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Members Rocco Kennedy and Chris Kelly Finish Basic Training
Volunteer "Rookies" Rocco Kennedy and Chris Kennedy recently finished their Basic Training for the United States Navy. Rocco and Chris both ride at Station 28. Rocco is currently stationed at the Naval Station Great Lakes for the next 14 weeks and is in training to become a Navy Corpsman. Chris is also stationed at Navel Station Great Lakes and is attending BUD/S PREP (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) School for the next two months and then will be sent to Coronado, CA for 6 months at the United States most difficult and intense military training in hopes to become a Navy Seal. Featured in the pictures are both Rocco and Chris at their local Naval Fire Department on base and at Chicago Fire Department Truck Company 28. Good luck to both Rocco and Chris and the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department is proud to have two of our own members serving and protecting our country in the United States Navy.
RE-ELECT William L. Smith, Jr.
It's coming up on that time of year folks.
RE-ELECT
William L. Smith, Jr.
PRESIDENT
Prince George's County
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association
2010-2011
"Honor to Serve"
"One For All; All For One"
"One Day at a Time"
28 Runs First Due House Fire: 5631 Duchaine Drive
July 4 - The Box Alarm was dropped for the house fire at 5631 Duchaine Drive. Engine Company 28 responded with 4 volunteers. Engine Company 28 arrived on the scene and found a 2 story single family dwelling with fire showing from side Charlie. The engine crew quickly stretched a 150 foot 1 ½” attack line off the front bumper and began an aggressive interior attack. Engine Company 48 arrived on the scene, picked up Engine Company’s 28 supply line and the crew from Engine Company 48 stretched a second line and was directed to side Charlie. Tower Company 33 arrived on the scene, vented vertically and threw multiple ground ladders to the dwelling. Deputy Chief Smith had command and Assistant Chief Grant had side Charlie. Crews worked for about 3 hours before going back into service.
Apr 30 - In the midst of rush hour traffic Engine 281 took in this Kenworth Truck on fire on Northbound 495 at Annapolis Road. The fire was quickly contained to the cab and the engine company return to service 20 minutes later.
Volunteers Participate in the Carrollton Elementary School Career Day
Apr 29 - The Volunteers headed down to Carrollton Elementary School for their annual Career Day. Over 700 future firefighters, paramedics, nurses, doctors and "paleontologist" learned about the daily life of a firefighter as well as fire safety tips. Later the students got a hands-on demonstration with hoselines, personal protection gear and the many tools carried on Engine 282.Teachers and students alike were very impressed and we look forward to our next visit. A Truck, Engine & Mini Pumper crew was on hand at the station to protect the Lanham/ New Carrollton area and surrounding jurisdictions.
Engine 282 and Chief Officers on Apartment Fire with Rescues: 6510 West Forest Road
Apr 26 - At 1854 hours Engine 282 was alerted to 6510 West Forest Road for the apartment on fire with people reported trapped on the second and third floors. Upon making the turn onto 75th avenue, a column of smoke could be seen rising from the area. Units from Kentland arrived to report a 3 story brick apartment building with smoke showing. Shortly thereafter, Engine 282 picked up Engine 331's supply line and stretched the 400' attack line to the floor above the fire. With numerous reports of people trapped, the Engine OIC (Hinson) proceeded ahead of his crew to begin a search of the apartments above the fire. Locating a female victim being overcome by smoke, Lt. Hinson removed his face piece placing it on the resident, and assisted her through the heavy smoke filled apartment to the awaiting EMS personnel. After confirming there was no extension to the third floor, the lineman (Weems) began hydraulic ventilation to begin the task of smoke removal. With the bulk of the fire out and all of the trapped occupants pulled from the building the incident was scaled back, holding units from Kentland, West Lanham Hills and Bladensburg. The Kentland command was held by Volunteer Chief 28A (Grant). Chief 28B (Vazquez) had Command of Division 2 and Chief 48A/ Safety 801 (Miller) had Safety. Chief 28 assisted at the Command Post
Schwan's Food Fundraiser Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary
Today and every 3rd Saturday of each month, the WLHVFD Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a Schwan's Frozen Food Fundraiser. Please come out and support us, by selecting from more than 350 delicious frozen ready-to-serve meals, desserts and beverages. Bring your appetite!
Time: 10am - 2pm
Date: 3rd Saturday of each month
Where: 8501 Goodluck Road Lanham, Md 20706 - Company 48
Apr 16 - Thomas Leonard Graves Jr lost his life in the Line of Duty 30 Years Ago Today. Thomas was one day short of his sixteenth birthday when he applied to become a Volunteer at the West Lanham Hills VFD, Company 28. He joined the department in 1966 and graduated from Duvall High School in 1967. Under his yearbook picture, Thomas made it known that he wanted to accomplish two things. One was that he wanted to join the United States Air Force and the other was that he wanted to become a fireman. After graduation Thomas joined the United States Air Force and continued to stay active as a volunteer fireman. After his service to our country he worked for Amtrak as a ticket salesman while he awaited an appointment to the Prince George’s County Fire Department.
In 1973, Thomas was hired by the Prince George’s County Fire Department. He received numerous awards throughout his years of service both as a volunteer and a career fireman. Thomas was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Lanham, and was named Professional Firefighter of the year for saving the life of an injured child on February 24th, 1974. Thomas was as an exemplary fireman and furthered his education by attending the Prince George’s Community College’s Fire Science Curriculum for two years. On his original application to the Fire Department he was asked why he wanted to become a fireman. Thomas replied, “I think that the fire department could help me better myself and my community. It’s helping people.” Those words continue to speak loudly for each and every one of us at West Lanham Hills. On April 16th 1980, Thomas was working at his assigned fire station in Glenn Dale, when at 1659 hours, his company responded on Box Alarm 18-2, 9923 Good Luck Road at the Glenn Dale Woods Apartments, for a gas leak in the building. Companies arrived and discovered a fire in the building. While battling the fire, an explosion occurred causing part of the building to collapse burying Thomas under the masonry front wall. On this day, Prince George’s County Fire Department suffered its first career firefighter Line of Duty Death. Fireman Thomas L Graves Jr. lost his life in the Line of Duty at the early age of 31. His many years of service and dedication to the fire service will never be forgotten. On Box Alarm 18-2, 9923 Good Luck Road, Fireman Thomas Leonard Graves Jr. paid the ultimate price by giving his life serving the community.
Engine Company 28 & Chief on 2 Alarm Townhouse Fire: 7815 Jacobs Drive
Apr 8 - At 0145 Engine Company 28 and Chief 28 were alerted to 7815 Jacobs Drive in Greenbelt, Md. First arriving units reported a working fire in a 2 story end unit townhouse. Engine Company 28 took their own water supply and stretched a 400' attack line to the 2nd floor where they were met with heavy fire conditions. As other Engine Companies backed out, Engine Company 28 continued to push in and extinguish fire, that had now expanded over 3 adjoining units. A 2nd Alarm was brought in to work the exposures. Command eventually ordered all companies to evacuate and go into a defensive operation due to a partial collapse of the 1st floor. Companies utilized large handlines and Tower Ladder 7 to knock down the bulk of the fire. Engine Company 28 racked up and returned to service at 0431.
Truck Company, Chief 28A and 48A on First Due Easter Day House Fire: 10016 Treetop Lane
Apr 4 - At 1628 hours Truck 28 Chief 28A and Chief 48A were alerted to 10016 Treetop Lane for the house fire. Engine Company 18 arrived first and reported a 1 ½ story split level home with smoke showing. Truck 28 arrived next and crew members went to work preforming a primary search of both floors and opened up as they went. The exterior crew threw ladders to all sides, controlled utilities, ran lights, ventilated both horizontally and vertically. Companies made quick work of the fire, involving a wooden deck in the rear with extensions to both floors and attic area. Chief 28A (Grant) had the Treetop Lane Command. Chief 48A (Miller) had the Interior.
First Weekend of Spring Proves to be Busy for the Volunteers
With a break in the weather and the floor restoration project taken place at Station 28, the dedicated members decided to hit the streets. 10 Volunteers jumped aboard Engine 282 and Truck 28 and stopped by the the Seabrook Seventh Day Adventist Church to take part in their youth Career Day. Members discussed safety tips that the children as well as their parents can practice at home, work or school in case of an emergency. Afterwards the members headed to the local office park for drivers training and several other drills. From 1500 hours Friday to 0700 Monday the Volunteers answered 64 calls for service, which included; several box alarms and street alarms, a brush fire, a box truck on fire, 3 motorcycle accidents, a door pop, 2 working codes, a shooting, and of course plenty of medic locals (ems calls). Pride and motivation, along with experience, continues to keep the firehouse family together.
2nd First Due Fire for the Weekend: 7309 Riverdale Road
Feb 21 - At 1257 hours Engine and Truck Company 28, Chiefs 28A , 28B, 48A were alerted to 7308 Riverdale Road for the church on fire. Company 28 arrived to find a 2 story church with smoke showing. A small fire was located in the basement and quickly extinguished. Chief 28A (Grant) had the Riverdale Road Command. Chief 48A (Miller) had Interior. Chief 28B (Vazquez) had Safety.
First Due House Fire: 5707 84th Ave
Feb 20 - At 1647 hours Engine Companies 28 & 48, Truck 28, Chiefs 28A, 28B and 48A were alerted to 5707 84th Ave for the house fire. Engine Company 28 laid in and stretched a handline to the reported address with smoke showing. Once entry was made crews located and extinguished a kitchen fire with minor extension into the attic . Engine Company 48 stretched a back up line while the Truck preformed a primary search and opened up. A dog and a pet snake were brought out and Command held the units from West Lanham Hills. Chief 28A (Grant) had the 84th Ave Command. Chief 28B (Vazquez) had Safety. Chief 48A (Miller) had Division 1.
Feb 11 - At 1139 hours Engine Companies 28 & 48, Chiefs 28, 28B & 48A were alerted to 9610 Underwood Street for the house fire. Engine 484 laid in and stretched to a 2 story single family dwelling with smoke showing. Engine 281 took their own water supply and stretched a back up line. Crews located a kitchen fire with extension into the attic area. Companies were able to complete all searches and knock down the fire within 10 minutes. Chief 48A (Miller) had Division 1. Chief 28B (Vazquez) had Safety.
The Officers and Members of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department are sad to announce the death of past member James B. Cosgrove. Jimmy (Coz) was an active member at station 48.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Jimmy's wife Beverly and family at:
21204 Emerald Drive
Germantown, Maryland 20876-5920
Early Morning Fire gets Truck 28 and Chief 28A: 12602 Safety Turn
Feb 9 - Just before 0600 hours Truck 28 and Chief 28A were alerted to 12602 Safety Turn for the house fire. First arriving units went on the scene with heavy fire issuing from a 2 story cape cod style home. Truck 28 arrived soon after and started searching the home, ventilating and opened up. The Driver placed several ground ladders, controlled utilities, and ran lights. Crews located a couple rooms and made quick work of it. Chief 28A (Grant) had the Safety Turn Command.
Engine Company 48 and the Ladder Truck go to Landover Hills for the Building Fire: 3800 64th Ave
Feb 1 - At 1321 hours Truck 28 was alerted to 3800 64th Ave for the building fire. Engine 830 arrived 1st to find a 1 story self storage facility with fire showing from several units. Truck 28 arrived next and forced entry, searched, and opened up. Engine Companies utilized large diameter handlines to gain control of the fire. An additional alarm was needed to assist with the extensive overhaul which brought Engine 484. Truck 28 and Engine 484 returned to service 3 hours later.Chief 48A (Miller) had Safety.
Volunteers Participate in the 14th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
Several Volunteers from Companies 28 & 48 headed to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Md. for the annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. Once there they joined the estimated 12,000 “plungers” ready to brave the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
The event has become the largest single-day event in Maryland. It began in 1997, when the Maryland State Police-sponsored event raised money for the Special Olympics of Maryland. This year, over 3 million was raised for the state organization, devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit http://www.plungemd.com
The 68th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet will be held on January 16th, 2010 at station 48. Cocktail hour will be 6 to 7 pm and dinner is set to follow, lasting until 8 pm. After dinner, the awards ceremony will begin and lead us into the beginning of another dedicated year of service.
Engine Company 28 Stretched on Another Basement Fire: 6428 Chestnut Ave
Jan 10 - At 1542 hours Engine Company 28 along with Chiefs 28A and 28B were alerted to 6428 Chestnut Ave for the house fire. Engine Company 13 arrived first and reported a 2 story single family dwelling with a working basement fire and held the stairs. Engine Company 28 found a secondary entrance on side bravo, forced entry, located a gas fed fire in the laundry room and got a line on it. Truck 12 worked on shutting down the gas at the street level, while other engine companies stretched additional lines to the upper floor to control vertical extensions. Once the gas was shut, all visible fire was quickly knocked down on all floors.
Questions and comments about this site may be forwarded to the WEBMASTER. Copyright 2004 West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department Last Update: 2010-09-03 13:13:51
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