10 Hose Responds to
House Fire in Greenberry Hills...
On
December 29th at 15:46 hours, firefighters from
Halfway, Funkstown and Hagerstown Departments were alerted on
Box 26-5 for a house fire on Burnside Avenue in Greenberry Hills
Subdivision south of Hagerstown. Assistant Chief 26 reported
heavy smoke showing in the area directly after dispatch.
Halfway Fire’s Chief Ed Ernst heard his report and requested the
Working Fire Dispatch struck on the assignment.
Hagerstown Engine 5 arrived on the scene at
17729 Burnside Avenue to find heavy fire showing from the rear
of the house. Firefighters began an aggressive attack as Chief
Ernst arrived and assumed Burnside Avenue Command. Firefighters
battled the blaze for nearly thirty minutes before bringing it
under control. Firefighters remained on the scene conducting
overhaul operations until shortly before 18:00 hours at which
time final crews were able to clear the scene.
Reports show that a candle left burning in
the back of the residence caused the fire. Several residents
were home at the time of the blaze but were able to safely
evacuate the house without injury. The Hagerstown Chapter of
the American Red Cross was called in to assist three adults at
five children displaced.
Over thirty emergency responders from six departments responded
out on Box 26-5 that afternoon. Crews from Halfway Fire & EMS
Company 26 responded with mutual aid from Hagerstown’s South End
Fire Engine 5 and Western Enterprise Truck 4, Funkstown Fire
Co.10, Williamsport Fire & EMS Co.2, Washington County Special
Operations 20, Washington County Emergency Air Unit 25 and
Emergency Rehab 255.
10 Hose Responds to 2
Alarm Blaze on Bentley Court...
Washington
County- On December 3rd, firefighters were dispatched
out to a reported structure fire at 516 Bentley Court in the
Londontowne Complex east of Hagerstown. Washington County E.C.C.
received multiple calls reporting a fire in the building at
15:14 hours that afternoon. Crews on Box 10-5 were immediately
dispatched out as additional calls continued to come into the
center.
Firefighters responding were able to see a
large column of black smoke coming from the complex as they were
approaching the scene. Deputy Chief Eric Fraley of Funkstown
Company 10 saw the Heavy Smoke from over a mile away and quickly
requested the Working Fire Assignment started.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke
and fire coming from the building. Deputy Chief Fraley arrived
at 15:19 hours confirming he had a working fire and requested
the 2nd Alarm struck as he assumed Bentley Court
Command. Crews arrived to find a two story multi-residential
structure with heavy fire showing from the center apartment on
the second floor.
Firefighters from Funkstown and Hagerstown
Departments were the first to arrive. Firefighters were able to
make an aggressive attack on the blaze bringing it under control
in less than thirty minutes of the call being received by 9-1-1.
Over 70 providers responded out to the 2
Alarm Blaze from 16 individual Fire and EMS Departments along
with several support agencies. No one was injured by Saturdays
blaze, but several families were displaced. Command requested
The American Red Cross to the scene to assist those families.
Firefighters remained on the scene well
into the evening hours doing extensive overhaul and assisting
State Fire Marshals Office. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was
called in to assist do to the magnitude of the fire. A cause of
the blaze has not yet been released and is still under
investigation by The State Fire Marshals Office. Final crews
from Funkstown cleared the scene around 20:34 hours that
evening.
Crews responding on the 10-5 Box consisted of Funkstown Co.10,
Independent Juniors Engine 3, Mt. Aetna Co.16, First Hagerstown
Hose Engine 1, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1, Halfway Fire
Co.26, Washington County Special Operations 20 and Community
Rescue Co.75. Additional assistance was received on the Working
Fire Assignment and the 2nd Alarm Assignment from
Long Meadow Co.27, Fairplay Fire Co.12, Smithsburg Fire Co.7,
Boonsboro Fire Co.6, Antietam Fire Engine 2, Boonsboro Rescue
Co.69, Washington County Air Unit25 and Washington County Rehab
Unit 255. Assistance from County Fire Police, Hagerstown Police
Auxiliary, Hagerstown Fire Marshals Office and Maryland State
Fire Marshals Office along with The Hagerstown Chapter of The
American Red Cross. Transfer crews from Williamsport Fire Co.2,
Maugansville Fire Co.13 and Leitersburg Co.9 were called in to
cover Funkstown, Halfway and the eastern section of Hagerstown
while crews were committed to the scene.
Three
people were taken to the hospital Monday afternoon after a car
and a pickup truck collided at the intersection of Robinwood
Drive and Academic Boulevard in front of
Hagerstown Community College, according to Washington County
Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Bragunier.
Bragunier said the Ford pickup truck traveling northbound on
Robinwood Drive was attempting to make a left turn onto Academic
Boulevard leading to HCC and the car, a Buick, was heading
southbound when the accident occurred at a traffic light.
The deputy is asking for witnesses to
come forward because both drivers said
they had the green light. Three people
in the Buick, including the driver, were
taken to Meritus Medical Center off
Robinwood Drive. Their injuries were not
life-threatening, Deputy Scott Buskirk
said.
Police responded to the accident at
12:33 p.m. Monday, a supervisor for
Washington County Emergency Services
said. Traffic was backed up on
Robinwood Drive in both directions until
1:45 p.m. Monday, after both vehicles
were towed away. Police did not
immediately release the names of the
people involved.
The driver was the only person in the
pickup truck and he was not injured, the
Bragunier said. Funkstown
Volunteer Fire Co. had a firetruck on
the scene and a rescue squad from
Washington County Special Operations
also was there.
Three
people were taken to the hospital
Tuesday morning following a wreck at the
intersection of Oak Ridge Drive and
Sharpsburg Pike (Md. 65), Trooper Dave
Thompson of the Maryland State Police
said.
The accident happened when a
Chrysler Town & Country minivan and
a Mitsubishi sedan collided in the
intersection, Thompson said. Both
vehicles were facing the curb at the
northeast corner of the intersection
with damaged front ends.
The driver and two children in the
Chrysler Town & Country minivan were
taken to Meritus Medical Center off
Robinwood Drive with what were believed
to be minor injuries, Thompson said.
Police responded to the accident at 6:35
a.m. Tuesday and began directing traffic
on westbound Oak Ridge Drive east of
Sharpsburg Pike.
Two firetrucks from the Funkstown
Volunteer Fire Co. were on the scene
with Maryland State Police. The
road reopened and police cleared the
scene at 7:22 a.m. after the vehicles
were towed away.
Two
people, including a motorcyclist, and
the driver of a Nissan Sentra were
injured Wednesday afternoon in an
accident on Alternate U.S. 40 outside
Funkstown. The rider of the
motorcycle, 48-year-old
Hagerstown resident Mark Newman, was
taken to Meritus Medical Center off
Robinwood Drive to be treated for
broken legs, according to Senior
Trooper David Matthews of the Maryland
State Police.
The driver of the car,
Sharon Shuman of Hagerstown, was taken
to Meritus for treatment of injuries, a
state police news release said. Matthews
said he didn't believe Newman's injuries
were life-threatening. The
collision "actually ripped the steel toe
right out of his boot," he said.
Both lanes of Alt. U.S. 40 were closed
in front of Next Dimensions Catering
while rescue workers cleaned up debris
from the 12:30 p.m. crash. The lanes
were reopened by 1 p.m.
Matthews said the accident happened when
the Nissan driven by Shuman pulled out
of the Next Dimensions parking lot at
132 Old National Pike and into the path
of the motorcycle. Lisa Taulton
from
Brownsville said she was sitting at
a table in the Next Dimensions and
looked out the front-door window just
after the accident occurred.
"I saw this guy just (on) the ground,
and at first, I thought he must be
sick," Taulton said. "Then I saw the car
and the motorcycle under it, and
realized it was an accident."
Taulton said she does not know how she
did not see the car and the motorcycle
initially. "I just couldn't
believe what happened," she said. "It
didn't feel real." Shuman was
charged with failure to yield, Matthews
said.
Firefighters from the Funkstown Fire
Department spread an absorbent material
on the road to clean up fluids from the
crash.
WASHINGTON
COUNTY- Three unrelated accidents
involving vehicle rollovers on
Interstate 70 east of Md. 66 backed up
traffic for miles Wednesday morning
stretching in two counties.
Maryland State Police said nobody was
seriously injured in any of the crashes.
A pickup truck towing a trailer
overturned in the right lane of
westbound I-70 about a mile east of Exit
35 at about 10:40 a.m., according to
Maryland State Police. The rear of
the trailer was ripped open, and debris
was spilled on the roadway, police said.
Six minutes later and three miles to the
east, a U-Haul truck pulling a trailer
carrying a Ford Explorer, also on
westbound I-70, overturned into the
median on South Mountain, police said.
The left lane of the highway was closed
at that location. The closed lanes
were reopened to traffic shortly before
1 p.m., police said.
Earlier Wednesday, a car on eastbound
I-70 overturned into the median near the
Washington County-Frederick
County line, according to police.
The wreck occurred when the driver of a
Chevrolet Lumina lost control going up
South Mountain in the far left lane,
police said. The back windshield of the
car was knocked out, and the front
windshield appeared to be heavily
damaged. The sides of the car also were
damaged.
Police responded to the wreck at 9:05
a.m. and closed the left lane of
eastbound I-70. The lane was reopened by
9:30 a.m. The car was towed and
police cleared the scene by 10 a.m.
A person who was being taken to the
hospital in a private car made the rest
of the trip in an ambulance following an
accident at the intersection of
Robinwood/Edgewood Drive and Mount
Aetna Road on Tuesday morning,
Deputy 1st Class Bryan Teets of the
Washington County
Sheriff's Office said.
The accident happened at about 7:20 a.m.
when a Hyundai turned left from
northbound
Edgewood Drive onto westbound Mount
Aetna Road in front of a Sebring that
was southbound on Robinwood Drive, Teets
said. The cars collided and hit
the southwest corner of the
intersection. Edgewood Drive turns
into Robinwood Drive north of Mount
Aetna Road.
The Hyundai was taking a passenger to
Meritus Medical Center at the time of
the crash, Teets said. After the
accident, the passenger was taken to the
hospital by a
Hagerstown Community Rescue Service
ambulance, Teets said.
He did not release the names of the
people involved in the accident.
Police blocked off Robinwood Drive from
Mount Aetna Road eastbound until 7:37
a.m., after the passenger in the Hyundai
was taken to the hospital. The
middle lanes of Robinwood Drive
southbound and Mount Aetna Road
eastbound were then blocked off until
8:22 a.m., when the cars were towed away
and police cleared the scene.
Washington County sheriff's deputies and
Maryland State Police were at the scene,
as was a firetruck from the Funkstown
Volunteer Fire Co.
10 Hose Attends
Remembrance In The Park In Hagerstown...
Washington
County- On September 13th, a large group of people gathered in
Hagerstown’s City Park at the Emergency Services Tribute Garden
once again to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate
sacrifice. With the combined efforts of the Washington County
Citizen Corp with the City of Hagerstown and Washington County
Division of Emergency Services, the Tuesday night ceremony would
be one to remember. Washington County and the City of Hagerstown
were proud to accept a steel beam, which once belonged to one of
the Twin Towers and was to be dedicated that evening.
Many Police, Fire and EMS members in Washington County were
prepared to do what ever was needed on that fateful day ten
years ago. Multiple stations everywhere from Hancock to Potomac
Valley were manned with personnel preparing for the worst. From
organizing the crews that were ready to head to New York if
called upon; to planning a strategy for anything that could
happen in there own area. They all had a heightened sense of
preparedness as events unfolded on that day. As time went on,
communities began to recognize how much the everyday responders
are taken for granted. Especially with a large amount of the
responders in Washington County being volunteers.
Citizens
walking by City Park on that Tuesday were concerned at first as
they witnessed two Ladder Trucks from Hagerstown Fire Department
and The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway parked at the front
entrance to City Park. Many were relieved and had a sense of
wonder as they saw the American flag being draped from the
center of the arch made by both ladders. Soon the street was
filled with nearly forty emergency units as they came down
Walnut Street and turned into City Park passing beneath the
flag. Well over 50 first responders from Washington County
attended Tuesday’s event along with nearly 200 citizens.
The Remembrance In The Park has turned in to an annual event.
Each year a tree is planted in the Tribute Garden in memory of
someone lost. This year’s tree was planted in memory of U.S.
Marine Lance Cpl. Maung “Sam” Htaik of Hagerstown who was killed
in combat in Afghanistan. Htaik’s family was at the event to
take part with the tree planting in his memory.
After
the tree planting everyone’s attention was turned to the
unveiling of a piece of history. Everyone was silent as the
steel beam was unwrapped for all to see. There it stood; the
five-foot tall steel beam that once held up one of the tallest
buildings in the world. Now it is here in Hagerstown for all to
come look at to admire and reflect upon. Once unveiled, Director
Lewis continued on as night fell upon the park. Those lost in
the line of duty in Washington County were recognized as
Director Lewis read out the sixteen names of Police, Fire, EMS,
Military and Correctional Officers lost as Blaine Snyder of The
First Hagerstown Hose Company rang the ceremonial bell once for
each name read.
Ceremony proceedings came to a close as the sun fell. Many were
moved by the nights events in recognition of the nearly 3,000
lives lost because of 9/11. From the reading of the names of our
own lost to the sound of Amazing Grace being played by
Firefighter Rick Conrad on the bagpipes; very few were able to
walk away that evening with out a tear in their eye. The first
responders as well as the citizens of Washington County will
never forget the sacrifice made on that day by so many.
10 Hose Attends
Remembrance Parade And Takes Time Out For Moment Of Silence...
Washington
County- On September 11th this year in Washington County,
Maryland; emergency providers took part in numerous activities
honoring the memory of those lost on 9/11. Ten years ago, our
nation changed on the day that many will never forget. Whether
you knew someone directly killed that day or not, your way of
life and how you look at it changed. In the past ten years,
communities began paying more recognition to their first
responders after that dreadful day.
Emergency Responders this year attended multiple events. Some
departments were invited out to local churches that held special
services on September 11th recognizing some of their own
parishioner’s dedication to Emergency Services along with the
departments they serve. Clear Spring Fire held a special open
house on that Sunday inviting the public in to visit with some
of the firefighters that respond out regularly.
Along
with all the other activities held, there was also the National
Moment of silence held across the nation. New York Officials
asked that all regular activities be ceased around the world at
13:00 hours on September 11th and for everyone to show respect
and remember those lost with a moment of silence. Emergency
Service Departments were asked to activate sirens and air horns
in commemoration of the Emergency Crews lost on that day.
Another activity proudly recognized as Washington County
Dispatch opened up the tones activating all Fire & EMS House
Sirens across the county as some departments stood in silence
reflecting on what they do for their community.
Later that evening, Boonsboro Fire Department sponsored a
Remembrance Parade in honor of 9/11 as well inviting all
Emergency Services to participate. It was moving watching the
citizens crowd the streets waving their American Flags as the
annual parade made its way down Main Street towards the Square
of Boonsboro. Some waved, some cheered and some even cried as
the emergency units past under the American Flag in the Square
of Boonsboro draped from the Volunteer Fire Company of Hallways’
Tower 26.
It makes one proud when you see the citizens come out and pay
tribute to those who protect them both at home and over seas. It
shows that our communities will never forget!
10 Hose Welcomes 9/11
Riders At Premium Outlets...
Washington
County- On August 19th Emergency crews took time to
recognized those riding to remember those lost ten years ago on
September 11th. This years 10th annual
9/11 Ride from Shanksville Pennsylvania where the brave
passengers brought down Flight 93 to the Pentagon where Flight
77 was intentionally flown into the building that fateful
morning. A ride that began in November of 2001 with a large
group of riders has grown into an annual event with more then
2600 participants. Riders make the trek every August to all
three sites to help raise money as well as remembering those
fallen on that day.
Saturday
mornings ride entered Washington County shortly after 10:00
hours that morning. As the procession made it’s way down
Interstate 70, ordinary citizens cheering them on along with
local Police, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians
greeted the riders along the way. Bridges crossing overtop the
interstate in Washington County were lined with people and Fire
and EMS Apparatus as the riders rode through sounding their
horns and sirens to show their appreciation for the support
showed by our county. Crews from Hancock, Clear Spring,
Williamsport and Washington County Rehab 255 lined different
parts of I70 from the State Line down to Downsville Pike to help
show their support.
Over 2,000 riders came through Washington
County that day stopping off at the Premium Outlet Mall in
Hagerstown for a short break during their ride. There they were
greeted by crews from Funkstown and Halfway Fire Companies as an
American Flag flew high from atop of Halfway’s Tower. Riders
took a lunch break while spectators stopped to admire some of
the bikes viewing some of the memorials on some of them.
Another show of support was shown with a Pink Fire Truck which
was also out at the Outlets during the event. The Western
Maryland Chapter of Guardians of The Ribbon had the Pink Fire
Truck named Mary on hand to show their support as well as
promoting their Cancer Awareness cause.
Organizers were assisted by local County Sheriff Deputies and
State Police as well as local Fire Police who handled traffic
control shutting down the Interstate as well as local roads to
keep the fifteen mile long procession running smoothly. Later
Friday afternoon riders mounted up and continued on their way to
the Pentagon where the days event would end. They would later
start back out that Saturday for New York for the final leg of
their ride. More information on the Americas 9/11 Ride can be
found at americas911ride.org.
Two
people were injured Monday afternoon in
an accident involving a dump truck and a
Toyota Prius on Interstate 70 at Md. 65,
Trooper Bowers of the Maryland State
Police said.
The 12:50 p.m. accident occurred when
the driver of the dump truck, which was
in the left lane of I-70 westbound,
attempted to move into the right lane,
Bowers said. The dump truck collided
with the Prius, which ran onto the
median and overturned, he said.
The two people in the Prius were taken
to Meritus Medical Center, Bowers said.
Firefighters from the Funkstown Fire
Department as well as ambulances from
Williamsport and the Volunteer Fire Co.
of Halfway were on the scene.
The left lane of westbound I-70 was
closed to traffic until the accident was
cleared up, and an eastbound lane also
was shut down temporarily, police said.
The Prius was towed and the dump truck
had been driven away by around 1:45 p.m.
- Caleb Calhoun, Mobile Journalist
(www.herald-mail.com)
10 Hose To Have PINK
HEALS Fire Engine stop by...
If
you see a Pink Firetruck in Funkstown this weekend, don't be
alarmed. You aren't seeing things. The Georgia "PINK
HEALS" Pink Fire Engine will be out and on display at the
Funkstown Fire Company Bar-B-Q this weekend. Come out and
learn about the cause behind why this Firetruck is making it's
way around Maryland in support of cancer awareness!
Washington
County- In the late evening of June 9th, severe storms blew
through the Hagerstown area with severe lightning awakening
residents late that evening. Shortly after the storm, Washington
County 911 began receiving calls reporting a house on fire on
Splendor View Terrace. Fire crews were dispatched out on Box
10-6 to 20377 Splendor View Terrace at 22:59 hours.
Washington County took multiple calls reporting the fire.
Support 10-0 from Funkstown reported seeing heavy fire on the
horizon as he was approaching the scene. Additional crews were
immediately started on the Working Fire Assignment as Support
10-0 arrived on the scene to find a two-story structure with
heavy fire engulfing the roof of the house. Crews arrived
beginning their defensive attack from the exterior of the
structure. Chief Fraley of Funkstown later arrived assuming
Splendor View Command.
Over
sixty-five firefighters worked in defensive mode for over an
hour working to bring the blaze under control. Crews were
utilizing everything from hand lines to ladder pipe operations
to battle the blaze. Firefighters were on the scene well into
the next morning as State Fire Marshals were called in for the
incident.
The State FM Ed Ernst is investigating the blaze. No cause has
been released yet but they are looking into the weather event
that went through just prior to the blaze. No one was home at
the time of the blaze and no injuries were reported. The house
is reported to be a total loss with estimated damages ranging
around $250.000.
Washington
County- On June 2nd, firefighters were alerted for a house fire
in southern Washington County around 21:00 hours. Crews from
both Washington and Frederick Counties were alerted on
Rohrersville Box 8-10 for the area of 3228 Gapland Road as calls
came in reporting the blaze. Paramedic 18-20 stationed at
Rohrersville Company 8 was the first to arrive on the scene that
night to find the house fully engulfed. Paramedic 18-20
immediately requested the working fire assignment as well as the
tanker taskforce.
Firefighters were faced with heavy fire and electrical lines
down in the area during the incident that evening. Assistant
Fire Chief Keith Abrecht of Boonsboro Fire arrived and
immediately assumed Gapland Road Command. Firefighters were
forced to battle the blaze initially from the exterior in a
defensive mode. Over fifty Fire and EMS personnel from sixteen
agencies responded out to the blaze on Gapland Road that night.
Firefighters
worked for over an hour before bringing the blaze under control
using hand lines and ladder pipe operations off of Boonsboro’s
Truck 6. Command reported they had the fire knocked down at
22:21 hours. Crews remained on the scene hitting hot spots for
nearly another hour and twenty minutes before Chief Abrecht
terminated Gapland Road Command releasing the remaining units.
Fire crews returned once overnight for a rekindle and again the
next morning with the State Fire Marshal’s Office to assist with
the investigation. State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst is still
attempting to find the cause to the blaze. The house appears to
be a total loss with damages estimated around $130,000 dollars.
One resident who luckily wasn’t home at the time is receiving
assistance from the American Red Cross. No injuries were
reported during the incident.
Fire & EMS crews from Washington and Frederick Counties in
Maryland along with Loudon County Virginia and Jefferson County
West Virginia responded out that night. Rohrersville Fire Co.8
responded with assistance from Boonsboro Fire Co.6, Sharpsburg
Fire Co.1, Potomac Valley Fire Co.11, Funkstown Fire Co.10,
Brunswick Fire Co.5, Middletown Fire Co.7, Jefferson Fire Co.20,
Nearsville Fire Co.16, Shepherdstown Fire Co.3, Fairplay Fire
Co.12, Boonsboro EMS Co.69, DES Paramedic 1820, Washington
County Special Operations 20, Washington County Emergency Air
Unit 25, Emergency Rehab 255 and State Fire Marshal Ernst
(FM26). Additional assistance was received from Smithsburg Fire
Co.7, South Hagerstown Fire Engine 5 and Funkstown Fire Co.10
who supplied transfer crews to cover the areas while south
county companies were committed on the incident.
Washington
County- On April 29th shortly after one in the
afternoon, Washington County Dispatch took a call reporting a
vehicle fire in the 11600 block of Peacock Trail east of
Hagerstown. Callers reported a Recreational Vehicle being on
fire. Due to the size, Funkstown Fire Company 10 along with HFD
Engine 3 was started. As units responded, the 911 Center became
flooded with calls as the vehicle became fully involved. With
information of the fire spreading and threatening the structure,
dispatchers quickly completed Box 10-17 sending the Structure
Fire assignment.
Chief Fraley confirmed he had a working
fire as he was approaching the scene since he could see the
heavy smoke billowing from the area. Upon arrival he found a
large R.V. fully engulfed with fire spreading to an adjacent
trailer as well as a spreading grass fire. Chief Fraley assumed
Peacock Trail Command and began assigning incoming units to
different locations to assist in protecting exposures from the
spreading fire.
Once on the scene, crews were able to get the blaze under
control within twenty minutes. Initial concerns of firefighters
were the exposures before concentrating on the vehicle itself.
Over 40 emergency services personnel responded out for the call
that afternoon from twelve agencies. No injuries were reported
and the fire is under investigation by the Maryland State Fire
Marshal Office.
Washington
County- On April 29th shortly after 9 A.M. fire
trucks could be heard approaching the scene as smoke poured out
from two vehicles at the scene of an accident at South
Hagerstown High School on South Potomac Street. The scene
looked horrific, as teenagers in both vehicles just lie there
lifeless as responders roll up. Captain Keplinger of Funkstown
arrives and reports one dead with several trapped.
Firefighters arrived working quickly to
extinguish one vehicle, which was on fire as other crews work to
begin extricating the trapped occupants. As crews worked to
free the trapped individuals, Maryland State Police arrived and
took the one driver into custody for DWI. As the medevac
helicopter circles the area preparing to land to assist, one
wonders how something tragic like this could happen. Luckily on
this day, it is only a drill.
Fire
and EMS companies in Washington County go out each year to help
promote the Prom Promise program. Today’s drill was staged in
the parking lot at South Hagerstown High as the prom season
kicks off. Students were able to watch what could easily happen
from the effects of drinking and driving. Witnessing the death
of one teenage student to the arrest of another for drinking and
driving while seeing others placed into an ambulance and another
flown off in a medevac helicopter with serious injuries.
Emergency
crews enjoy promoting this to help kids understand its
importance. Witnessing this type of operation is sometimes an
eye opener for some. That’s the whole idea. Not only is it
good for them, but also it helps responders giving them time to
practice the skills needed to perform the job.
This year responders from Funkstown, South Hagerstown Fire
Engine 5, Community Rescue Co.75, Maryland State Police and
Aviation Life Net participated in this years Prom Promise, which
was a success as always.
Washington
County- On March 28th, Funkstown Volunteer Fire
Company crews along with Hagerstown Fire and Community Rescue
responded out at 16:15 hours for a vehicle accident on the Dual
Highway near Interstate 70. Calls came in to Washington County
E.C.C. reporting a vehicle flipped over in the median.
Firefighters
arrived to find a Ford Ranger pick-up on it’s side with one
trapped. Crews worked together for about twenty-five minutes
cutting the driver out of his vehicle that afternoon. Once
freed, firefighters assisted Community Rescue with packaging the
patient.
Once done the driver was transported to
Meritus Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries.
Reports show the it is believed the driver fell asleep as he was
exiting Interstate 70 on the Dual Highway loosing control and
flipping his truck. No other injuries were reported and the
patient’s condition is not currently known.
Washington
County- On March 8th, Crews from Halfway, Hagerstown and
Funkstown were dispatched out just before 9 p.m. for a building
fire on Virginia Avenue. Firefighters were dispatched out at
20:53 hours to 17835 Virginia Avenue. Crews responding could see
heavy smoke and flames as they approached the scene.
Engine
26-1 out of Halfway arrived to find the Greensburg Farms Market
engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked in a defensive mode
fighting the fire from the exterior of the building.
Firefighters battled the blaze fore nearly thirty minutes before
bringing the blaze under control. Command reported the fire
knocked down at 21:28 hours.
Firefighters remained on the scene for a short period conducting
over haul operations and assisting the State Fire Marshals
Office as needed. No cause is known at this time but the fire is
still under investigation.
Firefighters from Halfway Co.26 were assisted on the incident by
South End Fire Company Eng.5, Funkstown Fire Co.10, Williamsport
Fire & EMS Co.2, Washington County Special Operations 20,
Washington County Emergency Air Unit 25, Emergency Rehab 255,
Hagerstown Fire Marshals Office and The State Fire Marshals
office. While crews from Company 26 were committed on the scene,
Maugansville Fire Co.13 transferred in to cover their area for
the duration of the incident.
Keller wins fire
company's highest award at banquet he organized...
As
chairman for the Funkstown Volunteer
Fire Co.’s annual awards banquet, Nick
Keller spent Feb. 5 at Next Dimensions
restaurantsetting up a video and
photos featuring company members and
emergencies the company responded to
during the past year.
It wasn’t until the banquet was under
way that Keller found out he was
receiving the big award of the night —
firefighter of the year. “I was
excited,” said Keller, 26, who has been
a volunteer firefighter for three years
and an emergency medical technician for
two years.
“I think he’s very deserving,” said Dale
Hill, fire company president.
Keller is serving his second term on the
board
of
directors, responds to
a lot of calls, helps with fundraisers,
does a lot around the station and has
taken a lot of training courses, Hill
said.
The firefighter of the year is
determined by a vote of the membership,
Hill said.
Keller said he got into firefighting
because his family was into it.
His grandfather, Ed Clopper, was honored
at last year’s banquet for 50 years of
service with the Funkstown fire company.
His mother, Marsha Dieterich, has been
active with Funkstown’s auxiliary for
about 20 years. His stepdad, Kyd
Dieterich, is the acting fire chief for
the Hagerstown Fire Department.
Asked what he likes about being a
firefighter, Keller said he likes
helping the community. Keller
lives with his wife, Angie, northeast of
Funkstown. The couple is expecting their
first child this spring, he said. Keller
graduated from South Hagerstown High
School in 2002. He works in customer
service for Action Products, a
Hagerstown company that makes medical
products.
Keller helps with the fire company’s
fundraisers, delivering chicken barbecue
meals to local businesses and selling
tip jars on bingo nights. Keller
said that even though he was chairing
the awards banquet, he was stunned that
he was recognized as firefighter of the
year.
Keller wanted to thank Next Dimensions,
which waived several fees so the fire
company could meet its banquet budget.
Washington
County- On February 28th, crews from Halfway, Williamsport and
Funkstown fire departments were dispatched out at 03:27 hours
for a reported House Fire on Box 26-2. The 911 call was received
by Washington County E.C.C reporting smoke in the house. Crews
arrived shortly after dispatch to find heavy smoke coming from
the residence. Sergeant Ridgely of Company 26 arrived and
immediately requested the Working Fire Assignment started as he
assumed Virginia Avenue Command.
Firefighters
from Halfway arrived to find the resident safely out of the
building reporting the smoke coming from the basement.
Firefighters from 26 made entry to make an aggressive attack.
While in the basement an explosive force blew out the second
floor windows on sides Alpha and Bravo with heavy fire.
Command immediately called for crews to evacuate and they went
into a defensive mode until gaining control of the fire from the
exterior and additional help was able to arrive. Once crews were
able to knock down a bulk of the blaze, entry was re-made into
the residence to knock down the remaining fire.
Crews worked in overhaul operations for nearly an hour before
Command confirmed they had a bulk of the fire knocked down.
Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours conducting
extensive overhaul operations and assisting the State Fire
Marshals office as needed. Sergeant Ridgely terminated command
around 07:00 at which time remaining units on the scene were
able to clear.
On
December 29th at 15:46 hours, firefighters from
Halfway, Funkstown and Hagerstown Departments were alerted on
Box 26-5 for a house fire on Burnside Avenue in Greenberry Hills
Subdivision south of Hagerstown. Assistant Chief 26 reported
heavy smoke showing in the area directly after dispatch.
Halfway Fire’s Chief Ed Ernst heard his report and requested the
Working Fire Dispatch struck on the assignment.
Washington
County- On December 3rd, firefighters were dispatched
out to a reported structure fire at 516 Bentley Court in the
Londontowne Complex east of Hagerstown. Washington County E.C.C.
received multiple calls reporting a fire in the building at
15:14 hours that afternoon. Crews on Box 10-5 were immediately
dispatched out as additional calls continued to come into the
center.
Three
people were taken to the hospital Monday afternoon after a car
and a pickup truck collided at the intersection of Robinwood
Drive and Academic Boulevard in front of
Three
people were taken to the hospital
Tuesday morning following a wreck at the
intersection of Oak Ridge Drive and
Sharpsburg Pike (Md. 65), Trooper Dave
Thompson of the Maryland State Police
said.
Two
people, including a motorcyclist, and
the driver of a Nissan Sentra were
injured Wednesday afternoon in an
accident on Alternate U.S. 40 outside
Funkstown. The rider of the
motorcycle, 48-year-old
WASHINGTON
COUNTY- Three unrelated accidents
involving vehicle rollovers on
Interstate 70 east of Md. 66 backed up
traffic for miles Wednesday morning
stretching in two counties. 
HAGERSTOWN—
Washington
County- On September 13th, a large group of people gathered in
Hagerstown’s City Park at the Emergency Services Tribute Garden
once again to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate
sacrifice. With the combined efforts of the Washington County
Citizen Corp with the City of Hagerstown and Washington County
Division of Emergency Services, the Tuesday night ceremony would
be one to remember. Washington County and the City of Hagerstown
were proud to accept a steel beam, which once belonged to one of
the Twin Towers and was to be dedicated that evening.
Citizens
walking by City Park on that Tuesday were concerned at first as
they witnessed two Ladder Trucks from Hagerstown Fire Department
and The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway parked at the front
entrance to City Park. Many were relieved and had a sense of
wonder as they saw the American flag being draped from the
center of the arch made by both ladders. Soon the street was
filled with nearly forty emergency units as they came down
Walnut Street and turned into City Park passing beneath the
flag. Well over 50 first responders from Washington County
attended Tuesday’s event along with nearly 200 citizens.
After
the tree planting everyone’s attention was turned to the
unveiling of a piece of history. Everyone was silent as the
steel beam was unwrapped for all to see. There it stood; the
five-foot tall steel beam that once held up one of the tallest
buildings in the world. Now it is here in Hagerstown for all to
come look at to admire and reflect upon. Once unveiled, Director
Lewis continued on as night fell upon the park. Those lost in
the line of duty in Washington County were recognized as
Director Lewis read out the sixteen names of Police, Fire, EMS,
Military and Correctional Officers lost as Blaine Snyder of The
First Hagerstown Hose Company rang the ceremonial bell once for
each name read.
Washington
County- On September 11th this year in Washington County,
Maryland; emergency providers took part in numerous activities
honoring the memory of those lost on 9/11. Ten years ago, our
nation changed on the day that many will never forget. Whether
you knew someone directly killed that day or not, your way of
life and how you look at it changed. In the past ten years,
communities began paying more recognition to their first
responders after that dreadful day. 
Along
with all the other activities held, there was also the National
Moment of silence held across the nation. New York Officials
asked that all regular activities be ceased around the world at
13:00 hours on September 11th and for everyone to show respect
and remember those lost with a moment of silence. Emergency
Service Departments were asked to activate sirens and air horns
in commemoration of the Emergency Crews lost on that day.
Another activity proudly recognized as Washington County
Dispatch opened up the tones activating all Fire & EMS House
Sirens across the county as some departments stood in silence
reflecting on what they do for their community. 
Washington
County- On August 19th Emergency crews took time to
recognized those riding to remember those lost ten years ago on
September 11th. This years 10th annual
9/11 Ride from Shanksville Pennsylvania where the brave
passengers brought down Flight 93 to the Pentagon where Flight
77 was intentionally flown into the building that fateful
morning. A ride that began in November of 2001 with a large
group of riders has grown into an annual event with more then
2600 participants. Riders make the trek every August to all
three sites to help raise money as well as remembering those
fallen on that day.
Saturday
mornings ride entered Washington County shortly after 10:00
hours that morning. As the procession made it’s way down
Interstate 70, ordinary citizens cheering them on along with
local Police, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians
greeted the riders along the way. Bridges crossing overtop the
interstate in Washington County were lined with people and Fire
and EMS Apparatus as the riders rode through sounding their
horns and sirens to show their appreciation for the support
showed by our county. Crews from Hancock, Clear Spring,
Williamsport and Washington County Rehab 255 lined different
parts of I70 from the State Line down to Downsville Pike to help
show their support.
Two
people were injured Monday afternoon in
an accident involving a dump truck and a
Toyota Prius on Interstate 70 at Md. 65,
Trooper Bowers of the Maryland State
Police said.
If
you see a Pink Firetruck in Funkstown this weekend, don't be
alarmed. You aren't seeing things. The Georgia "PINK
HEALS" Pink Fire Engine will be out and on display at the
Funkstown Fire Company Bar-B-Q this weekend. Come out and
learn about the cause behind why this Firetruck is making it's
way around Maryland in support of cancer awareness!
Washington
County- In the late evening of June 9th, severe storms blew
through the Hagerstown area with severe lightning awakening
residents late that evening. Shortly after the storm, Washington
County 911 began receiving calls reporting a house on fire on
Splendor View Terrace. Fire crews were dispatched out on Box
10-6 to 20377 Splendor View Terrace at 22:59 hours.
Over
sixty-five firefighters worked in defensive mode for over an
hour working to bring the blaze under control. Crews were
utilizing everything from hand lines to ladder pipe operations
to battle the blaze. Firefighters were on the scene well into
the next morning as State Fire Marshals were called in for the
incident..jpg)
Washington
County- On June 2nd, firefighters were alerted for a house fire
in southern Washington County around 21:00 hours. Crews from
both Washington and Frederick Counties were alerted on
Rohrersville Box 8-10 for the area of 3228 Gapland Road as calls
came in reporting the blaze. Paramedic 18-20 stationed at
Rohrersville Company 8 was the first to arrive on the scene that
night to find the house fully engulfed. Paramedic 18-20
immediately requested the working fire assignment as well as the
tanker taskforce. .jpg)
Firefighters
worked for over an hour before bringing the blaze under control
using hand lines and ladder pipe operations off of Boonsboro’s
Truck 6. Command reported they had the fire knocked down at
22:21 hours. Crews remained on the scene hitting hot spots for
nearly another hour and twenty minutes before Chief Abrecht
terminated Gapland Road Command releasing the remaining units.
Washington
County- On April 29th shortly after one in the
afternoon, Washington County Dispatch took a call reporting a
vehicle fire in the 11600 block of Peacock Trail east of
Hagerstown. Callers reported a Recreational Vehicle being on
fire. Due to the size, Funkstown Fire Company 10 along with HFD
Engine 3 was started. As units responded, the 911 Center became
flooded with calls as the vehicle became fully involved. With
information of the fire spreading and threatening the structure,
dispatchers quickly completed Box 10-17 sending the Structure
Fire assignment.
Washington
County- On April 29th shortly after 9 A.M. fire
trucks could be heard approaching the scene as smoke poured out
from two vehicles at the scene of an accident at South
Hagerstown High School on South Potomac Street. The scene
looked horrific, as teenagers in both vehicles just lie there
lifeless as responders roll up. Captain Keplinger of Funkstown
arrives and reports one dead with several trapped. 
Fire
and EMS companies in Washington County go out each year to help
promote the Prom Promise program. Today’s drill was staged in
the parking lot at South Hagerstown High as the prom season
kicks off. Students were able to watch what could easily happen
from the effects of drinking and driving. Witnessing the death
of one teenage student to the arrest of another for drinking and
driving while seeing others placed into an ambulance and another
flown off in a medevac helicopter with serious injuries.
Emergency
crews enjoy promoting this to help kids understand its
importance. Witnessing this type of operation is sometimes an
eye opener for some. That’s the whole idea. Not only is it
good for them, but also it helps responders giving them time to
practice the skills needed to perform the job.
Washington
County- On March 28th, Funkstown Volunteer Fire
Company crews along with Hagerstown Fire and Community Rescue
responded out at 16:15 hours for a vehicle accident on the Dual
Highway near Interstate 70. Calls came in to Washington County
E.C.C. reporting a vehicle flipped over in the median.
Firefighters
arrived to find a Ford Ranger pick-up on it’s side with one
trapped. Crews worked together for about twenty-five minutes
cutting the driver out of his vehicle that afternoon. Once
freed, firefighters assisted Community Rescue with packaging the
patient.
Washington
County- On March 8th, Crews from Halfway, Hagerstown and
Funkstown were dispatched out just before 9 p.m. for a building
fire on Virginia Avenue. Firefighters were dispatched out at
20:53 hours to 17835 Virginia Avenue. Crews responding could see
heavy smoke and flames as they approached the scene.
Engine
26-1 out of Halfway arrived to find the Greensburg Farms Market
engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked in a defensive mode
fighting the fire from the exterior of the building.
Firefighters battled the blaze fore nearly thirty minutes before
bringing the blaze under control. Command reported the fire
knocked down at 21:28 hours.
As
chairman for the Funkstown Volunteer
Fire Co.’s annual awards banquet, Nick
Keller spent Feb. 5 at Next Dimensions
Washington
County- On February 28th, crews from Halfway, Williamsport and
Funkstown fire departments were dispatched out at 03:27 hours
for a reported House Fire on Box 26-2. The 911 call was received
by Washington County E.C.C reporting smoke in the house. Crews
arrived shortly after dispatch to find heavy smoke coming from
the residence. Sergeant Ridgely of Company 26 arrived and
immediately requested the Working Fire Assignment started as he
assumed Virginia Avenue Command.
Firefighters
from Halfway arrived to find the resident safely out of the
building reporting the smoke coming from the basement.
Firefighters from 26 made entry to make an aggressive attack.
While in the basement an explosive force blew out the second
floor windows on sides Alpha and Bravo with heavy fire.