Firehouse Opens EVT of the Year Nominations

Firehouse is pleased to announce the Call for Nominations for the fifth annual Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award. The EVT of the Year Award is presented by Firehouse and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), with sponsorship from Spartan (full name TBD). The award will be presented at the 30^th annual FDSOA Apparatus Symposium to be held Jan. 15-17 in Scottsdale, AZ.

The EVT of the Year Award was first created in 2003 to raise awareness of the important role emergency vehicle technicians play in fire and emergency response services. 

Robert Corsi, chief mechanic for the Cranston, RI, Fire Department, who was named 2016 EVT of the Year, offered this advice to his fellow technicians: “The EVT certifications are very important. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I have a passion for it. It isn’t just a test, it’s a teaching tool.”

The selection criteria focus on leadership, professional development, integrity and a commitment to the safe operation of emergency vehicles for the responders and the community. The nomination letter should emphasize a nominee’s implementation of safe procedures, advanced education in the field, and service above and beyond what is expected of them.

Award eligibility requirements

• Be a member in good standing of a state EVT Association as of Jan. 1, 2017.
• Have at least five years full-time employment in the maintenance of emergency vehicles.
• Be working toward or have passed any of the EVT Certification Commission tests.
• Be working toward or have passed any of the Automotive Service Excellence tests.
• Foster professionalism through participation in a local, state or provincial maintenance/EVT association.
• Adhere to the education of safety practices and procedures of the profession.

Nomination procedures

Anyone can nominate an EVT who meets the criteria listed above. A nominee previously submitted can be entered again as long as the nominee meets the criteria. A letter nominating the EVT and explaining why he or she is nominated for this award, as well as any supporting information, should be emailed to [email protected] by Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. (Note: A member cannot nominate himself or herself for an award.)

Nominees will be advised that they have been nominated for an award. Nominees will be asked to provide their name, department, phone number, email address and to permit the use of their photo and name for promotion purposes.

A select panel of judges will review all nominations and jointly select the winners. All nominees will be notified by email of the results and will receive a certificate.

Recognize the commitment and dedication of your EVT. Nominate him or her for the 2017 EVT of the Year Award.

TFCA Aids Hurricane Harvey First Responders

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA) put out the call to help first responders who may have lost their homes and local fire departments who need help getting back up and running in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's devastating effect on Texas.

While many firefighters and emergency crews are still away from their families as they assist in recovery efforts in Houston and many surrounding communities, the TFCA would like to remind everyone that many first responders who have been giving all their time to others have also been deeply affected by the storm in their personal lives.

The website texasfireservice.org has been set up to accept donations, and the TFCA is also accepting gift cards to distribute to Hurricane Harvey first responders at this address:

Texas Fire Chiefs Association

P.O. Box 66700

Austin, TX 78766

The TFCA's Executive Board says those who are willing to lend a hand can rest easy that the recipients will be verified and deliveries will be made to the appropriate individuals or entities, adding that quarterly reports of receipts and distributions will be published.

Any first responders or departments in need should send an email to [email protected]. Requests will be posted on the website and all attempts will be made to match them with donors.

Line-of-Duty Deaths

6 U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty. Four deaths were health-related, one death was the result of injuries sustained on the fireground, and one death was the result of a motor vehicle accident. This edition of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

FIREFIGHTER BRENT WITHAM, 29, of the U.S. Forest Service/Vista Grande Hotshots in Idyllwild, CA, died on Aug. 2. Witham was struck and killed by a falling tree while working on the Lolo Peak fire in western Montana. He was given CPR and other emergency medical aid by fellow firefighters, and was then airlifted to a hospital in Missoula, MT. Despite all efforts, Witham passed away as a result of his injuries.

FIRE CHIEF TOM MARTIN, 61, of the Black Eagle, MT, Volunteer Fire Department, died on Aug. 19. Martin attended live-fire training on the evening of Aug. 18 and within 24 hours of this training, he passed away at his residence.

FIREFIGHTER THOMAS P. MCBRIDE, 60, of Campbellsburg, KY, Fire and Rescue, died on Aug. 24. While participating in search and rescue training, McBride complained of difficulty breathing. He removed his breathing apparatus, denied medical treatment, cooled down, stated that he felt better and requested to return to the training. Instead, he was assigned to pump operations. A short time later, he collapsed. Resuscitation efforts were started immediately, and McBride was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injury. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

LT. DALE CLINTON “CLINT” HARDEMON, 58, of the West Blocton, AL, Fire Department, died on Aug. 13. While on scene at a structure fire, Hardemon operated the fire pump on the fire apparatus and also maneuvered fire hose around the structure and apparatus. Later that afternoon, Hardemon was at the fire station and told the chief that he was feeling lightheaded and then fell to the ground unresponsive. Fire Chief Joe McCool immediately began medical care and called 9-1-1. McCool initiated CPR and placed Hardemon on the AED. Two shocks were administered before the arrival of the ALS unit. Hardemon was taken by ambulance to Bibb Medical Center, and then airlifted to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased that evening from a heart attack.

CAPT. RANDY RAY TREAT, 71, of the Kingston, AR, Rural Volunteer Fire Department, died on Aug. 26. Treat fell ill while responding to an emergency call, becoming unresponsive, and then passing away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

BATTALION CHIEF GARY HELMING, 47, of the Los Padres National Forest-Santa Lucia District, died on Aug. 31. While returning from an assignment on the Railroad Fire in the Sierra National Forest, Helming was killed when a Ford F-350 traveling in the opposite direction suffered a tire failure, crossed the middle of the road, and struck Chief Helming’s vehicle head-on.