http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/rss News articles published on civfd.com using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:48:18 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=116 The department is proud to announce that three of our members have successfully completed and passed the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course. The course consisted of 131 instructional hours plus numerous hours of ambulance ride alongs to obtain their patient assessments. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level. They will be able to recognize, assess, and manage medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients of emergency situations. Congratulations to: Robert Higgs,Sr Lisa Payne Tyler LaRoque Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:06:53 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=116 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=83 Santa is Coming To Town!!! The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire/EMS Department and Auxiliary will be awaiting anxiously for the arrival of Santa Claus. We received reports from his elves that he will be stopping by and visiting us twice this year. He will be riding around our first due area (Cobb Island, Issue, Rock Point, Swann Point, Tompkinsville) Saturday December 17, 2011 starting at 10a.m. He will also be at the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire/EMS Department on Sunday December 18, 2011 from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stop in and visit with Santa to make sure he has received your Christmas Wish List and to be able to take pictures with Santa. Santa will be arriving just as he did last year on Cobb Island's firetruck. Hope to see everyone there!!! Have a Happy and Safe Holiday from the Officers and Members of the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire/EMS Department and Auxiliary. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:53:06 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=83 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=115 Companies from Newburg Rescue Squad and Volunteer Fire Department, Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS and Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department held Fire Prevention Day at Dr. Higdon Elementary School. The day started at 9:15 a.m. with the students and teachers getting welcomed by Vice President Chuck Shaw, who went over and asked the students various questions about fire prevention. This year Fire Prevention was about how to protect your family from fire. The students had various stations to visit: 911 Phone Simulator Stop Drop and Roll Smoke House Crawl low in smoke EDITH (Exit Drill In The Home) A Firefighter putting his gear on to show the kids that he is not a monster and if they see a firefighter they are to call out to them and not hide. The students after visiting the stations would go outside to look at and climb on the fire apparatus on display from the three departments. Also the kids were treated to a puppet show during their lunch time where the puppets Jerry and Terry talked to the students on ways to protect their family from fire. The students were then tasked with writing a story on how to Protect Their Family From Fire. Once completed the students were to turn the stories into their teachers so they can be judged and the winners of the stories will then be treated to a surprise from the three departments. The three departments every year join together in this special project for Fire Prevention and then document their day, to be turned into the Maryland State Fireman's Association Fire Prevention Committee. This committee judges departments from all over the state on how well their Fire Prevention initiative goes. For the past several years these three departments have won First Place in the State for their entry. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:00:25 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=115 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=114 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Departmant and EMS would like to remind everyone to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clock's on Sunday November 6, 2011. Working smoke detectors can cut the chance of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing the extra time critical for safe escape. Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Most fire fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation; lethal amounts of smoke build long before the flames spread, lulling residents into a deep sleep. A working smoke detector will sound an alarm while there is still time to get out alive. Nationally, nearly 90 percent of all homes have smoke detectors, but it is estimated that one-quarter of those don't work because of worn or missing batteries. CIVFD recommends replacing smoke detector batteries at least twice a year, even if they appear to be working fine. Unfortunately, when detectors start 'chirping' to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced, many people disconnect the detector to stop the noise, not having another battery on hand. Replacing batteries when the time changes is an easy way to remember this important task. The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS advises having at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, in each bedroom, and in the hallways adjacent to any sleeping areas. Smoke detectors (even those that are hard-wired) should be tested monthly to ensure that you have the protection you need when you need it. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:56:09 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=114 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=80 Please be careful this Halloween Season. We have included some Halloween Tips for your Safety. ALL DRESSED UP: *Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. *Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. *Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. *When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. *If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. *Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. *Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. CARVING A NICHE: *Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. *Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. *Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended. HOME SAFE HOME: *To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. *Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. *Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. *Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL: *A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. *If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. *Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. *Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters: *Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. *Carry a cell phone for quick communication. *Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. *If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. *Never cut across yards or use alleys. *Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. *Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will! *Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. HEALTHY HALLOWEEN: *A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. *Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. *Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. *Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:12:43 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=80 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=113 Hurricane Preparedness Meeting COBB ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE / EMS DEPARTMENT, INC. Date: 08-24-11 To: All Residents From: Cobb Island VFD & EMS Cobb Island, Swan Pt, Woodland Pt, Hill Rd, Rock Pt, Wicomico Beach Rd, River Rd, Morgantown Rd, Chigger City, Issue, Newburg Area Subject: Upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Meeting Location: Cobb Island VFD Meeting Date: August 26, 2011 Time: 7:00 PM To all that are going to attend, there will be a slide show and Emergency Preparedness Guide handout with useful tips, import phone numbers and what to expect from the fire department as the storm progresses and after the storm has past. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:27:31 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=113 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=112 It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss, I inform you of the untimely passing of Firefighter Christopher A. Staley. Firefighter Staley made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to rescue a person in trouble in the Wicomico River on Saturday August 6, 2011. Firefighter Staley had 6 years of faithful service to this department and his community he so loved. Known to many as Chris, he was a son, brother, and most importantly a friend to everyone he came into contact with over his life span. Firefighter Staley's viewing's are as follows: VIEWING: Thursday August 11, 2011 Cobb Island VFD & EMS 17069 Cobb Island Rd Cobb Island, Md 2 pm to 4 pm 6 pm to 8 pm Fireman's Prayers at 7 pm FUNERAL: Friday August 12, 2011 Christ Episcopal Church 13050 Rock Point Rd Wayside, MD 11:00 am Procession will leave Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in LaPlata, Maryland at 10:00 am. Immediately following the burial we will welcome all family, friends and Fire Department members back to our station for food, refreshments, and fellowship at 17069 Cobb Island Rd, Cobb Island, MD 20625. All Stations wishing to bring apparatus for coverage in line of procession are requested to contact Fire Captain Bobby Higgs at 301-259-4258. Please keep the Staley family in your thoughts and prayers. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:16:13 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=112 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=111 Recently we received several inquiries from the community for the explanation of the department siren sounds. Our siren is set up to sound to four different types of emergencies. The most common siren is for EMS calls (Ambulance) and the other for Fire calls (Fire Truck or Boat). The EMS siren is one continous sound that normally lasts for a total of 15 seconds. The Fire siren is three sounds that go up and down and normally lasts for a total of 45 seconds. The other two siren sounds are for notifying the community of a tornado. If a tornado is sighted in our area the siren will sound constantly for 15 minutes and will alternate up and down for the 15 minutes, this is to warn our citizens to take cover or take shelter from the storm. The other sound is a All Clear siren. This is when the siren will sound continuously for 5 minutes. This is to notify the citizens that the storm has cleared or passed and we are not in the immediate threat area. All of these siren sounds are set from a remote location at our communications center in La Plata. We can also sound these sirens manually from our station if the need arises. Thu, 26 May 2011 16:07:45 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=111 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=110 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS Department had several members take and successfully complete the MFRI (Maryland Fire Rescue Institute) EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course) class. This course consists of 39 hours of lecture and practical evolutions. The objective of this course is to provide students with information on sensible and safe emergency vehicle driving procedures and collision avoidance and to develop basic skills in the operation of fire and rescue service apparatus. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the major concepts of emergency vehicle driving including safety, legal issues, communications, vehicle inspection and preparation, physical forces affecting driving and the operation of an emergency vehicle; and demonstrate basic competency as a driver of an emergency vehicle. Major topics covered in the course are safe driving and collision avoidance, Maryland motor vehicle statutes, route selection and communications, vehicle inspection and driving preparation, physical forces affecting driving, lights and sirens, basic control tasks, urban driving, negotiating intersections, turnarounds, following and passing vehicles, high-speed driving, dealing with adverse conditions and contingencies, and emergency parking. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, classroom exercises, audio/visual material, instructor evaluation, completion of exercises, homework, final written examination, and skills performance check off. Congratulations To: Cindy Holcomb Ed Robertson Kenny Staley Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:54:13 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=110 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=109 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS Department had several members take and successfully complete the MFRI (Maryland Fire Rescue Institute) Firefighter II class. This course consists of 60 hours of lecture and practical evolutions. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to become a journeyman firefighter. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and apply the principles of fire behavior; building construction; water distribution systems; fixed fire protection systems; ventilation; hose streams; fire prevention; inspections; ladders; and rescue techniques. (National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001, Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.) Major topics covered in the course are incident command, building construction, ventilation, water distribution, hose streams, fixed fire protection systems, fire prevention, inspection preplanning, ladders, and rescue procedures. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, classroom exercises, audio/visual material, practical skills graded, and a final examination. Congratulations To: Luke Chapman Chris Staley Matt Swann All of your hard work and dedication paid off. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:46:53 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=109 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=106 January 21, 2011 – At approximately 02:57 hours Company 6 was alerted for the first due working barn fire at 11700 Block of Cuckold Creek Road. Company 6 reponded with Engine 61, Tanker 6, Ambulance 69, and Chief 6A staffed with 12 volunteers. While enroute Charles County Communications advised that they had several calls reporting a working fire and that horses were reported to be involved. Duty Officer 14 (Hammett) from Newburg arrived on scene advising of a barn well involved. Chief 6A (Stine) arrived, assumed command, assigned Duty Officer 14 to Operations and E11 (LaPlata) to water supply. Crews from Engine 61, Engine 141 (Newburg), and E102 (Bel Alton) coordinated extinguishment efforts as E102's driver, Tanker 6 and E11 established a 2600 foot supply line relay to the drafting pit. The structure was a total loss and the fire loss was estimated at $50,000 by the State Fire Marshall. All of the horses were removed to safety by the homeowners prior to our arrival. Special thanks to King George County E21 for filling in at Company 6 and assisting our crew with clean-up after we returned. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:04:21 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=106 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=105 The department is proud to announce that one of our members has successfully completed and passed the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course. The course consisted of 131 instructional hours plus numerous hours of ride alongs on their companies ambulances to obtain their patient assessments. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level. They will be able to recognize, assess, and manage medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients of emergency situations. Congratulations to: Jennifer Winstead Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:33:00 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=105 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=103 Cobb Island Volunteers along with other county volunteer fire departments pay tribute to a fallen hero at a military funeral. The heroism and self-sacrifice of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Terry Honeycutt, 19, of Waldorf was honored by almost every volunteer fire department in the county by units participating in blocking intersections in the path of the procession route. The procession escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders and various Police and Sheriff agencies took several minutes to pass and left the county traveling under a ladder arch set up by the LaPlata Volunteer Fire Department Truck 1 and Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department Truck 3. The procession concluded at Arlington National Cemetary where the hero Marine was laid to rest. Links to Information about story: http://www.somdnews.com/stories/10292010/indytop195210_32354.shtml http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-latest/2010/10/lance-cpl-terry-e-honeycutt-jr-of-waldorf-killed-in-afghanistan-3919.html Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:07:35 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=103 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=102 Units from King George County were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm and arrived to find a house on fire on Kitchen Drive. King George units and Truck 28 from Dahlgren Naval Base filled the assignment, which brought additional King George companies and mutual aide from Charles County (Newburg Engine 143, Chief 14B and Bel Alton Tanker 10). Later in the incident Tanker 6 and Bel Alton Engine 101 were specialed for water supply. Tanker 6 responded with four personnel. The crew of Tanker 6 assisted with various fireground tasks while the tanker driver shuttled 5 loads of water. Crew: Officer - FF D. Hill Driver - FF E. Payne Bucket – FF J. Chapman Bucket – FF C. Staley Sat, 13 Nov 2010 19:52:42 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=102 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=98 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS will hold our annual Fire Prevention Open House on October 17, 2010 from 12 p.m. till 3p.m.at the Fire/EMS Station located at 17069 Cobb Island Road, Cobb Island, Maryland 20625. Once a child touches a hot stove, as the cliché goes—he learns his lesson, stay away from a hot stove. This cliché does not take into account the pain and suffering from burns and burns should not be part of the learning process. That's why the Cobb Island V.F.D. and EMS is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Week 2010 – October 17 – to urge Community residents to check their "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!". This year's campaign focuses on ways to keep homes fire safe and ways you can be alerted in case of a fire. Additionally, fire safety educators will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement), outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms. Never remove or disable smoke alarms. Interconnection of smoke alarms is highly recommended; when one smoke alarm sounds, they all do. (This is particularly important in larger or multi-story homes, where the sound from distant smoke alarms may be reduced to the point that it may not be loud enough to provide proper warning, especially for sleeping individuals.) A licensed electrician can install hard-wired multiple-station alarms. Wireless alarms, which manufacturers have more recently begun producing, can be installed by the homeowner. There are two types of smoke alarm technologies – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires – like a pan fire or the smoke from cooking. A photoelectric alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires – like a cigarette, overheated wiring or something hot like a space heater. Install both types of alarms in your home or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms that take advantage of both technologies. Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. If an alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. All smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and those that are hard-wired alarms, should be replaced when they're 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested. Never remove or disable a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing There are some smoke alarms with strobes or the ability to be used with strobes – also called visible notification appliances – that signal to awaken those that are deaf (those with profound hearing loss.) the use of tactile notification appliances (such as a pillow or bed shaker) is also now required, and activated by the sound of the smoke alarm. The means for signaling to awaken those who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) is through the use of a complex low frequency audible signal. Smoke alarms currently on the market do not produce this signal. However, separate notification appliances are available that do produce this signal, and are activated by the sound of the smoke alarm. Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For nearly 90 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information on "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!" Visit www.firepreventionweek.org Please come out and join us and meet your local Fire/EMS Department on October 17, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include: Puppet Show Firetruck Rides STOP, DROP AND ROLL 911 Simulator E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drill In The Home) Educational Movies and much more.... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:04:48 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=98 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=100 On Sunday September 19, 2010, Company 6 responded to the area of Cuckolds Creek Road for a reported brush fire. Brush Units from Cobb Island and Newburg arrived on the scene and located the fire to the rear of a residence in the woods near the water and marsh. The fire was extinguished which appeared to have been a make shift camp site. Operations were assumed by Deputy Fire Chief David Stine, Command was established by Chief Eddie Godwin. The incident continued for about an hour. Approximately 3,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire which had burned into the underbrush. Cobb Island VFD, Newburg VFD and the Bel Alton VFD responded. La Plata Company 1 responded to our station for a fill-in during the event. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:31:46 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=100 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=95 On the early morning of July 27, 2010 (0237am), The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS responded to an auto accident, originally dispatched as a vehicle into a building at the corner of Main Avenue and Atkinson Road. Rescue Engine 6-2 arrived on the scene with a vehicle entangled in a residential deck and no operator who had apparently fled the scene. Rescue Engine 6-2 provided lighting for the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Ambulance 68 and 69 remained on the scene until the vehicle was towed safely away from the structure. Damage to the deck was significant and estimated at $8,000.00 and the home suffered minor structural damage to the foundation and siding which required no shoring or other stabilization methods. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:08:37 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=95 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=96 The department is proud to announce that one of our members, Liz Hair has successfully completed and passed the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course. The course consisted of 131 instructional hours plus numerous hours of ride alongs on their company's ambulances to obtain their patient assessments. Liz enrolled into the accelerated course that lasted exactly 3 weeks and 4 days, Monday through Friday, 8 Hours a day. Normally the EMT course is spread out over a 4 to 5 month period. We are so very proud of the accomplishment that Liz has made. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level. They will be able to recognize, assess, and manage medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients of emergency situations. Congratulations to: Liz Hair Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:50:58 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=96 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=94 Congratulations to members Kayla Shymansky and Tyler LaRoque on the birth of their first child. Blake Austin LaRoque was born July 4, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital. Baby Blake weighed 7 pounds. Dad, Mom, and baby are doing well. We wish them the best! Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:44:14 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=94 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=93 On Friday night, members from company 6 attended a parade in Colonial Beach, Virginia and were awarded with several trophies and awards including Colonial Beach Fire departments coveted Best Pierce Apparatus in Line of Parade named after Past Chief Charles E. Catlett. The success was the best showing that Cobb Island has ever had at that particular parade. The parade is known as one of the noisiest parades on the east coast due to the siren and horn blowing that is allowed and encouraged. A special thank you to Colonial Beach for putting on such a fun event and to the Colonial Beach Fire Department members for their assistance with helping us celebrate as we made our loud exit from town. Members attending: Fire Capt. Bobby Higgs, Life Member Chuck Shaw, FF C. J. Lancaster, FF Anna Belmore, FF Robert Higgs, FF Lisa Payne, FF Ed Payne, Auxiliary Member Betty Higgs, Cadet Charity Higgs, Cadet Ashley Cherrico, Cadet Brandon Rice. Trophies/Awards: Best Appearing Overall Company, Best Appearing Company (Out of State), Best Appearing Pierce Apparatus, Best Appearing Custom Pumper, Best Appearing Support Unit, 2nd Best Appearing Brush Vehicle. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:32:50 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=93 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=92 The department is proud to announce that one of our members has successfully completed and passed the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course. The course consisted of 131 instructional hours plus numerous hours of ride alongs on their companies ambulances to obtain their patient assessments. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level. They will be able to recognize, assess, and manage medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients of emergency situations. Congratulations to: Katie James Wed, 19 May 2010 13:13:52 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=92 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=91 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire and EMS Department had several members take and successfully complete the MFRI (Maryland Fire Rescue Institute) Firefighter I class. This is the basic course that all interested members must take if they would like to run fire calls with our department. This course consists of 102 hours of lecture and practical evolutions. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform basic firefighting operations as part of a firefighting team. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and apply the principles of fire behavior; building construction; water distribution systems; fixed fire protection systems; ventilation; hose streams; fire prevention; and inspections, ladders, and rescue techniques. (National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001 for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications). Major topics covered in the course were the fire department organization, communications, incident command system, ropes and knots, fire behavior, safety, fire prevention, personal protective equipment, fire extinguishers, respiratory protection, ventilation, hose lines, forcible entry, search and rescue procedures, and ladder and sprinkler systems. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion classroom exercises, audio/visual material, graded practical exercises, midterm and final examinations, series of practical examinations, and skills check off and homework assignments, which are all, evaluated by the instructor for satisfactory completion. Congratulations To: Cindy Holcomb Christina Lancaster Chris Staley Matt Swann All of your hard work and dedication paid off. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:07:56 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=91 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=90 On Saturday April 3, 2010 Company 6 was alerted for a motor vehicle accident with subjects trapped and a vehicle on fire in the area of Rock Point Road and Swann Point Road. The following units responded to the crash. Rescue Engine 62 responded with 6 and Chief 6B, Ambulance 68 responded with 3, Engine 61 responded with 4 , Chief 6A, and EMS Chief 6A as Medic 6. Rescue Engine 62 approached the intersection of Rock Point Road and Swann Point Road with nothing found. Rescue Engine 62 asked Communications for a better location. Communications replied that CCSO was on the scene with one confirmed trapped and one on fire in the area of Rock Point Road and Maiden Point Farm Road. Paramedic Ambulance from 14 advised they were approaching the scene with heavy smoke in the area. Chief 6A established the Rock Point Road Command and advised Engine 61 to handle the vehicle fire, and Rescue Engine 62 to handle the auto extrication with the Engine from 14 assisting. Ambulance 68 and EMS Chief 6A cared for the patient trapped in the sedan while an EMT from Cobb Island provided care to the patient who was in pickup until the arrival of Paramedic Ambulance 148, who took over patient care. After assessing both patients, it was determined that both patients needed to be flown to a Trauma Center. At this time Chief 6A requested for a helicopter for two patients both priority 2 Category B Traumas. Rescue Engine 62 with the assistance from 14 extricated the one patient within 20 minutes from arrival on the scene. Both patients were assessed and spinal precautions were taken. Trooper 7 arrived quickly on the scene since there were already in the air before the crash. Trooper 7 landed at the crash site and airlifted both patients and EMS Chief 6A as the second medic to Prince George's Trauma Center. Units cleared at 2012 hours. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:06:39 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=90 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=81 The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Departmant and EMS would like to remind everyone to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clock's on Sunday March 13, 2010. Working smoke detectors can cut the chance of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing the extra time critical for safe escape. Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Most fire fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation; lethal amounts of smoke build long before the flames spread, lulling residents into a deep sleep. A working smoke detector will sound an alarm while there is still time to get out alive. Nationally, nearly 90 percent of all homes have smoke detectors, but it is estimated that one-quarter of those don't work because of worn or missing batteries. CIVFD recommends replacing smoke detector batteries at least twice a year, even if they appear to be working fine. Unfortunately, when detectors start 'chirping' to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced, many people disconnect the detector to stop the noise, not having another battery on hand. Replacing batteries when the time changes is an easy way to remember this important task. The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS advises having at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, in each bedroom, and in the hallways adjacent to any sleeping areas. Smoke detectors (even those that are hard-wired) should be tested monthly to ensure that you have the protection you need when you need it. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:55:11 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=81 http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=86 On January 13, 2010, at 0947 hours, a call was dispatched for a working house fire at Sankston Place off of Wicomico Beach Road. Units responded from companies 6, 14, 10, 1, King George 2, and St. Mary's 2. Engine 143 arrived on the scene with fire on side A & D and laid out a 3" supply line. Engine 61 arrived on scene and laid out a second supply line. Crew from both units advanced an attack line to side A, while a second line was pulled for back up. Fire Captain 6 established command with chief 14B as operations and chief 10B as water supply. Additional tankers were requested and dispatched. Due to the condition of the house, command ordered for exterior operations only. Operations requested a 3rd line be advanced to side C for exposure of a propane tank. Chief 6A arrived on the scene and assumed safety officer, while F/F Shaw took accountability and Duty officer Mattingly assisted with logistics and command. The Fire Marshal and SMECO was requested by command. The fire was under control within approximately 30 minutes. After extensive overhaul, the last units cleared approximately 1330 hours. There were no occupants in the house but several cats perished in the fire. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:36:34 GMT http://www.civfd.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=86