At 0600 hours Engine Co. 33 and units from the First Battalion were alerted for a reported townhouse on fire at 1480 Capital View Terrace.  Engine Co. 33 arrived to find a two story townhouse with smoke showing.  The crew advanced the 1 1/2" bumper line to the first floor living room and kitchen area where they encountered fire conditions extending up from the basement.  The OIC advised command that the fire was in the basement and had burned through the first floor and stairs.   Once the fire was knocked on the first floor the crew proceeded to the basement via attic ladder and extinguished the remaining hot spots.  Other units conducted searches and ventilated for the engine crew.  At the 45 minute mark command held Engine 33 and Truck 37 to assist investigators and complete overhaul.  Kentland operated for 2 hours before returning home.

Today, August 24th, 2010 is the one year anniversary of the line of duty deaths of Lieutenant Charles "Chip" McCarthy (Rescue Company No. 1, 3rd Platoon) and Fireman Jonathan Croom (Ladder Company No. 7, 2nd Platoon) of the Buffalo, New York Fire Department. Both men were killed while operating at a taxpayer fire in the area of Genesee Street and Burgard Place (East Buffalo). The Officers and Members of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. ask that you continue to remember the sacrifice of these two firemen and that you keep their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Photos courtesy of the "Erie County Fire Wire".

At approx. 0200 hours, the rescue local alarm was transmitted for the vehicle accident on the Baltimore/Washington Parkway in the area of Annapolis Road. The assignment consisted of Engine Companies 9, 30, Rescue Squad 33 and EMS units. While units were en-route, Fire Communications advised that calls were now being received reporting one person trapped in a vehicle. The assignment was upgraded to include ALS units and a Battalion Chief. Rescue Squad 33 was the first to arrive and reported that a vehicle had left the roadway, went down an embankment and was on its side, into a large tree. Furthermore, it was confirmed that one individual was indeed trapped. The crew of Rescue Squad 33 immediately went to work. Members began what would turn out to be a complicated extrication. The crew began stabilization efforts, while the driver began the process of transporting the extrication equipment to the area of the wreckage. Once this was completed, the crew began the task of removing the roof area, which was crushing the trapped occupant. With the awkward position of the tree and vehicle, this operation required smooth operation(s) and patients. At the 25 minute mark it was decided by the crew of Rescue Squad 33 to request a second Rescue Squad to assist if the need arose. Prior to the completion of the extrication, Rescue Squad 1 (Hyattsville) arrived and provided manpower to assist the progress that was being made. Within five additional minutes the patient was removed and care was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel. The complete extrication took approx. 40 minutes to complete. Rescue Squad 33 returned to service a short time later.

This Sunday, several members and friends of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. gathered at Company 33 to celebrate a final farewell to the current Tower Ladder 33. During the event Past Fire Chief Edwin Lehan was presented a plaque that displayed his apparatus dedication cast. It was a good time had by all, as many stories were told about this historical piece of fire service history.

Back in 1987, the leadership of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department had a vision to re-organize a Ladder Company within the organization. A piece of apparatus that had not responded from the Landover Road Engine House since the mid/late 1960's. With this forward thinking, the Chief and others traveled to New York City and bought a used 1978 Mack CF600/Baker Aerialscope. It was a piece of used apparatus that had originally seen fire duty in the South Bronx, NY at Tower Ladder 17. The unit only remained in service for nine years with the F.D.N.Y. That is surely a good example of the amount of "work" (fires) it saw during its early times. Once the new/used rig was transported back to Kentland, the members re-habed it in the Engine Room and mostly out of their own pocket. This pride driven unit would remain in-service as "Truck" and eventually "Tower" 33 until 1994. In that year, the rig that became affectionately known as "Sally" was born. The 1978 Mack was sent away to Richmond, Virginia where the unit was professionally rehabbed into a 1994 FWD/Baker Aerialscope. The only items remaining from the 1978 Mack were the superstructure, turntable, bucket and bed section of the aerial boom. After completion, the unit went back into immediate service with the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department. It was also the first Ladder Truck to have the current paint and lettering configuration. In a ceremony held for the commemoration of the unit, Chief Edwin Lehan was bestowed the honor of having Tower Ladder 33 dedicated to him. This was done due to his commitment to the Department and for his instrumental roll of making Tower Ladder 33 a reality. For the next 15-years this piece of apparatus would become known throughout the fire service. At one point, "Code 3" a model fire truck manufacturer, would even make a scaled down model of the rig. It was the only non-F.D.N.Y. Tower Ladder to ever be produced by the successful company. As most people know, the rig would also respond to a large volume of fires during its career. The departmental historian compiled information dating back to 1995 to show that "Sally" ran 1270 working structural fires in its lifetime. With nearly 200 that were a second alarm or greater. Although this article is commemorating the life of a historical piece of the fire service, it is nearly impossible to write about everything that could be said about this great piece of machinery. A lot of memories were made, firemen developed and bonds were forged on her. It was a very humbling, yet proud day at Kentland as she took her last ride out the door Thursday night. She will always be remembered and we are all sure that her little sister, which will arrive next year at this time will uphold her ongoing tradition.

At 0227 hours, the box alarm was transmitted for the house on fire at 13013 Boykin Place in South Largo, Mayland. Tower Ladder 33, as the second due Truck Company responded on the alarm with four volunteers. Leaving an additional crew in-quarters for the Engine Company. First arriving Engine Company 46 initially reported a two-story, split foyer home with fire showing from the first floor. Tower Ladder 33 was the third arriving unit behind Company 46 and 37. The outside team immediately placed ground ladders to the rear of the involved home, ventilated and then assisted Truck Company 37 on the roof. The interior team gave a size-up from the rear, entered the basement and worked their way up to the top floor performing searches. Once this was completed the crew assisted with opening-up on the fire floor and floor above. Fire was located and extinguished in the kitchen, dining room, living room and stairwell area. Within 20 minutes, Command held units from Companies 46, 20, 37 and 33. Tower Ladder 33 returned to service within an hour. Photo courtesy of Ritchie VFD, Company 37. This working fire was the last for our beloved Tower Ladder before its retirement.

Tower Ladder 33 has had a long and glorious career snuffing out the Red Devil where ever he may hide. With the service of this rig coming to an end on August 12th, a special design was created to commemorate the multiple alarm fires "Sally" has put in work at. Her history has not been lost on the members of 33, with the shirt also paying homage to the original rig "FDNY Tower Ladder 17", which you can see in the background working a fire in NYC. Pick up your shirt today to remember this special lady and the work she has put in. Look for details on Tower 33's goodbye party at Kentland on August 22nd in the next few days. The shirts are set to be delivered to Kentland on the date of the party and will ship later that week. Click this link to preorder your "End of the World" tour shirt. http://kentland33.myshopify.com/products/tower-ladder-33-end-of-the-world-tour-shirt

Earlier this past week, members assigned to the Squad Company for the day, had the opportunity to participate in "Back-to-Basics" training with members of the District of Columbia Fire Department. The class consisted of several drill stations, to include roof operations, forcible entry to roll-up (steel gate) doors, forcible entry to inward and outward swinging doors, removing security gates/bars and vehicle extrication. The crew participated in the drill for approx. four hours before returning to quarters. The Officers and Members of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. would like to thank the District of Columbia Fire Department for their hospitality and generosity.

At approximately 0200 hours, the box alarm was transmitted for the building on fire in the 12000 block of Central Avenue in Company 46's (Kentland No. 2) first due. Engine Company 33 as the fourth due Engine and Chief 33 responded on the run with a total of seven volunteers. Engine Company 46 arrived in the vicinity within minutes and reported fire in a building behind the reported address. Moments later Engine Company 46 reported a corrected address of 906 Enterprise Road and fire through the roof of a daycare center. Chief 33 arrived next and established the "Enterprise" Command. Engine Company 33 arrived a short time later and secured Engine Company 18's water supply. The crew stretched the 2 and 1/2 portion of the Detroit Bundle Load and reported to the rear. Once their line was charged, the fire involving the entire attic area was knocked down. Units continued to operate for an extended period of time, hitting hot spots. Engine Company 33 returned to service within three-hours.

Prior to 1130 hours, the rescue local alarm was transmitted for the vehicle accident on Landover Road in the vicinity of Company 33. Rescue Engine 33 responded on the run with five volunteers. Upon arrival, it was found that one passenger was trapped. The crew quickly began to stabilize the vehicle and then proceeded to perform a door pop to release the patient. The trapped occupant was transported to a local trauma center for evaluation. Rescue Engine 33 returned to service within 20 minutes.

Nearly 100 firefighters from the immediate Prince George's County area attended the funeral services for Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Fireman Michel Baik of the Bridgeport, Connecticut Fire Department. The services were held back-to-back in the vicinity of the downtown area. Thousands of firefighters traveled from all points of the North American Continent to assure a proper send off and pay their respects. Fire uniforms were seen from as far away as Seattle, Washington, Dallas, Texas and Calgary (Alberta), Canada. Members from the Prince George's County Fire Department, Kentland Volunteer Fire Department and other volunteer departments from within Prince George's County, Maryland were positioned front and center, next to the Bridgeport Fire Department contingent during the send off for Lieutenant Steven Velasquez. This was an honor and the members of the various departments in attendance would like to thank those individuals involved in the organizational process for the service. We will never forget the sacrifice by our fallen brothers. May they rest easy and their families feel no pain.

Just after 1800 hours, the box alarm was transmitted for the apartment on fire at 10131 Campus Way South in Largo, Maryland. Engine Company 33 responded as the second due Engine on the run with a total of six volunteers. Engine Company 46 (Kentland #2) arrived within minutes to find a three-story garden apartment house with smoke showing. Engine Company 33 arrived, secured Company 46's water supply and stretched the 400-foot pre-connect to back-up Engine Company 46. Crews inside found a kitchen off with extension. The fire was quickly knocked down by Company 46 and units continued to extinguish hot spots for approx. 10 more minutes. At the 20 minute mark, Command held Engine Companies 46, 33 and Truck Company 37. Engine Company 33 returned to service within an hour.

In the evening hours, around dusk, the box alarm was transmitted for the vacant house on fire in the area of Mount Oak Road and Nottinghill Lane in Bowie, Maryland. Chief 33 responded on the initial alarm with Engine Company 46 (Kentland VFD No. 2). First arriving units reported a two-story, detached, wood frame house and fire showing on both floors. Command was established by Battalion Chief 2 and Chief 43A as units began extinguishment efforts. Chief 33 arrived on the scene and went to work with the crews. During the incident, Tower Ladder 33 was special called to the scene for assistance. The crew split in half and worked both floors with first alarm Engine Companies. All visible fire was knocked down within 45 minutes and crews worked together to contain several hot spots. The Tower Ladder was used to hydraulically overhaul the home. Volunteers from Kentland 33 returned to service at approx 2219 hours.

These additional photographs are from Captain Steve Gallagher of the Prince George's County Fire Department.

It is with the deepest regret that the Officers and Membership of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. announce the line of duty death of Fire Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik. Just after 1530 hours, this date, firefighters from the Bridgeport, Connecticut Fire Department responded to #41 Elmwood Avenue. Upon arrival, crews found fire and smoke showing from two floors. Within several minutes a MAYDAY call was transmitted by Lieutenant Velasquez and Firefighter Baik as they were operating on the top floor of the reported address. On scene crews quickly located and removed them to EMS personnel. Members worked to revive the two, but were unsuccessful. Velasquez and Baik were pronounced dead at a local area hospital. This news hits the Prince George's County Firefighting community extremely hard, as Lieutenant Velasquez started his professional firefighting career with the County Fire Department in 1990 and was assigned to Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Company 33 for most of his tenure. Many that had the pleasure to work along side Lieutenant Velasquez will now cherish those moments forever. Velasquezs' last assignment in the PGFD was as the career Technician of Company 33. He left in the mid-1990's to pursue his career as a New England fireman. Over the years, several members from the PGFD and Kentland 33 have maintained a close friendship. We ask that everyone keep the Velasquez and Baik families in their hearts, thoughts and prayers. More information will be provided as it becomes available. The posted photos are courtesy of Chief Ricky Riley.