Just a short drive to western Maryland, the fire service has one of its best educational resources, the National Fire Academy (NFA).  Nestled in the hills near Camp David in Emmittsburg, MD, the National Fire Academy provides educational and leadership opportunities not often found on the local level.  Many of the students, who attend a state sponsored NFA weekend, return to attend a one or two week resident course.  This year’s educational offerings were taken directly from their mirror resident course.  Course instructors are NFA faculty and staff who teach in the resident program.

 It was Lt. Steve Doyle’s first trip to the academy.  In his Executive Leadership class, he is networking with other members of the Maryland Fire Service.  He commented on the excellent educational facilities and the “huge opportunities for learning” at the academy.  Asst. Chief Jeff Reiss, commented on learning ways to be a better officer through modeling the positive changes that we need to be a professional emergency services organization. 

Capt. Steve Andrews, having just returned from the two week resident course, Executive Development, took the opportunity to research his first Executive Fire Officer paper and network with fire service colleagues.  Asst. Life Safety Officer Dave Reid was able to make some new contacts and partners who will be invaluable in improving the delivery of our Life Safety Program.

This weekend was a great opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and education all while networking with our fire service colleagues.

Congratulations to Firefighter Ryan Gardner for successfully completing the 131 hour Maryland Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Program.  The EMT course provides FF Gardner with the knowledge and skills to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level an provides the ability to recognize, assess, and manage medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients of emergency situations. Good Job Ryan !

Engine 12, Tower 1, QAC PM100, Amb. 1 and Chief 9 investigated a Chimney Fire at Mattapex Plantation Road.  The fire was contained to the chimney with no extension.  Units returned to service.

Cadets are young men and women between the ages of 14 & 16 years.  Cadet members will receive basic Safety, Fire and EMS training from department instructors, assist in fund raising, take field trips to learn the operations of places such as the 9-1-1 Center, Medevac Helicopter, Fire & Rescue Training Academy, and many others.  Cadets must maintain a “C” average in all school courses and adhere to all departmental procedures and bylaws to maintain participation. There is no cost to join the program which is mentored by members of the department and prepares the cadet for transition into a fully functioning member position at the age of 16 years.

 

Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department is a vital part of our island community.  Your volunteers work tirelessly not only to respond to emergencies and improve the quality of life of the citizens, in addition, they raise money to fund the operation of the department; train and maintain knowledge, skills and abilities in all aspects of emergency response and maintain the station and equipment in a constant state of readiness; all of this in addition to family responsibilities, full time job(s), maintaining their homes, etc.   Why you ask?  Because the volunteer spirit is alive and well, the Kent Island Volunteers are a group of citizens working together for the mutual benefit of our community.  From the early days of the United States, citizens have come together to improve and protect their communities. The concept of volunteerism is a cornerstone of the American way of life.  The cadet program is intended to teach cadets about the Fire & EMS service, but is not a full functioning position and does not place the cadet in harms way.  What better way could there be for the youth of our community to give back, to have the opportunity for personal self development, to grow and mature, as well as to feel the satisfaction of a job well done as they learn about emergency services and providing such a vital life saving service to their friends, neighbors and relatives.  Cadet participation can also be used to satisfy the volunteer credit requirement for graduation.

 

Act today!  There are limited openings in the program.  If you think you have what it takes to be a KIVFD Cadet, and want to be part of a special team, contact the Cadet Program Coordinator, FF/Paramedic Francis Mowbray @ (301) 821-7011 or ffmedicmo@gmail.com to setup a fire station tour and meeting for the cadet and their parents.  Do it today, don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

Rescue Box 1-31 for an Motor Vehicle Crash with entrapment, Chesapeake Bay Bridge east bound span. Chief 1 (Schlotterbeck) arrived on scene and reported a car under the rear of a box truck with the driver heavily entrapped. Crews from Station #1 and Station #2 (Grasonville VFD) worked for approximate 20 minutes to extricate the driver while providing patient care to him while he was still in the vehicle.  The patient was then transported to Shock Trauma, Baltimore by Queen Anne's Co. Paramedic 100.

Station's 1, 2, 3 & 9 were alerted for a commercial building fire at 325 Log Canoe Circle in the 1-2 box area last evening at 20:38 hours. Chief Schlotterbeck arrived to find smoke throughout the structure. Investigation determined the source was a faulty HVAC system. All units remained on location for approximately 40 minutes.

Photo's by F/F Will Clark

Stations 1, 2 & 9 were alerted Wednesday evening for a dwelling fire in the 900 block of May Lane in Cloverfields. Chief Schlotterbeck arrived to find heavy fire, and neighbors using fire extinguishers to douse the flames. Chief schlotterbeck placed all responding units other than station 1 back into service. Damage was limited to the exterior or the dwelling, with minimal smoke damage inside.

Photo's by F/F Will Clark

Station 1 and QAC PM 100 were initially alerted for a patient with severe Chest Pains at the intersection of the Rt. 50 EB exit ramp and Rt. 8.  Chief 1 (Schlotterbeck) arrived on location to find a two vehicle crash and requested the appropriate assignment.  Medic 1 transported one pt. to the hospital.  Units responding:  Chief 1, Medic 1, Utility 1, Engine 14, QAC PM-100 and Maryland State Police.

Our special Thanks to  Bruce Secrist for sharing his photos for use on the website.

By DOUG BISHOP Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:50 AM CST

STEVENSVILLE Though many were recognized at the 63rd annual birthday dinner and installation of officers, for the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department Saturday, Feb. 13, the message delivered by Fire Chief Paul Schlotterbeck was, "We're here to save lives."

That message was repeated in a variety of ways, as a review of service by the fire department for 2009 was presented.

Two special PowerPoint presentations were made during the program. The first showed pictures taken by veteran firefighter Will Clark of the many calls the members responded to in 2009, from the extrication of a girl from a car wrapped around a telephone pole and her successful resuscitation, not once, but four times on the way to the hospital to the rescue just a few weeks ago of two teenage girls who fell through the ice on a pond.  Tragedy was avoided on those occasions, because "people who are not paid as professionals, and we're not paid, people who love their community and the people who live here, care enough to respond and save lives," Schlotterbeck said.

In 2009, KIVFD responded to 1,166 total calls. Among those, 78 were fire or fire related, 714 were rescue and EMS, 216 "good intent" calls, 21 boat calls and 13 others.

KIVFD Ladies Auxiliary President Shirley Sperl recognized the work of the ladies in hosting a wide variety of activities for the community, particularly in fundraising for the fire department through Sunday bingo held at fire house.

She acknowledged the loss of lifetime member Leona Smith, who died in April at the age of 84.

She also recognized three ladies with service recognitions: Frances Anthony and Courtney Taylor received 10-year awards, and Juanita German received a 20-year award and a lifetime membership.

Sperl concluded by presenting fire department President Jody Schulz with a check for $12,000 from the Ladies Auxilliary.

EMS Assistant Chief Jeff Reiss recognized the top responders from the emergency medical services division of the fire department.

Provider of the Year went to Mike Wannamacher, who has been a member for just three years.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Matt Gellert.

The Jim Beavers Award was presented to Steve Andrews, and EMS Chief's Award went to Tom Balderson.

A special recognition was presented to Colleen Thomas for the billing service she provided.

Schlotterbeck and Schulz joined forces to recognize the top firefighters for 2009.

The Chief's Award went to EMS Assistant Chief Jeff Reiss.

The Duke Moore Memorial Firefighter of the Year Award was presented not to one firefighter this past year, but to four, for their acts of heroism saving lives. Receiving the award were Matt Gellert, Jeff Reiss, Jody Schulz and Buddy Thomas.

The "Most Calls" recognition went, again, to David "Pops" Gellert Sr., who responded to 666 calls in 2009. He was the top responder as a firefighter with more than five years experience. The top responder with less than five years experience was Mike Wannamacher, who went out on 457 calls.

Among the top five firefighter responders: Steve Andrews was third with 428 calls; Paul Schlotterbeck was fourth, 420 calls; and Tracy Schulz was fifth, 405 calls.

Both Jeff Clark and Annie Gardner were recognized for 20 years of service and awarded lifetime membership cards and pins. Jeff Cresanto was recognized for 25 years of service and Buddy Thomas for 35 years.

Gardner, KIVFD secretary, received the 2009 President's Award from Jody Schulz.

Before the program ended, Grasonville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Anthony, and GVFD Assistant Chief Steve McCombs presented certificates of appreciation to some 15 members of KIVFD for service they rendered in responding to an accident in early January this year that totaled Grasonville's Engine 26. Four GVFD firefighters were injured, including McCombs. McCombs personally thanked everyone from KIVFD who came to their aid, calling them "brothers."

A check for $11,000 was presented to the fire department by Kent Island American Legion Post Commander Nikki Randolph. County Commissioner Carol Fordonski, and State Delegate Dick Sossi were present, and both presented checks to the fire department.

Schulz made special recognition of Jim Turlington, who has provided a boat slip for the the department's fire boat at Queens Landing Marina for free for more than 20 years. Turlington, who has begun selling the $50,000 boat slips, presented the deed to the slip used by the fire department to Schulz, making it KIVFD's permanent property.

The second video presentation was a personal one, created last summer by local recording artists, Beyond The Veil. The three sisters, Brittany, Miriah and Sierra, and their parents were at the banquet. They had worked with the fire department during the annual Fireman's Carnival, providing a free concert one evening, and then, a week later, a benefit concert for the fire department at the Kent Island High School auditorium.

Schulz recognized the sisters for their service in raising funds for the fire department and presented them with a plaque.

Bill Hildebrand, member of the Maryland State Fireman's Association, administered the oath to the new officers, and to all the members of KIVFD for the coming year to conclude the formal program.

Dinner was provided by the KI American Legion, which hosted the banquet. Music was provided by DJ Al Wysong.


Reprinted from the The Bay Times website    kibaytimes.com/

1101 Butterworth Court, Suite 100, Stevensville, MD 21666
Phone (410) 643-7770 * Fax (410) 643-8374

While the recent winter storm wreaked havoc on Kent Island, the Volunteers of Station 1 were kept busy responding to calls for emergency service and maintaining constant staffing throughout the storm. Emergency crews provided ALS, BLS and suppression staffing through the height of the storm into the evening hours on Sunday. While the weather presented a significant challenge in terms of emergency response, ALL calls for service were answered in a timely fashion. 
 
A tremendous thank you goes out to all our VOLUNTEERS who helped out during the storm.  You all did an awesome job.  Your hard work is appreciated.
 
We would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience during this event.