Recognition for FDNY Bone Marrow Donors
Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano, President and CEO of New York Blood Center (NYBC) Christopher D. Hillyer, M.D. and Chairman of NYBC’s Board of Trustees Howard P. Milstein, added the names of six FDNY bone marrow donors to the “Honor Roll of Life” at the eighth induction ceremony at FDNY Headquarters.
“The partnership between the FDNY, the New York Blood Center, and the Be the Match Registry is an extraordinary example of the remarkable good that can be done from selflessly helping others,” said FDNY Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano. “To date, 140 FDNY members have made a life-saving donation through this partnership, and thousands more stand ready to donate when called. This commitment to saving lives, in every way possible, shows the true character of the FDNY.”
Fire Prevention Education Saves Family
Six-year-old Brody Macumber is a true hero. When fire broke out in the family kitchen, Macumber remembered the lessons he was taught earlier this month and immediately dropped to the floor. His siblings followed his lead and crawled out the door onto the deck to safety. Golden Learning Centre teachers Kerri Storey and Candace Wiwcharyck had just taught their students about fire safety and prevention. Macumber was honored at his school receiving gifts from the Dryden Fire Service and Kiddie Canada and a letter from the Ontario Fire Marshall. The presentation involved the entire school with students teachers and parents in attendance.
Fire Safety Poster Contest Winners
Newark Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad, Municipal Council President Donald M. Payne, Jr., Newark Public Schools Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer Tia Morris and other dignitaries unveiled the winning entries of the City of Newark’s Annual Fire Safety Poster Contest during a luncheon ceremony. The Newark Fire Department partners with the Newark Public Schools for this annual contest, which is held during Fire Prevention Week every October. The contest challenges students from grades kindergarten through 12 to create posters that offer messages on fire prevention and safety. All 13 posters representing the best in each grade were displayed during the ceremony and the students were presented award certificates and a $50 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. The theme for this year’s contest was “Protect Your Family from Fire.”
Ocala Firefighters Honored
Five members from Ocala Fire Rescue received awards for saving a life. The firefighters were recognized by Ocala Elks Lodge #286 for their professionalism and quick response to a medical emergency in 2011. After arriving on scene, they performed CPR and administered advanced life saving (ALS) procedures, which resulted in the citizen being successfully resuscitated. The patient was later discharged from the hospital. The five recipients are Captain Marvin Davis, Fire Equipment Operator Gary Hamilton, and Firefighters Ken Thomas Sr., Michael Lipphardt and Alex Sada.
Pullman Gets New Chief
Scott A. LaVielle, who started his career as a volunteer firefighter and rose to fire chief in King County, WA, is the new fire chief in Pullman, WA. The Seattle native holds a number of degrees, including fire command and administration, fire prevention, fire investigation, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in public administration leadership.
“I’m truly honored to have been chosen to lead the men and women of the Pullman Fire Department,” LaVielle said. “I know it’s an excellent organization and I look forward to taking it to the next level.”
LaVielle replaces long-time chief, Pat Wilkins, who retired in August after working in the department for 40 years, the last 27 years as chief (Scuttlebutt, October 2011).
“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to hire Scott with his wealth of experience, leadership in the fire service both at local and national levels, and his commitment to continuing education,” Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson said.
Paramedic Students Earn Scholarships
Angela Webb and Shannon Nowlan have been awarded the annual Joseph E. Rood, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, in honor of the late Joseph E. Rood, Jr. is awarded to students enrolled in the Paramedic Science program at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, IN. Each student will receive scholarship support for their spring tuition.
A Navy veteran, Rood worked at Deaconess Hospital for over 28 years, serving as an EMS Coordinator and a Clinical Quality Improvement Analyst. Rood was best known for his pioneering efforts in patient care and paramedic science, and while working at Deaconess Hospital he created a unique curriculum for teaching EMTs.
This Month in Fire History
March 1, 1911
The Weeks Act authorizes federal and state cooperation in forest fire protection
March 2, 1970
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) bans tetrachloride fire extinguishers
March 5, 1770, Boston, MA
A false alarm leads to confrontations that result in the Boston Massacre
March 10, 1941, Brockton, MA
The Strand Theater fire roof collapse kills 13 firefighters
March 17, 1631, Cambridge, MA
The first fire prevention legislation passed
March 18, 1951
Sparky the Fire Dog is “born”
March 19, 1896, New York, NY
Insurance groups form a committee to design what will become the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
March 25, 1911, New York, NY
The Triangle Shirtwaist fire kills 145
March 25, 1990, New York, NY
The Happy Land Social Club fire kills 87
March 29, 1929
Michigan passes the first state law banning the public use of fireworks
Courtesy of NFPA
For details on fires that occurred 100 years ago this month, turn to Paul Hashagen’s “Rekindles” on page XX.
