College Park Volunteer Fire Department

THE ARCHIVES - 2010

College Park Wins Liberty Mutual Grant!
December 1, 2010 - The College Park Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the countless votes that were received to help us win one of the $10,000 grants from Liberty Mutual. It is through your continued support that we are able to continue to provide the services to the visitors and residents of College Park and the surrounding areas throughout Prince George's County. Please feel free to stop by College Park's City Hall (4500 Knox Road College Park, MD) on Tuesday, December 14th, at 8:00 PM to witness the presentation of the check from Liberty Mutual to the College Park Volunteer Fire Department. Through this grant, the department is looking forward to make upgrades to the station as well as it's aging first out engine.

Engine, Ambulance, and Chief Run Hyattsville Task Force House Fire
November 25, 2010 - With the units from Hyattsville and the surrounding companies responding to a working fire at 3501 Madison Street Engine 812B was transferred to Fire Station 1. Upon pulling out of the station however Engine 812B dispatched to the scene as the first engine on the Fire Task Force. Upon arrival the engine crew was assigned to assist laddering the exterior of the building, open up from the exterior, and complete the assignments of the RIT. Along with the engine crew, Chief 812 had command and Ambulance 812 ran the working fire dispatch. Units from Company 12 cleared just after 0400 hours.
www.bv9fd.com	www.bv9fd.com

Engine Company Runs House Fire with One Trapped
November 5, 2010 -With the Truck Company out of service, Company 12 was not due on a Mandan Road box alarm in Company 35’s area. However moments later when the box alarm for 6413 Princess Garden Parkway was transmitted, and with units in the area out of position, Engine 812 was alerted to respond. Initial dispatch indicated a dryer fire with a disabled person still in the home. Upon arrival Engine 830 indicated smoke showing and dropped their line at the end of the drive way. Engine 812 arrived just behind Engine 807 and secured a water supply to the fire ground, supplying both Engines 807 and 830. Engine 812 pulled the 400’ attack line and extended it with a standpipe pack to Side C of the structure. From here the engine crew worked to extinguish the fire that was running the attic space throughout the home. Engine 812 was held to assist with additional overhaul and cleared shortly after midnight.
www.wlhvfd.com	www.bv9fd.com

Company 12 Places New Ambulance in Service
November 2, 2010 - At 1500 hours on Tuesday, the Officers and Members of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department officially placed in service our new Chevy C4500/ PL Custom Ambulance. The Ambulance which is numbered 128, is replacing our 1994 Ford/PL Custom unit and is a welcome addition to our fleet. Features of the new unit include a Duramax 300 HP diesel engine with Allison Transmission, an all LED lighting package, custom graphics and striping including rear chevrons, an electronic oxygen lift, and many other updated features. We would like to thank all the members who helped get the unit ready to put in service, and a special thank you to Assistant Engineer Dannenfelser for heading up the new ambulance committee. This unit will surly serve the residents of College Park and Prince Georges County for years to come.


Training Weekend with Lieutenant Mike Wilbur
October 27, 2010 - The College Park Volunteer Fire Department had a guest instructor come in to teach a drill on aerial and tower ladder placement and operations. Mike Wilbur, a 30 year veteran of the FDNY and instructor for Emergency Vehicle Response taught his 16 hour two day class. Saturday was spent in the training room completing the 8 hour classroom portion of the course going over current aerial failures and the history of aerial devices. The second day was spent outside placing the apparatus at various locations in our first due and performing hands on drills. We would like to extend a thank you to Bowie Station 19 for letting CPVFD borrow their truck for the day to help with the class. We would also like to thank the crew from Oxon Hill Company 21 for coming up north with the tower for the day.


Second Fire of the Night for Engine Company and Chief
October 23, 2010 - At approximately 0440 hours, Engine 812 was alerted to a house fire on Donoghue Drive in Company 48's area. Companies 48 and 28 arrived on scene reporting smoke showing from a one-story single family dwelling. Engine 812 arrived shortly thereafter, securing a water supply and positioning on the Alpha/Delta corner. The crew stretched a line to Division One and held the top of the stairs for crews from 28 and 48. The fire was contained to a room in the basement and quickly extinguished. Chief 812 had the Donoghue Drive Command and units were released in about an hour.

Wagon and Pumper Run Branchville House Fire
October 22, 2010 - At around 1800 hours on Friday while the pumper was returning to a transfer from Station 1, the wagon and pumper were alerted as the second and third due engines to 3424 Duke Street in the College Park Woods section of the city for the house fire. While en route, PSC advised incoming units that they were receiving numerous calls reporting a house on fire. Units from Company 12 arrived just behind Engine 811 who went on scene of a one story single family with smoke showing. The wagon pulled a backup line to division 1 and stood by while Engine 811 and Truck 814 knocked the fire in the kitchen. The Pumper pulled a line to side C of the dwelling, assisted with opening up in the rear, and secured utilities in the basement while ensuring there was no extension. Chief 812 (running as battalion chief 804) had the command and held the incident with one and one. Special thanks to the officers and members of Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department for allowing the College Park Volunteer Fire Department to use an engine while the majority of our apparatus is out of service.
Dawn Diaz	Dawn Diaz

Just a few Days Left to Vote!
October 21, 2010 - The College Park Volunteer Fire Department is asking for you to vote for us (before October 31st) for the Liberty Mutual Fire Safety Pledge Program. The Fire Safety Pledge program is an interactive fire safety resource for parents, teachers, fire fighters, and kids from Liberty Mutual. Now through October 31st, 2010, learn more about fire safety and fire prevention by taking the Fire Safety Pledge Quiz. Credit your completed quiz to the College Park Volunteer Fire Department and we could be one of ten fire departments to receive $10,000! Go to http://www.befiresmart.com/protect-your-community/fire-safety-pledge/take-the-quiz.aspx take the quiz!

Engine Runs Calverton Townhouse Fire
October 20th, 2010 - Around 1500 hours, Engine 812 was alerted on the box alarm for a reported townhouse fire at 3762 Evans Trail Way in Company 41’s first due. Battalion Chief 806 arrived on the scene with smoke showing and a working fire in the basement. Engine 812 arrived and secured a water supply for Engine 715 and advanced a hand line to the first floor via side charlie. Units from Company 41 had a quick knock on the fire with minor extension to the first floor. Engine 812 worked on the scene for an hour before being released. Chief 812 also assisted on scene.
www.pgfdpio.com	www.pgfdpio.com

Multiple Patients stabbed in the First Due
October 12, 2010 - During the early morning hours on Tuesday, the Engine and Ambulance were alerted along with Medic 844 to the intersection of Knox Rd and Baltimore Ave for the cutting. When units arrived they were directed around the corner to the 7300 block of Yale Avenue by police on the scene. On arrival, half of the Engine crew did a quick triage and found they had 3 people stabbed, as Ambulance 812 and the other half of the Engine crew went to work giving patient care. At this point Battalion Chief 804 (Chief 812A) arrived and established command requesting two additional basic units on the call. Members in the station called in a second Ambulance crew, bringing Ambulance 812B to the scene along with Ambulance 811. During the treatment of the initial patients, the wagon driver was directed to a fourth patient who was cut about a block away and tended to the patient until he could be loaded and transported via Ambulance 812B. All patients were transported to local trauma centers by all 4 transport units on the scene.

Second Fire of the Day: 4700 River Road
October 9, 2010 - Just before 1800 hours Engine 812, Truck 812, and Chief 812 were alerted to 4700 River Road in Company 13's first due. Upon arrival all units except for the first engine and truck were advised to stage. Truck 812 positioned on the C/D corner of the building and stood by while Engine 812 staged with a secondary water supply. When the First arriving companies reached the fourth floor they reported that they had a smoke condition and believed that they had a working fire. Truck 812 and Engine 812 reported to the floor above, deployed the standpipe pack to cover extension, preformed a primary search (which was negative), and assisted with ventilation of the building. The source of the smoke was found to be a small fire that involved some contents of an office, the initial engine company made quick work of it. All units from Company 12 cleared in just over an hour.

Truck Company Runs Task Force in Montgomery County
October 9th, 2010 - Just after noon on Saturday, Truck 812 was alerted to 9805 East Light Drive in Company 712's first due for the fire task force. Numerous PG County units were already at work from the initial alarm as well as the RID (Rapid Intervention Dispatch). The truck arrived and personnel reported to the basement division to standby at the arcing electrical panel until PEPCO could secure power to the meter on the house as well as assist with overhaul while in the basement before being released were just over an hour later. Chief 812 also took in the call and stood by at the command post before returning to service.

Ambulance assists with Presidential Stand By at Bowie State Univ.
October 7, 2010 - Ambulance 812 was on hand at Bowie State University to triage and treat numerous patients attending a speech by President Obama, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and US Senators Hoyer and Mikulski. Initially staged on the outskirts of the university, Ambulance 812 was directed by US Secret Service to relocate within the security perimeter. The agents had observed the growing heat and sunshine and predicted its affect. Reports of man down required Ambulance 812's personnel to bypass the inner barriers and search the the densely packed crowd. Locating patients within the crowd was a challenge. All patients were removed from the crowd and taken to triage. Early on, Ambulance 812 established a triage area inside the air conditioned gym adjacent to the outdoor stage. Most patients recovered well after assessment and re-hydration in the cool air. As the day progressed and patient volume increased, Command called for additional units as it became evident that patients would continue having medical issues.


Truck Runs Riverdale Apartment Fire
September 26, 2010 - At 1941 hours, Truck 812 was alerted to 5600 54th Avenue in Company 7’s first due for the apartment fire. Units from Company 7 arrived on the scene with a corrected address of 5514 54th Avenue to find a working fire on the top floor of a 3 story apartment building. Truck 812 arrived on the scene and assumed RIT duties. Units from company 7 and 9 had the fire quickly knocked and the inside was scaled back. Truck 12 operated for just under an hour. Chief 812A as Battalion Chief 4 had command and Chief 812 had division three.

Those who help you now need your help
September 28, 2010 - The College Park Volunteer Fire Department is asking for you to vote for us (before October 31st) for the Liberty Mutual Fire Safety Pledge Program. The Fire Safety Pledge program is an interactive fire safety resource for parents, teachers, fire fighters, and kids from Liberty Mutual. Now through October 31st, 2010, learn more about fire safety and fire prevention by taking the Fire Safety Pledge Quiz. Credit your completed quiz to the College Park Volunteer Fire Department and we could be one of ten fire departments to receive $10,000! Go to http://www.befiresmart.com/protect-your-community/fire-safety-pledge/take-the-quiz.aspx take the quiz!

Members Take Part in Honoring a Piece of American History
August 28, 2010 - Members from Company 12 staffed multiple units and joined forces with units from the surrounding area to pay tribute to a piece of history. Escorted by hundreds of motorcycle riders and antique emergency vehicles, several pieces of steel from the World Trade Center made it's way from New York City to Arlington, VA. Chief 812 supervised the operation as Truck 812 and Truck 814 displayed the American flag from a ladder arch on Powder Mill Road at I-95, while Engine and Ambulance 812 took a position on Cherry Hill Road at I-95.


Engine and Truck on Small Fire In Empirian Village
August 22, 2010 - Around 1600 hours, Engine 812 was alerted for the Apartment fire at 5919 Cherrywood Terrace in Company 14’s first due. While enroute communications advised they were receiving multiple calls. Soon after Truck 14 arrived and found a working fire in a terrace level apartment. Engine 812 arrived as the second due engine and advanced an attack line to the floor above and began checking for extension. Truck 812 was specialed on the call soon after and assumed the RIT. The fire was knocked down quickly and command scaled the incident back. Units from Company 12 operated for an hour before being released. Chief 812 and Chief 812A were also on the scene.
Jim Davis	Jim Davis

LODD in Bridgeport, Connecticut
July 27, 2010 - The CPVFD would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Bridgeport, CT Fire Department who lost two brothers this past Saturday during operations at a residential home. Lieutenant Steven Velasquez (who formerly worked for PGFD) and Firefighter Michel Baik, while performing ventilation and search and rescue operations on the third floor, were found unconscious just prior to crews sending out mayday calls. They were recovered by the fire department's rapid intervention team but succumbed to their injuries at an area hospital. The CPVFD would like to recognize the bravery and professionalism that these two men displayed and will always Remember Fallen Brothers.


Company 12 handles several calls as a result of severe weather
July 25, 2010 - On Sunday, Prince George’s County was hit with a large thunderstorm that caused widespread damage through out College Park. With two suppression crews and two ambulance crews, Company 12 was put out for 48 calls in a 48 hour period. Truck 812 spent the majority of the day in the 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road where the storm severely damaged the roofs of four buildings, while the crew from Engine 812 spent time in the 9300 block of Edmonston Road in Company 14’s area for similarly damaged structures. The ambulances stayed busy, running a wreck with entrapment as well as other incidents. As Company 12 was handling calls outside of the first due, units from Riverdale, Bladensburg, Chillum, and Landover Hills all were dispatched to incidents inside College Park. The storm caused major power outages around the county for days after the storm.


Truck Runs Company 44 Task Force House Fire
July 24, 2010 - At 1632 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for the house fire at 6801 Chillum Manor Road in Company 44’s first due. Paramedic Engine 844 arrived on scene shortly thereafter with fire showing from side Charlie. Truck 812 was assigned the Rapid Intervention duties, and shortly after they arrived on scene, a fire task force was called. Chief 812B was running as Battalion 804 and had command while Chief 812 had side Charlie. Truck 812 was reassigned to be used for extensive overhaul and mop up on both the first and second floors. Truck 812 cleared the scene just after two hours.


Truck Runs Chillum House Fire
July 18, 2010 - Around 2330 hours, Truck 812 was alerted as the third due special service to 10th Place in Company 44's area for fire in the bedroom. First arriving units found fire showing from the front of a single story home. Truck 812 arrived, established RIT, secured utilities in the basement, and went to work removing security bars from the basement windows. Chief 812 had was running as Battalion Chief 804 and had command of the incident. Truck 812 returned to service just after midnight.

Engine Runs Branchville House Fire
July 9, 2010 - Around 1230 hours units were dispatched for the house on fire in the 4700 block of Nantucket Road. Engine 811 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing. Engine Company 12 arrived shortly after to secure their water supply. Engine 812's crew advanced an attack line into the structure to back up Engine 811 as well as assisting in checking for any extension. Units from company 12 cleared the scene in just under 2 hours.


Truck Runs House Fire in Bunker Hill
July 8, 2010 - Shortly after 1600 hours , PSC dispatched a house fire at 3810 40th Avenue in Company 55’s first due. Shortly after going on scene with fire showing, Truck 812 was transferred to Company 55. While en route to the Bunker Hill Fire Station Truck 812 was alerted to respond to the scene as an additional special service for relief. When the crew from Company 12 arrived on scene, they were initially told to set up Rapid Intervention, however shortly after were told to relieve crews on the second floor of the house. Truck 812 performed extensive overhaul on the second floor. The crew from Truck 812 operated on scene for just under two hours before being placed in service by command.
www.bv9fd.com	www.bv9fd.com

College Park Units Run First Due Triple Stabbing
July 10, 2010 - At 2200 hours, PSC alerted Engine, Ambulance, and Medic 812 for a stabbing to the rear of 7150 Baltimore Avenue. PGPD and UMPD arrived on scene to confirm three males stabbed. As the units from Comapny 12 began patient care, Chief 812, running as Battalion 804, requested a second BLS unit and a second Medic unit. All three patients had stab wounds to the chest and abdomen areas. Company 12’s Ambulance and Medic unit, along with Paramedic Ambulance 855, transported the patients as category A traumas to MedStar and PG Trauma. Engine and Chief 812 cleared at 2226.

Company 12 Enjoys July Fourth Celebration
July 4, 2010 - Members from Company12 and surrounding stations enjoyed fireworks, funnel cake and music at the annual College Park Independence Day celebration and fireworks show. Truck 812, clearing a transfer to Company 18 made it back in time to raise the American flag with Truck 834 before the fireworks show. Volunteers from Companies 12 and 11 staffed dedicated BLS ambulances during the event.


TRUCK 812 runs another fire in 34’s first due
June 26, 2010 - At 2000 hours, Truck 812 with 6 volunteers, was alerted to 2209 Lewisdale Drive as the second due truck for a reported house on fire in Company 834’s first due. Engine 834 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a one story single family dwelling. Chief 812 (running as Battalion Chief 804) arrived soon after and established command and Chief 812A assumed interior. When Truck 812 arrived on scene, the interior crews made quick entry through side Charlie and conducted a primary search of the basement that were negative. While the interior crew was conducting their searches, the rest of the crew threw ground ladders on sides Charlie and delta and assisted with exterior ventilation then assisted in overhaul of the fire room. Truck 812 operated on scene for about an hour before they went back in service.

Engine, Ambulance, and Chief Run Calverton House Fire
June 23, 2010 - At 1615 hours, Prince George's County Public Safety Communications dropped the box for the report of a house on fire at 11400 block of Allview Drive in Calverton. Within minutes Engine 841 arrived on scene and advised that they had a two story single family with heavy fire showing form the majority of a two story single family house. Engine and Chief 812 arrived on the scene and laid out it's own water supply. The engine crew quickly advanced an attack line to the back side of the home and worked with Engine 811 to to extinguish a large amount of fire on Division 1. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, Engine 812's crew was used to start overhaul until relieved by crews that were added due to the high heat. Chief 812 was assigned as the Side "Charlie" Division Supervisor. Ambulance 812 was due on the working fire dispatched and remained on scene until the last units cleared. The suppression crew from Company 12 remained on the scene for about two hours.


Truck, Ambulance, and Chief run Hyattsville Car Explosion
June 15, 2010 - Shortly after 1200 Hours units were dispatched to 3300 East West Hwy for a reported explosion in the parking garage. First arriving units confirmed an explosion in an auto in the garage underneath of a mid-rise apartment building. The assignment was upgrading bringing Haz Mat and Bomb Units from multiple jurisdictions and agencies to further investigate. Ambulance 812 was dispatched early into the incident and was assigned to the Rehab Group. Shortly before 1500 Truck and Chief 812 responded on the call as relief to units that had been operating. Truck 812 stood by in the Suppression Group and Chief 812 was the Incident Safety Officer. Company 12 units cleared the incident shortly before 1900 hours.
	www.wusa9.com

Engine runs First Due Basement Fire
June 6, 2010 - At 1551 hours as the engine was backing into quarters the box was sounded for 8015 Rhode Island Ave in the Lakeland section of College Park. Chief 12 was first to arrive on scene and reported smoke showing for the basement of the home. Engine 812 arrived within minutes and established it's own water supply and stretched the initial attack line to the basement steps. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs the engine crew found a dryer on fire in the basement with some extension which was quickly extinguished. Additional members from Company 12 went to work with engine 811 stretching a backup line to the top of the basement stairs through the first floor of the home. Ambulance 812 arrived early into the call and established an aid station. Units from company 12 cleared after about an hour on the scene.


Engine and Truck run Riverdale House Fire
June 4, 2010 - At 1927 hours, Engine and Truck 812 were alerted for a report of a fire at 6501 Baltimore Avenue in company 7’s first due. Engine 807 was first on scene and initially reported nothing evident from the street. Engine 121 arrived on scene and secured engine 807’s water supply and pulled a back up line to division 3. Truck 812 was the first arriving truck company and as the crews from Companies 7 and 12 reached the second floor it was determined that there was a small fire in the A/D corner of the building. The truck crew worked with Engine 807 to extinguish a mattress. The exterior team from Truck 812 worked to throw ladders and provide ventilation. Units from company 12 cleared the fire ground within an hour.

Volunteers Provide Stand-By EMS for Melwood Open
June 6, 2010 - Members from Company 12 provided a dedicated BLS ambulance and staffed the PGFD Special Events Gator for the 2010 Melwood Prince George's County Open golf tournament. Volunteers stood by throughout the weekend, assisting spectators with minor injuries and other medical complaints. The crews enjoyed plenty of golf and watched Tommy Gainey earn his first career Nationwide Tour victory. Station 12 maintained additional suppression and EMS crews throughout the weekend.

Truck Company runs Bladensburg Apartment Fire
June 4, 2010 - At 0800 hours the truck was alerted to 3801 Kenilworth Ave in Bladensburg for the report of an apartment on fire with people trapped. Company 9 arrived with nothing evident, but after entering the building the crew found an apartment off on the first floor. Truck 812 arrived on scene and positioned on side alpha. Since first arriving companies were busy with the retrieval of trapped victims on the balcony, Truck 812 was assigned RIT responsibilities. With all the necessary equipment gathered, the crew positioned in the first floor lobby for fast deployment if necessary. Quick work was made of the fire so Truck 812 was reassigned to assist with ventilation. The truck cleared the scene in just under an hour.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips
• Install at least one CO alarm on each level of your home and near sleeping areas, and make sure it is more than 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances to prevent false alarms. • Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances for adequate ventilation. • Do not burn charcoal inside your house, even in the fireplace. • Do not use gasoline powered generators inside of your house. • Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. • Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances, such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers. *If It Happens to You* • Never ignore your CO alarm if it sounds. • Operate test/reset button. • Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning such as a headache, nausea, drowsiness or confusion. Call 911. • Open doors and windows, or exit your home. Leave the CO alarm where it is. • If you have an alarm with digital display, emergency responders can determine the highest level of CO present and decide how to treat victims. • Do not return to your home until the emergency personnel have arrived, the home is aired out and your CO alarm returns to normal operation.

Engine and Truck Run Chillum House Fire
May 8, 2010 - Just after noon, Engine and Truck 812 were alerted to the 1300 Block of Nicholson Street for the reported house fire. While en-route communications alerted the responding units that they were receiving multiple calls and believed this to be a working fire. Engine 834 arrived on the scene of a split level house with a working fire in the attic. Engine 812 arrived on the scene picking up Engine 702's water, while the crew stretched a back up line to the the house through the rear. Truck 812 arrived on scene, established the RIT, and began removing bars from windows. Chief 812A held Division 2 & Chief 812 had safety. Units from Company 12 cleared the scene just after 1300 hours.


Engine Runs Langley Park Apartment Fire
May 1, 2010 - At 1330 hours, Engine 812 was alerted to 2003 Fordham Street in Company 34's first due for the report of a fire at this location. Engine 834 was first on scene and reported smoke showing from the third floor. Engine 812 arrived on scene and completed Engine 834's split lay as well as pulled a back up line to Division 3. Chief 812 arrived on scene and assumed the command while Chief 812A was assigned the Division 3 supervisor. Units made quick work of the fire in the third floor apartment and Engine 812 returned to service just before 1500 hours.


College Park Volunteer Fire Department Golf Tournament A Success
April 22, 2010 - As members and friends of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department met at the University of Maryland Golf Course, it became apparent that the hard work had paid off. In all we had just under two hundred golfers and several others who came out to take in the event as well as the great weather. Special thanks to the dozens of sponsors and especially Chief Dennis Rubin of the Washington D.C. Fire Department for being the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Be on the look out for announcements about next years golf tournament. Pictures courtesy of Erin West Photography. To view the full set, click here. If you are interested in obtaining prints, please contact harriscr12@gmail.com.


Engine Runs Heavy Fire in Adelphi House
April 21, 2009 - Around 0030, the Engine Company was alerted to 8310 Rambler Drive in Company 34's first due for a reported house fire. The Engine responded fourth due on the box with 6 Volunteers along with Chief 812 and Chief 812B as Battalion 804. While en route, PSC advised responding units that they were receiving multiple calls. Moments later the units from Company 34 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of a 2 story single family dwelling. As the Engine was approaching fire could be seen from several blocks away. The crew immediately secured Engine 811's water supply and deployed an attack line to the rear of the dwelling where the crew began to move in on the basement level of the home. Just as the crew was committing to the house, the deck collapsed off the rear of the house blocked access from the rear and command hit the evacuation tones due to little progress being made and the collapse of the deck. Before command allowed units back into the home, the crew knocked down several rooms in the rear along with the attached carport. Once allowed back inside the crew was deployed to division 1 to assist with extinguishing the remainder of the fire. Chief 812 had division 1, and Chief 812B (Battalion 804) had safety for the duration of the incident. Ambulance 812 was also alerted to the call on the working fire dispatch and transported one civilian to the burn center for minor burns.
	www.hvfd.com

Engine Runs Hyattsville House Fire
April 17, 2010 - Just before 1930 hours, PSC dispatched Engine 812 to the area of East-West Highway and 43rd Street for a report of a bedroom on fire. Engine 801 quickly arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the second floor of the three story single family dwelling. Upon arrival Engine 812 picked up Engine 813's supply line and pulled the four hundred foot attack line to the first floor and checked for in extension in the basement and first floor. Engine 801 and Truck 809 made quick work of the bedroom fire on the second floor. The engine crew operated for about thirty minutes before being placed in service. Special thanks to the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department, Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, and Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department for helping cover the stations calls during our annual banquet.

Engine and Truck go to Work Again
April 10, 2010 - Around 1930 hours, Company 12 was alerted to 3213 Toledo Place in Company 1's area for the apartment fire. Truck 812 was first due truck on the box while the Engine responded 5th due. Battalion Chief 804 arrived to find a 3 story garden apartment building with light smoke showing, and it was quickly found that there was fire running the cockloft. The Truck arrived on scene and the search crew headed inside to open up for the engine companies so they could access the fire in the cockloft while the driver threw the aerial to the roof. The outside crew quickly made their way up to open the roof and stop additional horizontal fire spread by taking multiple natural openings and cutting two holes above the main fire area. The Engine arrived and stretched a line to the "D" exposure where they made sure there was no extension and stood by before being released. Chief 812 and 812A were also one the call and had Division 3, and the Roof Division respectively. The Truck stood by and assisted investigations and completed extensive overhaul before being released at 2106 hours.
Tim Murray	Tim Murray

Truck runs Greenbelt Second Alarm
April 8, 2010 - At 0145 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for the building on fire at 7809 Jacobs Drive in Company 35’s first due. Truck 812, with 8 and Chief 12 responded on the initial alarm. The first arriving units from Company 35 reported heavy fire showing from side Charlie. As the units from Company 12 were coming down greenbelt road approaching the scene it was noticed that embers from the fire were falling onto the road several hundred feet away. Truck 812 arrived as the second due truck and went to work throwing ladders, began searching, and checking for extension in the delta exposure. The search team was met by heavy smoke and fire conditions in the delta exposure that forced them to back out to the front door. At this time the truck called for a line to the delta exposure. As it seemed that it might be a little before anyone else would be able to get a line into the exposure building, the truck crew pulled its own attack lines from near by engines and began to work on extinguishing the fire in the delta exposure, they were joined shortly after by Engine 811. As crews continued to work in the delta exposure it was determined that there was a large volume of fire in the basement that crews were unable to attack from the interior. There were also several holes in the floor and all units operating were ordered out of the structures. At this time the crew of Truck 812 took positions on side alpha of the delta exposure and handled several exterior activities. The truck crew then proceeded to open up the basement of the delta exposure. After assisting with investigations, the truck assisted in overhauling the building of origin and then returned home at 0512 hours. During this fire, Chief 812 had the delta exposure and later Chief 812B, running as battalion 804 had the staging division on the second alarm.
. www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Truck, Engine and Chief on Beltsville 2nd Alarm
April 8, 2010 - At 1351 Hours, Truck 812 and the Chief responded to a reported commercial building fire at 11325 Old Baltimore Pike in Company 31’s first due. Engine Companies 831 and 835 arrived on scene of a large one-story commercial building with smoke showing. First arriving units gained entry into the building and initiated an interior attack but were quickly withdrawn by command as fire broke through the roof and the fire rapidly grew in intensity. Truck 812 set up for ladder pipe operations from Side Charlie and flowed for several hours. Engine 812 was originally transferred to Station 31 and was then added to the call after the 2nd Alarm. Engine 812 worked with numerous other units from Side Alpha of the building. Chief 812 was the Division 1 Supervisor until the evacuation and was then reassigned as Side Charlie Safety. The Engine and Truck cleared the fire ground shortly after 1800 Hours.
. www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Truck Runs Beltsville House Fire
April 4, 2010 - At 1904 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for a report of a house fire at 4206 Ulster Street. Truck 812 and Chief 812 respond on the call. As the truck was making its way up Baltimore Ave it became obvious that it was going to be a working fire as there was a column clearly visible on the horizon. Chief 831 was first to arrive on scene and reported fire showing from the rear of the structure. Truck 812 arrived on scene and immediately went to working opening up for the engine companies and throwing ladders, in addition the outside truck crew worked with Truck 814 to open up the roof. Truck 812 returned to service in a little over an hour.
www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Engine Company Runs Task Force Apartment Fire
March 28, 2010 - At 2032 units from Prince Georges County as well as mutual aid units from Montgomery County were alerted to 1817 Greenwich Woods Drive in Company 34's first due for fire reported coming from the gutter of an apartment building. Units arrived with nothing evident, but quickly changed their return to fire coming from the eaves in the rear as well as fire in the cockloft. Due to the fire in the cockloft, command requested the fire task force. Engine 812 responded fourth due on the call with 6 volunteers and picked up Engine 811's supply line. The crew quickly made their way up the street and pulled a leader line off Engine 712 to the rear where the crew gave a size up, controlled gas at the meters, and advanced a line up a ladder to Division 3 of the exposure building. Units in the fire building were able to open up the cockloft and put a quick knock on the fire, containing it to the area of origin. Engine 812 opened up on Division 3 of the exposure and stood by until released by command. The Engine Company picked up and went in service just over an hour later. Chief 812 was running the call as Battalion Chief 804 and established the command.

Truck and Chief run "Empirian Village" Apartment Fire
March 23, 2010 - At 2031 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for a kitchen fire on the second floor at 6206 Breezewood Drive in Company 14's first due. Upon arrival it was confirmed that the fire that had started in the kitchen had extened into the living room of the apartment. Truck 812 arrived on scene and went to work as the second due Truck Company. The search team gained access to the thrid floor via ground ladders and completed primary searches of the floor above and handled any extension. The remaining members of the truck crew assisted Truck 814 with roof ops, secured utilities, and threw ladders. Truck 812 operated for just over an hour.
www.bvfco11.com	www.bvfco11.com

Just Days Left Till Registration for the Tournament Closes!
March 12, 2010 - In just a few short days, registration for the first annual College Park Volunteer Fire Department Golf Tournament will be closed! With thousands of dollars in prizes and many special guests such as Washington D.C.'s Fire Chief Dennis Rubin as the Master of Ceremonies, you do not want to miss this opportunity. Stop by the web site and reserve your spot today!

Truck and Chief Run Beltsville House Fire
March 11, 2010 - At 1733 hours, Truck and Chief 812 were dispatched to the 11600 block of Cedar Lane in Beltsville for the reported house fire with multiple calls. While units were en route Chief 831 went on-scene with a single story single family dwelling with fire showing. Truck 812 arrived on the scene and was assigned to the basement with Engine 811 to complete searches and check for extension. Truck and Chief 812 operated for just under an hour before clearing the fire ground.
Photo by www.beltsvillevfd.com.

Truck on Berwyn Heights Apartment Fire
March 9, 2010 - At 1514 hours, Truck 812 was alerted to 6100 Westchester Park Drive for a report of smoke coming from the building. As initial units arrived on scene they were advised of a fire on the Tenth floor of the building. Upon arrival Truck 812 positioned on the Alpha/David corner of the building, preformed searches, checked for extension on the Eleventh and Twelvth floors, and assisted in ventilating the building. The truck company cleared the fire ground after about an hour of work. Chief 812 also had Division Ten for the duration of the incident.


Terps Victory leads to Busy Night
March 3, 2010 - Shortly after the Maryland victory over Duke the students took to the streets of Downtown College Park to celebrate. Between 2330 and 0300 Company 12 units worked with neighboring departments to handle nearly 30 separate incidents in College Park. The incidents ranged from EMS calls to numerous dumpster and outside fires.


Company Runs PGPD Departmental Accident
February 27, 2010 - At 0702 hours, Engine, Ambulance ,and Medic 812 were alerted to 9039 Baltimore Avenue in Company 811's area for a report of a PGPD cruiser involved in a serious accident. Units arrived on scene to find the officer's vehicle heavily damaged. The officer was quickly extricated by the units from Company 812 and transported by Ambulance and Medic 812 Priority 1 to Prince George's Trauma Center. Chief 812 operated on scene, while Chief 811 held command. Units from 812 cleared at 0936 hours. The thoughts and prayers of the College Park VFD are with the officer, his family and PGPD.

Engine Runs Toledo Place Apartment Fire with People Trapped
February 26, 2010 - Just before 0900 the Volunteers who were staffing the station on a VSU (Volunteer Staffing Utilization) day were alerted to 3212 Toledo Place in Company 1’s first due for a report of an apartment on fire. After the assignment was altered, Engine 812 was running as third due with 6 Volunteers as well as the Chief. The Engine from Company 1 arrived a short time later and reported a working fire on the third floor of a 3 story garden style with people trapped. Engine 812 arrived and went to work laying out from a secondary hydrant and pulling the 400’ line to floor below. The first units put a quick knock on the fire while effecting multiple rescues. The crew from Engine 812 completed the primary search of all apartments on Division 2 which came up negative. The engine picked up a short time later and was in service in about an hour.
Photo by www.statter911.com.	Photo by www.bv9fd.com.

Spots Are Filling Fast!
February 24, 2010 - Due to the incredible response to the College Park Volunteer Fire Department Golf Tournament, spots are filling up very fast. If you'd like to play in the tournament please do not wait to sign up. Please go to http://golfdigestplanner.com/14335-cpvfd/ for additional information and to sign up to reserve your spot! We are also looking for a variety of sponsors so please feel free to check the web site out if you have any interest in being a sponsor.

Truck and Chief on Laurel Third Alarm Apartment Fire
February 22, 2010 - Around 1500 hours, units from the Sixth Battalion and surrounding counties were alerted to 13013 Mistletoe Springs Road for the apartment building on fire. Units arrived with heavy fire through the roof of a three story garden apartment and requested the second alarm shortly there after. Truck 812 was alerted as the second due truck on the second alarm along with Chief 812. Shortly after arriving in staging, the crew was assigned to trench cut the roof of the exposure building. The crew quickly completed this task with the large crew and multiple saws. Once it was established there was no fire spread the crew was redeployed as one of the first crews to re-enter the fire building. The truck crew split and began opening up the 2nd and 3rd floors, completing extensive overhaul ,and hitting numerous hot spots. The fire would eventually reach three alarms. The Truck operated for just under 3 hours before being released by command. Chief 812 operated as the staging officer and assisted at the command post.
Photo by Mark Brady.

Truck and Ambulance Run Nursing Home Fire
February 19, 2010 - At 2030 hours, Truck 812 and Ambulance 812 were dispatched for a report of a deck on fire with people trapped at the Paint Branch Nursing Home in Beltsville. While en route, PSC advised Chief 831 that they were receiving numerous calls reporting a fire at this location with multiple occupants trapped. With this information, Chief 831 advised Truck 812 (originally the 3rd due special service) to disregard the RIT and go to work assisting in searching for and removing the occupants. Upon arrival Engine 841 advised that they had a large deck on fire however it did not appear to have extended into the interior. Upon arrival Truck 812 assisted with throwing ladders, completing searches, and overhaul. Chief 812 assisted at the command post and Chief 812A was assigned the EMS group. The units from Company 12 operated on the scene for just under two hours.
	Photo by the Branchville VFD.

Historic Snowfall leads to Extremely Busy Week
February 13, 2010 - Over the last 8 days the region has seen snowfall of truly historic proportions. The area received over 3 years worth of snow in just 6 days, all on top of two more typical snowstorms the week prior. The members of College Park were kept extremely busy during this timeframe as they staffed 2 Ambulances, Utility 12, Car 12, Snowplow 804 and the suppression units throughout the duration of the events. EMS was particularly busy, with the station running almost an average month's worth of ambulance calls in a week. The units ran nearly every type of call imaginable during the period and they all offered their own unique challenges.


Engine Company Runs 11 House
February 4, 2010 - At around 1500 hours Companies 11, 14 and 31 were alerted to 9635 52nd Ave in Company 11’s first due for a report of a shed fire. Units went on scene with a 1 story single family with heavy smoke showing and requested the box to be filled. This brought Engine 812 on the call as the third due engine and Chief 812 (Safety 801). The engine arrived and took their own hydrant and supplied Engine 715 while the crew ran the 400’ line to side “C” and stood fast per command. The first arriving units were able to put a quick knock on the fire and the incident was quickly scaled back. Chief 812 (Safety 801) had interior. Units from Company 12 cleared at 1558.

Engine Runs 13 House Fire
February 2, 2010 - At 1611 hours as members were working on placing Truck 812 back in service, the box was sounded for a house fire at 6124 54th Avenue in Company 13's area. Engine 812 with 6 was dispatched as the fourth due engine company. As the engine was making the turn onto Kenilworth Avenue the first arriving units reported that they had smoke showing from the upper floors of a home. Engine 812 was moved to third due, and ended up being the fourth arriving unit. Chief 812 arrived just prior and assumed command. Once on scene the engine company established a seconday water supply and pulled a line to side charlie to cover possible extension. The crew from the engine also completed a search of the basement and secured the power to the house. Engine 812 returned to service after about an hour.
Photo by firehouseguy.	Photo by the Bladensburg VFD.

Applications are Being Accepted
February 1, 2010 - Applications for the 2010 Summer Bunk Room Program are now being accepted. E-Mail CPVFD12@gmail.com for an application. Applications will be accepted NO later than April 4, 2010. Any questions can be directed to the above email address or by calling 301-901-9112 and asking to speak to a member of the membership committee.


Members Drill on Truck Company Operations
January 16, 2010 - Over the weekend and during several days last week, members of Company 12 were given two buildings across the street from the station that will soon be demolished to do some great hands on Truck Company training. Members brushed up on many facets of Truck Company operations in the approximately one week of training. Training included interior truck company tasks such as an involved RIT scenario, zero visibility searches, forcing interior doors in reduced visibility, and getting to take a close up look at building construction. In addition, members spent many hours on outside truck company tasks including horizontal and vertical ventilation, making trench cuts, forcing exterior doors, using the “k-tool”, masonry wall breaches for RIT operations, and much more.


Truck Runs Chestnut Avenue House Fire
January 10, 2010 - At 1542 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for a house fire at 6628 Chestnut Avenue. The first arriving units arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the basement of a single family dwelling. As the fire progressed it was discovered that the fire was being fed by natural gas on division one. Upon Arrival, Truck 812 established the Rapid Intervention Team and assisted with tasks such as throwing additional ladders and securing the utilities. Truck and Chief 812 operated on the scene for about two hours.