DCFD Truck Company 11

12/27/2020

Firefighter killed in West Virginia fire - Statter911

Thoughts with the brothers in WV

Other firefighters injured in collapse at Kearneysville fire

10/24/2020

Never forget. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/22413795/read-dcfd-report-into-death-of-sergeant-john-carter-statter-911

10/16/2020

#2 platoon Tillerman Augustus Hill receiving a bronze bar of valor for his actions.

Bronze Bar for Valor
Paramedic Joseph Blatzheim
Firefighter/Technician Augustus Hill

February 4, 2019
4200 Block of Foote Street NE

On the evening of February 4th, 2019, Medic 30, staffed by Paramedic Joseph Blatzheim and Firefighter/Technician Augustus Hill, was dispatched on what appeared to be a routine medical emergency at 4240 Foote Street Northeast. Their patient assessment indicated an AMR transport was required and having requested one, they waited with their patient in the back of the unit.

A short time later, a white van pulled behind Medic 30, The van’s driver exited his vehicle, pounded on the rear door of the medic unit, and then opened the door and yelled at the crew to move their vehicle. Firefighter Hill explained they were tending to a patient and would be leaving when the other transport unit arrived. Hill then closed and locked the door to the unit.

AMR Unit 235 then arrived, parked behind the white van, and the patient transfer took place. Once again, the van driver exited his vehicle and began cursing and demanding the emergency vehicles be moved. The civilian then proceeded to the side door of the AMR unit and began yelling in the face of the crews. Firefighter Hill and Paramedic Blatzheim told the irate man the ambulances would be leaving shortly and to return to his vehicle.

Suddenly the situation took a dangerous turn. The van driver put his vehicle in reverse and attempted to ram the AMR unit. The AMR driver attempted to seek shelter in the patient compartment but was grabbed by the civilian. He screamed racially motivated profanity at her and then began to punch her in the face.

Hill and Blatzheim, hearing the commotion, rushed to the aid of the AMR staffer. Paramedic Blatzheim radioed in an urgent 10-33 request for police assistance as Firefighter Hill attempted to stop the assault. It is important to note the assailant was 6 feet, five inches, and nearly 300 pounds.

Firefighter Hill grabbed the civilian’s arm, who in turn attempted to punch the firefighter. Attempting to protect both himself and those around him, he struck the civilian and attempted to wrestle him away from the AMR unit. As they battled, the civilian kept making attempts to reach into his waistband, and as they grappled on the street, a handgun fell from the assailant’s pants.

As Firefighter Hill fought to keep the civilian pinned to the ground, the man kept trying to reach the weapon. As Hill struggled with the much larger man, one of the AMR crew grabbed the gun and threw it into a nearby grassy area. Multiple MPD units then arrived on the scene and the assailant was taken into custody.

Firefighter EMT Hill and Paramedic Blatzheim were uninjured, but the AMR employee required medical treatment and was transported. The assailant in this case was charged with three counts of felony assault, aggravated assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed hollow point ammunition, and driving an unregistered motor vehicle without a license and while under the influence.

If it was not for the heroic actions of Firefighter/Technician Augustus Hill and Paramedic Joseph Blatzheim, this incident could have resulted in a tragic outcome.

We honor these members with the Bronze Bar for Valor.

10/08/2020

San Francisco Firefighters Local 798

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of one of our own. This morning, the San Francisco Fire Department lost one of our own in a Line of Duty Death. Jason Cortez was a beloved 13-year veteran with the SFFD who tragically lost his life at the age of 42. He began his career as a member of Station 49 serving the City on an ambulance before transferring over to become a Firefighter/Paramedic assigned to Fire Station 3.

Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, especially his two young children. San Francisco Firefighters mourn the loss of our brother and we are committed to doing everything in our power to support the Cortez family in the days, months, and years to come. 💔
#sffd #sanfrancisco #family #restinpeace

10/02/2020

27 years ago this afternoon, 33-year-old Gary Gordon and 35-year-old Randy Shughart, both members of the Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta, were providing air cover for Rangers in Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu when a fellow Blackhawk helicopter was shot down. Gordon requested to be landed at the crash site to provide cover for the crew, but was denied permission. Seeing the hostile Somali crowds converging on the downed Blackhawk, he pressed his request until finally granted permission. Gordon and Shughart, armed each with only his own rifle and pistol, were dropped off at the crash site, and found pilot Michael Durant alive. There they formed a perimeter around him hoping for rescue that never came. Both men exhausted their ammunition and were killed saving Durant, who was taken alive as prisoner. Both men were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first awarded since Vietnam at that time. Today we honor their memory & all lost in the battle of Mogadishu

09/27/2020

Temperatures dropping means heating systems turning on, remind loved ones to have a CO detector installed and the risks of not having one.

Six people escaped a potentially deadly situation after being alerted by an activated Carbon Monoxide detector in their home on Monday, September 21st.

The homeowners called 911 to report the detector activation, and a truck company was dispatched to investigate. Upon arrival, their meters signaled an elevated level of CO, and additional resources were requested.

The occupants were evacuated from the home and assessed by EMS. Firefighters entering the structure wearing self contained breathing apparatus encountered dangerous and potentially fatal levels of Carbon Monoxide.

The source was traced to a faulty furnace. The appliance was shut off and the home ventilated to clear the CO.

The occupants, 3 adults and 3 children, did not need to be transported to the hospital, due to the early warning provided by the working CO detector.

Carbon Monoxide is often referred to as “the silent killer,” as it is colorless and odorless. It is often caused by faulty appliances such as furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, or when such devices are not properly vented to the outside.

Other CO sources are stoves, chimneys with cracked flues, or gas powered equipment such as generators or power tools being utilized in poorly ventilated locations. Portables generators in particular must never be run inside homes or garages.

With the heating system approaching, it is critical to have gas operated home heating appliances checked by a certified technician.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and eventual loss of consciousness. Such symptoms may suddenly occur in several occupants simultaneously.

If you suspect CO in your home, or your CO alarm activates, immediately evacuate to the outside and call 911.

The only true measure of safety is a working Carbon Monoxide detector. They can be purchased at any hardware store. If you already have one, take the time to test it monthly.

09/18/2020

#2 platoon working

09/13/2020

Driver training.

Empty parking lot with strategically placed trash cans = drivers training for new Tillermen.

09/11/2020

FDNY 11 Truck
LODD operating box alarm 8087. 9/11/2001

Lt. Michael Quilty, 42
Michael F Cammarata, 22
Edward James Day, 45
John F Heffernan, 37
Richard John Kelly Jr., 50
Robert King Jr., 36
Mathew Rogan, 37

08/17/2020

DC Truck companies have been issued a new tool for the forcible entry arsenal. After a tragic double fatal fire last year in E24(petworth) first due area which a father and son were trapped inside the row house behind a metal gate (the building had been illegally converted and there were metal bars installed inside hallways to separate the “apartments”) and crews struggled to open up with saws not working due to heavy smoke conditions on the interior, companies throughout the city worked on ideas to overcome this obstacle.

Our brothers at DCFD Engine 32 Truck 16 specifically did field testing and took the lead to have these battery powered saws be a standard issue to DC truck companies with their response area being heavily saturated with security bars both interior and exterior of buildings.

The Dewalt Flexvolt DCS690 cut off saw; weighing approx 10 pounds it is significantly lighter and more nimble than its partner saw counterparts, 9” abrasive blade and a 60v battery gives 50-80 cuts a charge. extensive field testing & use on fires has made this a front-line option rather than a “just in case” tool. The blade width is smaller so it makes a finer cut and has been effective cutting rebar and various gauge metals, seen here in the video cutting some outdated gym equipment down to size for removal as an impromptu drill

08/12/2020

#1 platoon working, 300blk Crittenden St NW with fire showing on a 2 story occupied apartment building in E24 (petworth) first due. E22 and T11 both on the assignment , T11 remained on fire ground for overhaul purposes and as E22 was back in the first due the second box alarm for a basement fire in E22/T11 first due are was dispatched with smoke showing on arrival (bottom picture) with E22 being first due & transfer truck companies.

07/24/2020

Humane Rescue Alliance

Happy to help our local animal rescue shelter!

Two separate Humane Rescue Alliance investigations into suspected animal cruelty in NW DC led to the rescue of seven dogs and five newborn puppies over a two day period under search and seizure warrants obtained by HRA Humane Law Enforcement officers.

HRA rescued five dogs and five newborn puppies on Thursday, July 23 from an alleged physical abuse situation. The investigation began when a member of the public reported hearing dogs yelping, screaming and crying in distress from a NW DC residence. Over the course of the investigation, HLE officers with HRA obtained additional information from multiple sources regarding allegations of physical abuse against the dogs.

On Friday, July 24, HRA rescued two dogs (in the video below) who were allegedly abandoned in a NW DC home. The investigation began when a member of the public called HRA to report they had not seen their neighbors for a number of days and that there were dogs inside of the house. HRA’s subsequent investigation revealed two dogs were abandoned in the residence for at least four days with no water or air conditioning in the middle of a District-wide heat emergency.

With assistance from DC Fire And EMS, HRA officers used a ladder to climb to the second story window to gain access to the home. Once inside, officers found two panting, but alert, dogs confined to a bedroom, living among their own waste and without access to adequate food or water.

Both cases remain under investigation. All of the dogs were thoroughly examined by a veterinarian and are in the care of HRA at an undisclosed location, where they are receiving any necessary medical treatment.

“I’m proud of our Humane Law Enforcement’s dedication to investigating these cases thoroughly and rescuing these dogs from such cruel situations,” said Chris Schindler, vice president of Field Services at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “We couldn’t do this lifesaving work without the eyes and ears of our community. To report animal cruelty or neglect, please call 202-723-5730 option 3.”

07/23/2020

Truck 11 responded 2nd due to 210 Allison St NW, units arrived on scene with smoke showing and a fire in the cockloft/knee wall void spaces. Second due truck and engine are responsible for side Charlie, with the truck laddering the rear and gaining entry for 2nd due engine to the basement. Due to poor access, ladders, saws and hooks had to be ran down the alley, through fences and a chain link fence cut to gain access to the fire building in the rear. Getting to the rear for size up, basement check and entry + additional ladders, controlling utilities and other truck company operations are a vital task on the fire ground.

Fire was quickly knocked and contained by 4th battalion companies and units returned to service with no victims found or firefighter injuries reported.

07/04/2020

Wishing a safe, and enjoyable 4th of July Holiday to all on and off duty

06/14/2020

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

06/13/2020

Meet Nutmeg, DC’s Honorary Fire and EMS Horse

E22/T11 took part in equine therapy today at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, spending an hour and half interacting with Nutmeg, Ariel & Stella. Had some group activities and just time to relax and pet the horses. Was a great experience & this type of therapy has been proven beneficial to first responders mental health and treatment for ptsd & other issues, a welcome decompression time amid the covid crisis the past few months and civil unrest over past weeks, thank you to Amber & Elsa from the staff for the experience and donating their services to the DC first responders

There’s a new member of D.C. Fire and EMS. Nutmeg is the department’s honorary fire horse. News4 photojournalist Heather Hutchinson has a closer look at the bond forming between Nutmeg and her fellow firefighters.

06/11/2020

Radio traffic: DC firefighters hold down dogs to keep them from attacking children - Statter911

Outstanding work by our brothers from T8 “the valley” on a kitchen Fire with a dog attacking citizens on arrival

Dogs were biting people when firefighters arrived at an apartment fire

06/09/2020

Rock Creek Park Horse Center brought our honorary Fire horse, Nutmeg, out to visit the apparatus. Despite our best attempts, they would not however let us put her in the back to go for a ride. The crew was invited to attend equine therapy which has been proven to be effective with mental health for first responders and veterans and is one of the services offered by the center

05/26/2020

#4 platoon presented Nutmeg with an “Honorary DC Fire horse” name plate for his stall. In our response area we cover areas of Rock Creek Park, in which the Rock Creek Park Horse Center is located, housing approx 50 horses and presents a unique challenge in the Nations Capital. The center offers lessons, trail rides and children’s camps, riding the same trails President Teddy Roosevelt & Reagan rode & giving the public access to equestrian activities. The shift initially was doing pre planning and since has stopped by regularly to hand out treats, pet the horses and visit their adopted mascot, Nutmeg.

Knowing your area is important, being visible to the public and community is important, getting outside & petting animals is likewise helpful for morale and stress levels. Visiting has also given detail and overtime members additional knowledge of how to interact around horses and procedures if there was a fire incident at this location & exposure to an oddity within the district

05/25/2020

Battleground National Cemetery (U.S. National Park Service)

Located 2 blocks from the firehouse, sits one of our nations smallest national cemeteries, where 41 Union Soldiers from the Battle of Fort Stevens lay in rest. Today we remember them, and all the servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and liberty.

CWDW, Civil War Defenses of Washington, Washington D.C., Civil War, NPS, Places To Go, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Stevens

05/17/2020

At Least 10 Firefighters Injured in Explosion During Los Angeles Fire - Fire Engineering

Thoughts with our brothers in LA

The LA fire department issued a “mayday” call and characterized the incident as a “major emergency.”

05/16/2020

Lt Greg Turnell served with Truck Co 11 for a few of his 34 years of dedicated service to the nations capital, we extend him a thank you and congratulations on a storied career and a healthy and long retirement as he closes his last tour with Rescue Squad 3 today.

The members of Rescue 3, E-15, A-15 & 3rd BFC
would like to wish Lt. Turnell a long and well deserved retirement after 34 + years.
Greg is working his last tour tonight.
It was always a pleasure working with him.

05/14/2020

Next Tuesday, lessons learned from an extensive RIT operation in active fire conditions, extremely valuable knowledge to learn from.

Join us on May 19th at 7:30pm EST as we review the RIT Operations and actions at a LODD fire from Howard County, MD. Listen to first hand factual information from the efforts of this group of firefighters.
THIS IS A SHOW YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
Register below for this FREE training from Traditions Training, LLC

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OeqBIdW9RBe6SWqua2KToQ

Fire Engineering Fire Engineering Training Group FDIC Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine Dan Shaw Samuel Hittle Doug Mitchell Danny Doyle Roger Steger