110 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2003, says FEMA
Ten more firefighters died in the line of duty in 2003 than in 2002, according to figures released by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. Among information contained in the report is the following:
- Twenty-nine firefighters died in wildland firefighting incidents.
- The victims included 30 career firefighters (27 percent) and 80 volunteer, seasonal, and part-time firefighters.
- 52 firefighters (47.2 percent) died as the result of stress/overexertion.
- Sixty percent suffered fatal injuries or illnesses.
- Twenty-two firefighters died while responding to or returning from an emergency, primarily in vehicle collisions.
- Eleven deaths occurred during training.
Assistance to Firefighter Grant update
The awarding of 347 additional grants in Round 28 of the fiscal year 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program (AFG) (at press time) has brought the total for departments receiving an AFG grant to around 7,600, for a total of approximately $604 million. The program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Additional information is at www.usfagrants@fema.gov.
MD Firemen’s Assn. withdraws from NVFC; career-volunteer issue cited
The Maryland State Firemen’s Association has withdrawn from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). In a letter to NVFC Chairman Philip Stittleburg, Leonard T. King Sr., secretary of the Maryland Association, said the Association has been seeking assistance with the “Two Hatter Issue”—career fire service union members who also serve their home communities as volunteer firefighters—for more than 20 years. King explained that the union’s pressuring their state’s career firefighters not to volunteer first became an issue of concern in the mid 1980s and has “now become an international issue, and is still spreading.”
In his reply, Stittleburg expressed the NVFC’s deep regret in receiving the letter and said that the NVFC “will continue to work with conviction on the two-hatter issues as we have in the past.” He explained that the NVFC has expended much time and energy on this issue and has fostered awareness of this problem across the country. This effort included interviews with news outlets such as The New York Times, ABC’s 20/20, and Fox News.
In addition, Stittleburg noted that the NVFC has worked “to ensure language that begins to address the issue of the right of career firefighters to volunteer during their off-duty hours” and it was included in the SAFER Bill recently signed by the President. The final legislation states: “Any firefighter hired with funds provided under this bill shall not be discriminated against for, or be prohibited from, engaging in volunteer activities in another jurisdiction during off-duty hours.” The NVFC also has distributed to member associations samples of state legislation that would prevent labor organizations and local governments from prohibiting volunteer activities during off-duty hours and is serving as a resource to states that request assistance in moving the bill in their state legislature. The NVFC, Stittleburg added, “will continue to call on experts from the volunteer fire service community in Maryland to represent the NVFC on various committees, projects, and panels.”
President signs Survivors Benefits Act
President Bush signed in December the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act (S. 459/H.R. 919). The legislation expands the Public Safety Officers Benefits program to include public safety personnel who die of heart attacks or strokes while on duty or not later than 24 hours after participating in a physical training exercise or responding to an emergency situation. (See News in Brief, January 2004, for additional details.)
New short-range radio technology to improve safety at intersections
The Federal Communications Commission has approved the dedication of an exclusive radio spectrum for short-range (under 100 yards) communication on highways. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, “This new radio spectrum [Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)] will help prevent crashes, bring important real-time information into cars, and let drivers concentrate on driving.”
The system can be used only for communication between vehicles and the roadside or between vehicles that are close together. Anticipated applications for DSRC include “intelligent intersections,” in-vehicle traveler information, highway rail intersection warnings, and traffic signal preemption for emergency vehicles. The Department of Transportation is working with manufacturers to have this technology on the market by 2005. Additional information is at www. its.dot.gov.
NJ boardwalk fire points to need for “aggressive code enforcement,” says FEMA
The U.S. Fire Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/ Department of Homeland Security has released a technical review of an August 2000 New Jersey boardwalk fire that destroyed three businesses and damaged others. It took 120 firefighters four hours to control the fire. (The fire later was found to have been intentionally set.) The review, compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), emphasized the importance of documenting code violations in the state, since New Jersey statutes allow local fire departments to recover their suppression costs if a fire can be directly or indirectly linked to code violations. The report noted that since most of the boardwalk businesses are closed six months out of the year, the absence of the business owners limits the time during which local fire departments can inspect the properties and cite code violations and may also delay owners from resolving the violations. A copy of the full report is available at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/ techreports/tr137.shtm.
Firefighter develops biological agent sampling system for first responders
Fire/Rescue Haz-Mat Lieutenant Rick Rochford’s Bio-Containment System™ is an easy-to-use, self-contained kit that contains the equipment and procedures needed to collect and transport samples taken at a haz-mat scene, according to Rochford and Safety Solutions Inc., Boynton Beach, Florida. Rochford developed the kit; Safety Solutions helped commercialize it, with the assistance of The National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC).
Rochford, an instructor in chemical and biological sampling techniques, cites the importance of “emergency responders’ having the tools to collect a true representative sampling of the spill that will not be cross-contaminated in the field.” He explains: “We needed a kit that is as simple as possible [to enable] a responder to go to the scene and collect, package, decontaminate and send for testing a sample of a potential biological agent. Response to incidents that may involve biological agents has become an important aspect of the emergency responder’s mission. In the past, there have been no set procedures to do this ….”
Mike Lucey, manager of the NTTC’s Emergency Response Technology (ERT) program, notes that the system “is a prime example of what the ERT program is all about—identifying particular areas of need within the emergency response community and identifying solutions to those needs.”
The ERT program is a national initiative that focuses on commercializing products designed to keep firefighters and emergency responders safe on the job. It identifies technological solutions by way of commercial off-the-shelf technologies that meet the predefined prioritized needs of first responders. When existing technologies and products cannot meet those needs, the ERT program works with federal laboratories, universities, and private industry to identify emergent solutions developed through research and development projects. In early 2003, the NTTC helped Safety Solutions commercialize the HazMat Smart-Strip, a cost-effective chemical-detection “warning badge” that assists fire, emergency medical, law enforcement, haz-mat, and military personnel in detecting hazardous chemicals.
Located on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit University, the NTTC is a full-service, technology-management center that helps federal agencies to identify commercially promising discoveries, market them to American industry, and build partnerships that result in turning inventions into products. The program was established with the support of Congressman Alan B. Mollohan (D-W. VA). For more information on NTTC, call (800) 678-6882 or visit www.nttc.edu. Information on the Bio-Containment System may be obtained by calling (866) 248-1050 or visiting www.smart-strip.com.
USFA issues technical report on firefighter training safety
The U.S. Fire Administration has released a special technical report on the risks of firefighting training. The report, based on meetings, informal interviews, and a study of a wide array of fire training literature, explores ways to reduce training-related deaths and injuries. According to the USFA, training-related injuries have increased by nearly 21 percent since 1987. In 2001, there were one firefighter fatality and almost 7,000 training-related injuries. The fatality was related to live-burn training; two firefighters were injured in the same event. The USFA noted that although “live fire training buildings and simulators fed by propane or natural gas have many safety features, [they] may not provide the same realism as live fire training in acquired structures.” The full report is at www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications/tr100.shtm/.
MCST expects to complete WTC, nightclub studies by Fall 2004
The National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee, which has been hearing presentations on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) investigations of the 9-11-01 World Trade Center fire and collapse and The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2003, has released a 41-page update on the project. The report notes that NIST has obtained access to all of the information essential for successfully completing the WTC investigation by next fall. The news release summarizing the report may be found at www.nist.gov/public_affairs/ releases/progress_investigate.htm/. The NCST Advisory Committee agenda and all presentations pertaining to both investigations are at www.nist.gov/public_affairs/ncst.htm. Additional information on the WTC investigation is also at http://wtc.nist.gov.
NHTSA announces new vehicle rollover test
Beginning with the 2004 model year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will add a dynamic track test to its current rollover ratings system. The new rollover risk predictions will be based on the vehicle’s static stability factor and its performance in the dynamic test. The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000 requires that NHTSA develop a dynamic test on rollovers to supplement the vehicle’s static stability factor, an engineering calculation based on the track width (the distance between two wheels on the same axle) and the height of the center of gravity above the road.
In 2002, 10,666 people were killed in rollover crashes, up five percent from 2001. Sixty-one percent of all occupant fatalities in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and 45 percent of pickup truck deaths were attributed to rollovers, compared with 22 percent of passenger car fatalities.
NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., says that consumers should consider rollover risk when considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Vehicle rollover ratings may be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.
Bill would expedite new technology for first responders
Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA), and Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) recently introduced H.R. 3644, The Homeland Security Technology Improvement Act, which would create programs within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and transfer to first responders advanced technology applicable to counter-terrorism, fire, EMS, and law enforcement activity. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Specifically, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology within DHS would research, develop, survey, test, and review available technologies that would improve first responders’ capability to respond to traditional and terrorist threats. Once new technologies are identified, the Office of Domestic Preparedness within DHS would coordinate procedures for transferring the new equipment to state, regional, and local emergency response agencies.
Fire prevention focus of USFA’s first PARADE conference
Approximately 90 state and local fire marshals attended the Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange (PARADE) network, hosted by the U.S. Fire Administration on the National Emergency Training Center campus in November. The participants attended professional development workshops, networked, exchanged fire prevention materials, and heard presentations from recognized leaders in areas that included fire prevention, marketing management, college campus fire safety, and new international concepts in public fire education.
Ken Burris, director of FEMA Region IV and former U.S. Fire Administrator, provided the keynote remarks. The 2004 PARADE conference has tentatively been scheduled for November 3-7. Additional information on the PARADE conferences is available from Rebecca A. Ryan, fire program specialist, Citizen & Community Preparedness Branch, at becky.ryan@dhs.gov or (301) 447-1128.
2003 Line-of-Duty Deaths
November 30. Engineer Mark Tyler Franklin, 46, Charlotte (NC) Fire Department: pulmonary embolism suffered following surgery for a knee injury sustained at an April 2003 structural fire.
December 3. Firefighter Todd “Bubba” Dicks, 37, Warsaw (IL) Volunteer Fire Department: an apparent heart attack while responding to a multiple-vehicle traffic accident.
December 3. Captain Wayne Dillon, 40, Washington Parish Fire District #9, Mt. Herman, LA: an accident involving an overturned tanker while participating in a driver training exercise.
December 6. Firefighter/Training Officer Ronald W. Fitzpatrick, 68, Long Branch (NJ) Fire Department: an apparent heart attack while working a fire in an abandoned commercial building.
December 13. Firefighter George Wohl, 59, Congers (NY) Fire Department: head and neck injuries sustained from a fall while descending a ladder while preparing to respond to a fire alert from his home.
December 16. Firefighter Thomas Christopher Brick, 30, Ladder Company 36, Fire Department of New York: while conducting search and rescue operations at a four-alarm fire in a furniture/mattress storage warehouse.
December 18. Fire Specialist Thomas Frank Brown, 55, Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD: acute coronary syndrome.
December 18. Firefighter/EMT Dixie Speckelberg, 60, Lovilla Fire & Rescue, Hamilton, Iowa: apparent heart attack.
December 24. Firefighter Shane Brown, 25, DeSoto Parish Fire District 8, Mansfield, LA: collision involving his fire truck and a freight train.
December 29. Assistant Fire Chief Charles Flowers Sr., 61, New Caney (TX) Volunteer Fire Department: heart attack.
December 29. Firefighter Glyn Allen Taylor, 43, Jeff Davis Parish Fire District No. 3/Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department, Iowa, LA: struck by two motor vehicles while retrieving a battery cover that fell from one of the apparatus while en route to a night training exercise.
December 31. Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth “Kenny” Jeffery, 51, Submarine Base Fire Department, Groton, CT, and chief of Windsor Locks (CT) Fire Department: cause still to be determined.
Source: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Database, United States Fire Administration.
News Glimpses
Court upholds officer’s conviction in trainee’s death. The homicide conviction of Alan Baird, former volunteer deputy chief of the Lairdsville (NY) Fire Department, was upheld by an appeals court. Baird, who was convicted of criminally negligent homicide in May 2002 after a 19-year-old firefighter died from smoke inhalation and two other firefighters were injured in a training exercise, had requested that the court vacate the conviction or grant him a new trial. Baird was sentenced to five years’ probation and to 75 days in jail. He has been free pending appeal.
Fight in FDNY fire station spawns investigation. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is investigating a New Year’s Eve incident in which Firefighter Robert Walsh was critically injured after being hit with a chair by Firefighter Michael Silvestri in a Staten Island fire station. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta has reassigned a captain and five other firefighters, members of that station, pending an investigation into allegations that attempts had been made to cover up the facts of the incident. “Firefighter Critically Hurt in ‘Horseplay,’ Anthony Ramirez, The New York Times, Jan. 2, 2004; “6 Reassigned After Brawl at Firehouse,” William K. Rashbaum, The New York Times, Jan. 6, 2004.
Fire department installs seismic detector. The Paso Robles (CA) Fire Department has installed an alarm that provides up to a minute of warning before an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude or higher strikes. The alarm, which cost between $15,000 and $20,000, was installed in the Emergency Services Center. The alarm sounds a recorded message and opens the truck bay doors, which often jam in an earthquake. “Paso firehouse doors will open in earthquake,” San Luis Obispo Tribune, Oct. 23, 2003; EMSNetwork.
Civilian fire deaths up 23 percent in New York City. In 2003, 119 civilians died in fires, compared with 97 deaths in 2002. The firefighter officers union has requested that the fire department determine the reasons for the increase and whether recent budget cuts and fire station closings played any part. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta says the 2003 increase is a jump over a 75-year low, noting that the number of 2002 fatalities was the lowest since 1927. Fire officials say there is no evidence showing that the cuts in operations were connected with the increase in fatalities. “Fire Deaths in New York Jumped 13% last Year,” Michelle O’Donnell, The New York Times, Jan 1, 2004.
Federal explosives canine team expands. Twelve “recently graduated” explosive detection canines were pressed into service at eight airports before the holiday season, according to Michael D. Robinson, assistant administrator for aviation operations at the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. The dogs are part of the federal law enforcement community’s explosive detection canine program.
Carbon monoxide guidelines available to first responders. “Responding to Residential Carbon Monoxide Incidents—Guidelines for Fire and Other Emergency Responders” is available at www.cpsc.gov/ LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA04/os/Resident.pdf.
Extension cords recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Family Dollar Services Inc. have announced the recall of Durex Procraft outdoor extension cords, manufactured in China; imported by Royal United Corp. of North Bergen, N.J.; and distributed by Family Dollar Services, Inc. Use of these cords can cause electric shock. The 15-foot cords have an Underwriters Laboratories label bearing the code E-174825.
NIST’s WTC-related experiments on Web. The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has posted images of the fire experiments conducted as part its investigation of the collapse of World Trade Center Towers 1 and 2, and WTC 7 on 9-11 at http://wtc. nist.gov. The images may be used without charge in news stories (with a photo credit to NIST).
