdon Fire Company - MD transported by land to area hospitals.
Photos: Bob Stower, Dep Chief BAVFC
1/14: Many thanks to Plaza Ford who donated 2,280 face masks from Ford Motor Co to the BAVFC. These precious commodities will go far in helping to protect both our providers and the citizens we are called to help care for.
Pictured, Charlie Walls, Plaza Ford and also long serving member of the BAVFC and Paul Chizmar, 2nd Asst Chief -EMS BAVFC
1/13, McFaul Center: It is vaccination day for longtime active BAVFC FF/EMT Todd McKinney as he rolled up his sleeve to do his part in stopping the spread of CV-19. Thanks Harford County Health Department! RG
1/13: One engine, one tower, one chief officer and the auxiliary assisted the Level Volunteer Fire Company on this mid morning house fire in the 2500blk of Cool Spring Rd.
Photos: Mark Ensor and Ray Belcher, BAVFC
1/1/21: Happy New Year to all and special congratulations from all of us at the BAVFC to one of our own; Harford County Sheriff's Office Senior Deputy Nick McGowan who is retiring after 46 years of law enforcement service between Harford and Baltimore Counties. Nick will now be trading in his cruiser for a fire engine.
12/29, 3pm: Two BAVFC engines, two BAVFC medics and three BAVFC chiefs worked this serious motor vehicle collision at Md Rt 543/Md Rt 22. Two persons were flown by Maryland State Police - Aviation Command, one in life threatening condition and the other in critical condition, to a regional trauma center. One other patient was serious and taken by land via a Abingdon Fire Company - MD medic unit to a regional trauma center.
LZ: C.Milton Wright HS
Photos: Mark Ensor, Nick McGowan, Sr. and Brian Winchester, BAVFC
12/27, 1130p: BAVFC 's 3 engines and a tower along with mutual aid volunteer crews worked this garage fire in the 1000blk of Hazel Lane. Crews had the fire under control and contained to the garage within 15 min of first unit arrival. There were no injuries. Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal in Bel Air is investigating. RG
Photo: Joel Carr, Capt BAVFC
12/27, 1030a: BAVFC and Level Volunteer Fire Company personnel worked this motor vehicle collision with entrapment in the 400blk of Schucks Road near Schucks Regional Park. One person was quickly extricated and transported for non life threatening injuries to a local hospital.
Photo: Joel Carr, Capt BAVFC
12/25: One engine, one tower and two chiefs assisted the Abingdon Fire Company - MD on this apartment fire in the 2400blk of Hanson Rd (pics). As this incident was occurring other BAVFC volunteers responded to a first due apartment fire on Temple Drive off of Rt 924. That incident was quickly handled with no injuries or significant property damage. RG
Photos: Bill Snyder, Asst Chief BAVFC
12/23: BAVFC crews work this utility emergency to the rear of the Bel Air Armory (Lee St / Main St)
Video: Joel Carr, Capt BAVFC
This past weekend the BAVFC held a special drive thru retention event for all its members, a way to thank its own for what they do. Socially distant and masked retention elves and even Santa himself was there to hand out special goodie bags to approximately 75 members who drove through. Many thanks to the recruitment and retention committee and especially Cabot Creamery Co-operative. #cabot
Photos: Todd McKinney, BAVFC
12/19, 0300: BAVFC and mutual aid volunteers worked this single family house fire on Rolling Road off of Rt 924 (Emmorton Road). It took crews approx. 40 min to place the fire under control. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. RG
Photos: Patrick Luft and Nick McGowan Sr, BAVFC
Today is #GivingTuesday. It is a impactful global movement that works on the premise of one thing, just do good. There isn't a strict way for you to participate. It is all what your heart tells you to do. You can donate to a charity that has meaning to you, you could work with those less fortunate in shelters; there are so many ideas. You could even begin that volunteer career with the BAVFC. Whatever you may decide to do embrace it and know you are doing some good in a world that needs it so much this year.
It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the passing of BAVFC Auxiliary Life Member Barbara Harrington on November 26, 2020.
Barbara joined the Auxiliary in 1972. She was very active with the Auxiliary and helped with many fund raising functions for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. During her active years with the Auxiliary, Barbara served as the Auxiliary Secretary, Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President and as President for 9 years.
Barbara is the wife of BAVFC Past Chief and Exemplary Life Member Tom Harrington Sr. and the mother of Tom Harrington Jr.
Please keep the Harrington family in your thoughts and prayers.
11/21, 0845: Volunteers worked this vehicle fire with reported extension to a commercial building at Hickory International in the 1700blk Conowingo Rd. No extension found, damage to exterior of the building and two rollbacks. FM is investigating. Three engines, tower and two chiefs operated. RG
Photos: BAVFC
RE YOU A EMT OR EMT I OR EMT P?
LOOKING FOR SOLID EMPLOYMENT?
GOOD SALARY?
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WE MAY BE A MATCH! SEE MORE BELOW!
The BAVFC is currently accepting applications for part time and full time BLS and ALS providers. To apply you must possess the following criteria:
21 years of age
National Registry EMT, EMT-I or EMT-P
Current CPR card
Valid drivers license
EVOC
ICS 100, 200, 700
Hazmat Operations
Have a minimum of 1 year as a active provider on a 911 ALS transport unit.
Resumes must contain the past 10 years of employment.
Those only meeting this criteria are asked to submit resumes via email to [email protected]
Again resumes only. Any other form will not be accepted.
11/15: Due to the fast changing public health environment we have decided to CANCEL our Santa runs for 2020. We hope that in 2021 we will be able to pick things back up again. Thank you for your understanding and most importantly stay safe and well.
11/3, 3pm: BAVFC assisted the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company with 2 engines and a brush unit on this combine fire in the 1100blk of Trestle Drive off Sharon Rd. RG
Photos Courtesy: Eric Larson and Will Price, BAVFC
10/24: We are now taking requests for Santa neighborhood visits until November 15th. This year will be different from years past. This year visits will be drive by visits only due to the virus constraints. As with every year in the past we ask that you do the following to help make the scheduling as seamless as possible.
1. Use the event request form on our website. It can be found here: https://www.bavfc.org/community/life-safety-division/ There is a dropdown item in the menu called "Santa 2020". Important: Do not post requests in social media posts.
2. Please complete the form in its entirety and include phone numbers where someone can be reached who can help us set things up.
3. Only send one request per neighborhood so please coordinate with others before sending in anything. Multiple requests from the same neighborhood does not get you in faster it only slows us down getting to your request.
4. November 15th is the last day for us to take requests. That may seem early but it takes alot of time to set these runs up and requires alot of logistics with multiple groups to make sure things are arranged.
10/21: Three engines , one tower and one chief worked late into the evening assisting the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company on this working silo fire in the 1000blk of West Jarrettsville Rd. RG
Photos: Brian Winchester, BAVFC
10/18, 5a: BAVFC crews worked this kitchen fire on South Fountain Green Rd early Sunday morning. Fire was quickly contained with smoke damage throughout. Damage estimates at $25,000. No injuries. RG
Photo: Asst Chief Bill Snyder, BAVFC
10/16, 0607hrs (alerted): BAVFC and multiple mutual aid crews worked this commercial building fire in the 100blk of Industry Lane in Forest Hill. First arriving units reported heavy smoke from the roof. The fire was placed under control in 1.5hrs and the cause is under investigation by the MSFMO. No injuries were reported. RG
Photos: Mark Ensor, BAVFC
10/10, 1030a: Crews worked this motor vehicle collision with entrapment in the 700blk of Churchville Rd. One person taken to a regional trauma center for care. RG
Photos: Brian Winchester, Sgt BAVFC
On Friday October 9th South Hickory Avenue between Churchville Rd and Courtland Street will be closed from 3pm until 8pm as the BAVFC will be holding viewing and services for Paramedic Chris Parker who passed suddenly on Friday the 2nd.
10/6, 1530hrs: BAVFC assisted the Level VFC with two engines and two chiefs for multiple sheds on fire to the rear of a residence in 400blk of Calvary Rd.
Photos: Bill Snyder, Asst Chief BAVFC
The BAVFC is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of career paramedic Chris Parker on Friday Oct 2nd. Chris had worked for the BAVFC for 8 years and he was also a paramedic for Harford County Department of Emergency Services. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Danielle. Arrangement will be announced once they are finalized.
It has been 15 years to this date that the BAVFC lost a leader and a family lost their dad and husband. Today we remember Chief Skip Strong and we never forget everything he meant to all of us.
The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company's cover photo
This past Saturday at the BAVFC annex approximately 30 members from both Bel Air and Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co. spent the day with the team from Adapt and Overcome. The training was a combination of two courses; "Aggressive Ground Ladders" and "Residential Primary Search: Creating and Searching Survivable Space".
The first portion of the class focused on selection and rapid deployment of ground ladders using Tower 332 and Truck 1331. Topics covered included:
Ladder selection and priorities
Moving ground ladders to placement
Individual deployment of larger 24', 28', and 35' extension ladders
The first course concluded with timed "two ladder, three victim" drills in which groups of two firefighters were tasked with quickly deploying two ladders to remove a victim from three separate windows.
The second portion of Saturday focused on searching and removing victims in the residential setting. During this session personnel reviewed and honed vent, enter and search techniques, victim packaging and movement, removal of an unconscious victim from a second story window, and search techniques for furniture commonly found in residential homes including beds and cribs. Each firefighter performed an individual search, which was video recorded by the training staff. The firefighter then reviewed their video with the training staff to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their next search.
Only continued, repetitive, and correct training takes a firefighter's knowledge, skills and abilities in their job to the next level. The BAVFC extends its many thanks to the crew of Adapt and Overcome for their time and training and we hope to do it again.
We also want to thank the members of the Susquehanna Hose Company for taking time out of their Saturday to cover our territory so our personnel could attend this training.
Photos: Sharon Marino, BAVFC
109 S Hickory Ave
Bel Air, MD
21014
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Quick helmet cam video from a mutual aid assist to the Level VC late last week. This was located off of Route 136 and was reported as a boat fire with exposure to a dwelling. Video: Brody Dannenfelser, BAVFC
We are actively recruiting for trained and untrained volunteer firefighters. You can learn more about our company and who we are by visiting one our three stations in person or by visiting the membership section of our website; www.bavfc.org/join.
BAVFC assisted by members of the Fallston VFAC load the patient from an accident on Rt 1 in Benson into Trooper 1 early this morning. Photo by John Gallagher
8/4; 210p: BAVFC and @abingdonfire responded to Rt 24 and Ring Factory Rd for this motor vehicle collision with entrapment. One person was extricated and airlifted by MSP aviation to a regional trauma center. Crews cleared the scene within an hour. RG Video: Aaron Bellmyer, BAVFC Photos: John Gallagher, Nick McGowan BAVFC
4/27: Several hours were well spent at the BAVFC training access in Forest Hill this am. Approx 25 members worked on refining and learning hose line advancement and forcible entry skills. Many thanks to Harford County Department of Emergency Services director Eddie Hopkins for his assistance in helping Sgt Rob Parsons set up another excellent drill. #teamwork RG Video: Gus Everhardt, LT BAVFC
10/16, 8pm: BAVFC crews operate at the scene of this auto fire on Tollgate Rd near Scosto Rd. No injuries. RG Video: Nick McGowan, Jr. FF BAVFC
10/8: BAVFC crews work this auto fire in the 1500blk of Rocks Spring Rd. The cause...squirrels made a home in the engine compartment. RG Video: Mark Ensor, BAVFC
This early Sunday morning the BAVFC participated in an active assailant drill with the Bel Air Police Department, Harford County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center The drill was held at the Bel Air High School. A total of 17 victims were treated and transported off the site within 30 minutes. Much was learned from this training and we will incorporate those lessons learned into our planning. We will continue to train for these events to make ourselves better and ensure the best care and response possible to those we are called upon to help. RG
6/23: Firefighters also do more than rescue cats from trees they also rescue puppy dogs with their head stuck in a broken glass jar, just like this little girl. She was brought in by Bel Air Police Department Officer Keith Smithson along with her owner Kerry Lee. Immediately Keith, Lt Scott McNutt, FF Brett Godwin, FF Brian Winchester and Paramedic Corinne Womer-McNutt put their heads together and went to work to help free Deliah. Not your ordinary Saturday afternoon but one for the story books. RG Photo/Video Courtesy: Corinne Womer-McNutt, Paramedic BAVFC
5/21, 1230; 600blk W. Ring Factory Rd: crews quickly contained this auto fire and contained the fuel vapors with a blanket of foam. The cause is under investigation by the fire marshals office. RG Photos Courtesy: John Gallagher, BAVFC
This is a video from the assigned helmet cam of Sgt. Kevin Kadolph of the BAVFC. He was operating as part of an interior crew working a recent house fire just outside Bel Air. This is Kevin's perspective as he works to assist other firefighters. RG Video Courtesy: BAVFC
Here is an example of what the BAVFC was responding for during this past weekend's wind storm. This was in the Glenwood development. The total numbers of calls the BAVFC handled will be released once everything is calculated....oh and there is another storm coming. RG Video Courtesy: Joel Carr, Captain BAVFC
A few minutes cut from a helmet cam from a recent house fire in Bel Air in December 2017. RG Video: Kevin Kadolph, Sgt BAVFC
The Harvey Donation Pickup
Hurricane Harvey Donation Followup 5pm Wednesday Aug 30
Donation Drive For Harvey
This recent Tuesday nights drill was held at the recently acquired training/admin complex next to the Forest Hill station. This location gives us a wide variety of options for training scenarios. This night's drill topic was on the RIT or the rapid intervention team. The RIT is a predesignated dedicated crew of firefighters whose sole responsibility on the fire-ground is to be prepared to deploy in the event of a firefighter MAYDAY situation. This crew assembles all the needed tools and equipment as they arrive on scene, hopefully never to have to be activated. In this RIT training scenario the crews were tasked to locate the "downed" firefighter in zero visibility (fog machine) and extract him/her to the outside safely where EMS would take over treatment. This video shows what a firefighter sees through a thermal imaging camera as his/her crew navigates to the down firefighter. This handheld tool is carried by the firefighter or officer of each interior crew as they navigate through the interior of a structure. It is the eyes for the crew when the firefighters cant see for themselves. The firefighter/officer operating the camera is responsible for calling out to the crew what he/she sees and how to safely navigate to the objective. The thermal camera greatly assists in leading the crew to trapped persons, the seat of the fire as well safely around any hazards that may exist they couldn't normally see. The camera works by reading the heat signatures given off by the objects in the area. The firefighter/officer can read how the interior conditions are by the temp guide you see on the right side. While the technology improves year over year the cost remains high. Depending on the brand and capabilities of the camera the prices can range from $5,000 to an avg of $10,000 up to $20K per device. They operate off of special batteries and have to be charged after their use both of which adds another layer of cost to the tool. RG Video Courtesy: Aaron Bellmyer, Capt BAV
It takes alot of fuel to respond to just under 10,000 fire/EMS calls in 2016. Check out our video to learn a more about our fuel use. RG Photography/Production: John Gallagher, BAVFC
This is off the helmet cam of BAVFC Lieutenant Will Price during a mutual box house fire in Dublin, MD on 3/31/17. It has been edited down for length. RG
3/18: Our newest video in the "Did You Know" series is two parts. Today is part 1 and is all about the simple process to become a member of the BAVFC. It's actually very simple.... RG Photography and Production: John Gallagher, BAVFC
3/15: Here we have a video from BAVFC Lt. Joel Carr's assigned helmet cam. This is his perspective as he worked the Wakely Terrace house fire that occurred on 3/12. RG
Made of nylon, polyester and rubber fire hose is a very expensive, but must have tool on the fire engine. Even with the best care fire hose will wear out and will need to be replaced, sometimes when we least expect it. Knowing this the BAVFC must plan and save for this capital item expense. RG Photography and Production: John Gallagher, BAVFC
"Did You Know? - Mechanical CPR". The concept of mechanical CPR has been around the field of emergency medicine for decades. The newest version on the market is known as the Lucas and is made by Physio-Control. In episode #6 of our series "Did You Know?" listen to Dr. Paul Chizmar, EMS Chief of the BAVFC discuss this tool and its benefits to you and your family. RG Photography and Production: John Gallagher, BAVFC
As a chief officer, or any officer for that matter, there is much to think about when running the incident scene. Here is the view Asst Chief Bill Snyder had during the first four minutes of the County Village apartment fire on 2/27. (Note the video may seem edited, that's because it is. His primary search of the exposure apartments was edited out in lieu of personal privacy. RG
Episode #5 of "Did You Know?". Today is about the firefighter's breathing apparatus. It is what firefighters use to breath safely when the air around them is unsafe, like inside a fire. A firefighter needs to be in good physical condition to withstand the intense labor their job entails. Their physical conditioning and their level of their work is directly related to how long their air supply can last. RG Photography and Production Courtesy: John Gallagher, BAVFC
2/17: Welcome to another edition of "Did You Know?" Today we will be profiling our BAVFC cadet members; young men and women aged 16 to 18. They are participating in the Harford County Cadet Program, a joint educational initiative between Harford County Public Schools and the Harford County Vol Fire and EMS Association. As high school seniors and program participants through a sponsoring fire/ems company they receive all the entry level training to become firefighters and EMS providers. RG Photography/Production: John Gallagher, BAVFC
Harford County Public Schools: Office of Soci
102 S Hickory AveHarford County Sheriff's Office
45 S Main St PO Box 150Law Office of Christopher M Marts, PC
17 W Courtland St Ste 130Bel Air Branch of Harford County Public Libra
100 E Pennsylvania AveHarford County DPW - Highways Division
212 S Bond StHarford County Commission on Veterans' Affair
212 S. Bond Street c/o Council Member Andre JohnsonHarford Streams - Green Choices. Healthy Stre
212 S Bond StHarford County Liquor Control Board
16 N Main StTown of Bel Air Economic Development Departme
37 N. Main Street
Bel Air Army Recruiting Station
696 Bel Air Rd
Maryland State Police, Bel Air Barrack
1401 Bel Air Rd
Harford County Sheriff's Office
45 S Main St PO Box 150
Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs
212 S. Bond Street c/o Council Member James McMahan
Harford County Liquor Control Board
16 N Main St
Harford County Department of Community Servic
125 N. Main Street
Harford County Sustainability Office
220 S Main St
Harford County Commission on Veterans' Affair
212 S. Bond Street c/o Council Member Andre Johnson
Harford County DPW - Highways Division
212 S Bond St