One feature many vehicle dealers promote is a quiet ride.
The new technology may also create issues for drivers of emergency vehicles, according to NBC News.
Fire and EMS personnel say minutes are precious especially if the patient is in cardiac arrest. A slow response also can allow a fire to spread and grow in intensity.
Some departments have enhanced features including installing a Rumbler that emits a low frequency sound.
North Syracuse, N.Y. — North Syracuse’s longest serving, active firefighter has died 2 1/2 months after he suffered a heart attack at the scene of a house fire in the village.
Firefighter Peter Dromms, a 55-year veteran of the North Syracuse Fire Department, died Saturday. He was 77.
Dromms had surgery after his heart attack, was released from the hospital, but quickly returned a day or two later due to complications, North Syracuse Fire Chief Pat Brennan said.
Shortly before midnight on Jan. 13, Dromms was helping with exterior operations, staging lights and moving fans, trying to help get fresh air into a house on fire in the 600 block of Chestnut Street, the chief said.
Dromms walked over to a fellow firefighter and a former EMT, and said he wasn’t feeling well, the chief said. He appeared pale and sweaty, he said.
Firefighters alerted NAVAC ambulance crews who were already on the scene because initially it was thought an elderly person might be inside.
Dromms was having a heart attack, Brennan said.
NAVAC transported Dromms to St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse.
Dromms had surgery and eventually went home, but was quickly readmitted to the hospital after complications, Brennan said.
Dromms, who seemed to be doing better, called the chief Friday afternoon from the hospital.
“The day before he died, he called me from the hospital to thank me for taking care of his wife,” Brennan said. “We talked about some fire department stuff. It was a good conversation…”
Less than 24 hours later, Dromms was pronounced dead.
“We never, ever expected this,” Brennan said after leaving Dromms’ home Sunday evening. “He had no heart condition. This was the first time he experienced anything like this. He passed his physical (last April).”
After Dromms had a heart attack, fellow North Syracuse volunteer firefighters stepped up since they knew he was his wife’s primary caregiver, Brennan said. They set up Meals on Wheels so Dromms’ wife had good meals and they took her to the store because she doesn’t drive; others shoveled their driveway when it snowed, the chief said.
“To us, it’s no big deal, but when he was in the hospital, he appreciated someone was looking out for his family,” Brennan said. “It’s a family affair.”
Dromms graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1963 and served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Navy, according to his obituary. He later worked for Verizon, retiring after 36 years.
He joined the North Syracuse Fire Department on Nov. 7, 1967.
He served as the department’s volunteer fire chief, as well as the North Syracuse Firefighter’s Association’s president, treasurer and other positions throughout the years. He also was qualified to drive every piece of apparatus and responded frequently, Brennan said.
On his last call this winter, Dromms was driving what Brennan described as “one of the most sophisticated pieces of apparatus we have in the organization.” Truck 1 has a 100-foot ladder, the chief said.
“Sometimes fire departments struggle with manpower for nighttime alarms,” Brennan said.
But Dromms not only responded to calls in North Syracuse, he also volunteered at the Old Forge Fire Department where he had a camp and visited each summer, his chief said.
“I’m telling you, he was a rock,” Brennan said. “For 77 years old, he had the drive and ambition of an 18-year-old.”
Dromms is survived by his wife, Gail, and daughters, Jennifer and Patricia. He will be laid to rest with military honors Friday at North Syracuse Cemetery.
Bellevue residents will be seeing Pittsburgh apparatus responding to incidents after their local fire department was decertified by the borough council.
Citizens found out through a letter, CBS reported.
The Columbia Hose, Hook and Ladder Co. are volunteers while the Bellevue Fire Department has three full-time and three part-time firefighters.
Elected officials said career firefighters were taking direction from a volunteer chief which some didn’t know if it was a good idea.
Heidi Cummings, president of CHHL, said the crews always work seamlessly together on incidents.
She added that the decision puts families at risk. The career firefighters will still respond to calls that do not involve structure fires.
A West firefighter was killed Tuesday afternoon while working traffic control at the site of a vehicle fire along I-35.
Edward Hykel, 60, was rushed to Baylor Scott and White Hospital where he died, according to KXXV.
The conditions of the injured troopers were not known.
Initial information from the Department of Public Safety indicated a semi-truck driver disregarded the traffic control devices that closed the lane crashed into a fire truck and two cruisers. Hykel was hit by one of the vehicles, KCEN reported.
Hykel, a volunteer in West for 16 years, was injured in the 2013 fertilizer plant explosion.
Two children were killed in this house fire Dec. 23.
Faulty electrical wiring sparked two massive Staten Island infernos that took the lives of two children and seriously injured three firefighters, FDNY officials said Tuesday.
Two other children in the family — boys, ages 5 and 10 — were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Two older children, a boy, 12, and a girl, 14, suffered smoke inhalation. Their mother, who was not at home at the time of the fire, collapsed outside and was rushed to the hospital in shock, authorities said.
A firefighter was also hospitalized with minor injuries.
Two firefighters and an FDNY lieutenant were hospitalized with serious injuries.
One of the injured firefighters had to dive out of a second-floor window to escape the flames, FDNY sources said. Another was pulled unconscious from the collapse and later diagnosed with a brain injury before regaining consciousness.
“I cannot emphasize enough that this was a very close call for the FDNY,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at the time. “We could have lost three members today.”
Nineteen firefighters suffered minor injuries, FDNY officials said.
March 28, 2023 Three nine-year-olds and three staff members adults were slain at a private school before police killed the suspect.
By Peter Sblendorio Source New York Daily News (TNS) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale sent alarming messages to a former middle-school basketball teammate shortly before Monday’s deadly massacre, the ex-classmate said.
Hale wrote she planned to commit suicide and that she’d likely be covered on the news in a series of direct messages to Averianna Patton over Instagram at 9:57 a.m. Monday, Patton told the Nashville news station WTVF.
“One day this will make more sense,” Hale wrote, according to the messages published by the TV outlet. “I’ve left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen.”
Police say they received an active-shooter call at the Covenant School, where Hale was a former student, at 10:13 a.m. The shooting left three 9-year-old students and three adults dead, and Hale was fatally shot by police, officials said.
Patton says she tried to help Hale after receiving her messages.
“I tried to comfort and encourage her and subsequently reached out to the Suicide Prevention Help Line after being instructed to by my father at 10:08 a.m. Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious,” Patton told WTVF late Monday.
“I called Nashville’s non-emergency line at 10:14 a.m. and was on hold for nearly seven minutes before speaking with someone who said that they would send an officer to my home,” Patton said. “An officer did not come to my home until 3:29 p.m.”
Authorities say the shooter had two assault-style rifles and a handgun.
“We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we’re going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,” Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday. “We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.”
Responding officers shot and killed the suspect in less than 15 minutes after they got the call, according to CNN.
She entered The Covenant School through a side entrance and made her way to the second floor opening fire as she made her way up the stairs, officials said at a press conference.
Police said it’s unusual for the shooter to be a woman in her 20s.
Anxious parents raced to the school to find their children. A reunification area had been established in a nearby church.
President Joe Biden sent his condolences to the families and Nashville community.
Speaking from the White House, he thanked first responders for their fast response.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said it seems the victim may have attended the school in the past.
The victims have been identified and families have been notified. No names have been released.
More information will be forthcoming.
We are responding to an active aggressor at 33 Burton Hills Blvd Covenant School. We can confirm we have multiple patients. Parents coming to the school should go to 20 Burton Hills at this time. this is an active scene.
March 27, 2023 The precedent-setting officers of the Nassau County Junior Volunteer Firefighters’ Association hope other young women will join the ranks.
From left are Kyra Kozey President. Syosset FD; Jia Walia, 1st Vice President, Hicksville FD; Khadeejah Memon; 2nd Vice President, East Norwich FD; Sergeant at Arms, Sofia Perno, Floral Park Centre FD; Secretary Samara Mehta; Jericho FD; Treasurer; Audrey Sasso, Hewlett FD.
A historic event occurred in January on Long Island.
There were no satellite trucks set up and it didn’t make the evening news. But, it was something that will be etched in history in the area.
An all-female board was elected to head the Nassau County Junior Firefighters’ Association.
It took a few minutes after the election in January for everyone to realize they were involved in history.
“As I was reading the names of those elected, I thought ‘wow, they’re all girls,’” said Jerry Presta, senior advisor and board chairman of the organization.
In 2006, the county fire association established a group specific to junior firefighters. While six or seven departments had youth programs, all were operating alone.
“The thought was we should get all these junior firefighters together so they can train together and share experiences,” Presta explained adding that the fledging group is now 900 strong from 48 companies.
“We started out small but it took off like a rocket,” he said with a laugh, adding that it’s the only one in the country.
At those early meetings, the teens typically sat with their own groups and didn’t mingle much. But, that was short-lived as friends were made and bonds were formed.
In addition to training at the individual departments, the teens get together throughout the year to hold exercises.
In July, they spend an entire week at the county training academy doing everything from searches, interior firefighting and practicing bail out scenarios. Their skills also are put to the test in the flash over simulator.
NCJFA President Kyra Kozey, who recently completed her EMT training, said participating in Camp Fahrenheit 516 gave her confidence she never knew she had.
“It was really challenging,” she said. “I was apprehensive at first, but I loved it…”
She added that teens are encouraged to try but not forced to participate in an activity at the camp that was named by the junior firefighters. 516 is their area code.
Her friends were shocked when they learned she had joined the Syosset Fire Department.
“When they saw me in my firefighting gear and jumping out of buildings, they thought it was pretty cool,” she said adding that she’s recruited several to give it a shot. “They now understand that it is cool. I think it’s wonderful. I think other communities should have programs because it’s good for youths. It teaches you a lot.”
It’s been an eye-opening experience for all.
Samara Mehta, the secretary, said when she signed up with Jericho Fire Department, her dad was all for it.
“But my mom was totally against it especially when she heard about the fire academy. Anything with fire or danger, she said ‘absolutely not.’ “
But she came around after seeing the gear and learning that safety was paramount at the training academy.
There’s a 10-page application that the youths and their parents or guardians are required to complete. Rules and regulations of the program are included.
The teens are involved in all activities at their departments such as fund raisers, open houses and details.
Throwing ladders, donning gear and learning how to bandage a bleeding patient aren’t the only things they’re learning.
Second Vice President Khadeejah Memon said being a member has enhanced her life skills such as leadership, self-confidence and responsibility.
Older girls in the program encouraged her and showed her the ropes which she said she’ll always be grateful. Now, she’s mentoring others.
She and the other junior firefighters are doing a balancing act as they also are involved in a number of school activities as well.
Public speaking is not something any of them wanted to do. All agreed they’d rather run into a burning building than speaking in front of a crowd.
But they set aside their fears when it came to addressing their fellow junior firefighters on election day. Each had to explain why they should be given the opportunity.
“I think there were 200 in the room. I was so nervous,” Kyra said.
The others whole-heartedly agreed. Some had practiced with family and friends.
And, their colleagues listened.
When the results were read, Kyra said they looked around the room at each other and smiled. “It was just a great moment of realization.”
Samara said she hopes the all-female board will serve as the catalyst for other young women who may now be encouraged to reach out to follow a career as a firefighter or EMT.
Mar. 27—WEST READING, Pa. — Almost 48 hours after an explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in Berks County, all Frankie Gonzalez and his family could do on Sunday was pray.
Pray that his sister Diana Cedeno, one of the people still missing Sunday morning, was found in the wreckage. Pray that the families of those confirmed dead could find some solace. Pray for those who survived.
Congregants at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish at the edge of West Reading echoed Gonzalez’s prayers.
” West Reading is a small town and everyone is wondering what they could do to help,” Natalie Parisi, 55, said after the service.
By Sunday night, the hope for survivors came to an end, the death toll having risen to seven. The final bodies pulled from the debris were believed to be unaccounted for workers, according to authorities.
“This is still a devastating loss,” Mayor Samantha Kaag said Sunday night in front of a handmade “Palmers Strong” sign, “but we are truly grateful to be able to account for all presumptive missing and bring closure to families involved in the upcoming days.”
The identities of the final bodies still need to be confirmed. Kaag said the names of identified victims would not be released until it was clear that their families had been notified.
Officials announced the creation of the West Reading Disaster Relief Fund on Sunday. The Berks County Community Foundation and the United Way of Berks County will help distribute the funds to organizations assisting families who lost loved ones in the explosion or those who lost work as a result of the blast. Any remaining funds will go to honoring those who died, said Tammy White with United Way of Berks County.
“People want to help, they want to provide contributions,” said White, adding that donations could be made online or by mailing them to the Berks County Community Foundation ( 237 Court St., Reading, Pa. 19601).
The devastating news capped another day of dedicated searching. Rescue workers from local fire departments, EMS agencies, police departments, and the state’s search and rescue task force continued to unearth debris at the explosion site. Kaag said rescue workers had to be pulled from their 12- and 16-hour shifts, with many desperate to keep going, aware that they were racing the clock.
Citing the “violence of the explosion,” West Reading Fire Chief Chad Moyer said Saturday that the chances of finding survivors would diminish as time progressed.
Rescue teams tweaked their search methods as time passed, moving from heat-imaging devices and drones to heavy machinery to methodically remove debris Sunday.
As the hours passed, families grew increasingly desolate. Gonzalez spent Saturday afternoon atop a hillside where he could see rescue teams at work. He fiddled with a pair of binoculars he’d bought in hopes of catching a glimpse of his sister. She worked in packaging at the factory and hadn’t been heard from since Friday. He returned to the hillside Sunday, and saw a body bag removed from the scene but was unclear whether it was his sister.
Another man sought the mayor at West Reading Borough Hall on Saturday night, begging for an update. Kaag consoled him, offered her cell phone number, but had nothing new to report at the time.
“We’ve had people reaching out; unfortunately, at this point, we just haven’t had information to give,” Kaag, a volunteer firefighter, said Sunday morning.
West Reading had command centers set up to deliver any information to families when it became available, she said, with in-person meetings with families of the deceased held Sunday.
With West Reading about 0.6 of a square mile and a population of about 4,500 people, the town can’t help but be tight-knit, residents said. The town is small enough that most people know either someone who lived near the blast or someone who worked at the company, which was founded in 1948.
According to Palmer’s website, the company employs 850 people in its facilities. Palmer’s chocolate eggs, miniature peanut butter cups, and Yoo-hoo mini bars are offered at such major stores as CVS and Walmart. Palmer operated two buildings at the explosion site. One was completely destroyed in the blast. A building next to the Palmer factory had apartments. Local authorities said the apartments sustained some damage but were otherwise structurally sound.
As of Sunday morning, local authorities still could not say how many employees were working at Palmer at the time of the explosion. But West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben said they were certain no passersby were unaccounted for.
The status of survivors was also not entirely clear Sunday. Eight people were taken to Reading Hospital after the blast, according to a spokesperson. Of those, one was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital, two have been admitted in fair condition, and the others have been discharged. A search dog helped locate a survivor in the rubble overnight Friday. That person’s condition was not immediately known.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency initially said that gas was a possible cause of the explosion, although Kaag said was too early to say.
As the Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate, three buildings near the explosion will be closed down for the time being. Kaag said they aren’t uninhabitable but need to be examined by structural engineers before being released.
Palmer had initially said that it was trying to reach employees and members of their families but that all forms of communication were out of commission.
“Our focus remains supporting our employees and their families and our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted,” said a Palmer statement Sunday, which was read by the mayor.
Palmer has set up a family support line at 610-374-5224, Ext. 539.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday at 7:30 p.m. where Reading and West Reading connect.
An Orlando firefighter headed to his son’s soccer practice pulled a Seminole County sheriff’s deputy out of his cruiser Saturday morning as flames intensified.
Lt. Benjamin Wootson saw the crash, made a U-turn and dragged the deputy out, WESH reported.
He said he turned as the deputy passed him headed in the opposite direction, and saw the cruiser hit the support beam.
“By the time I got on scene, there was a little bit of flames underneath the vehicle, the engine compartment was already on fire, [Deputy Luxon] was disorientated,” he told reporters.
Other motorists offered a knife and seat belt cutter. Wootson used the deputy’s radio to call for help.
“Within 15 seconds of pulling him out the vehicle was fully engulfed,” Wootson said.
Deputy Matt Luxon, 33, is recovering.
“Training for the department for the last 10 years has pretty much prepped all of us for what we do on a daily basis on and off the job. God put me in a place where [my son and I] were running late on purpose. I was in the right place at the right time to save an individual.”
Wootson was reminded of the time when his own father saved someone from a fiery crash many years ago.
He added that now his son will never forget what he saw.
“He was like ‘Yeah, I think I’m going to tell all my friends’ and I’m like, ‘Alright, that works, long as you understand,'” Wootson said about his son. “So this was a perfect example so he can see what we do as firefighters, first responders firsthand.”
