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Captain Doug McGlynn Receives Firefighter of the Year AwardCaptain Doug McGlynn Receives Firefighter of the Year Award
Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO. Posted on November 25th , 2009

Our very own Captain Doug McGlynn, Battalion 9A, recently received the Firefighter of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.  Doug was the employee of the year with Fire Rescue last year and more than deserved this year’s honor for his untiring work with customer service, training and numerous other special projects.  Our congratulations go out to Captain McGlynn.

Crop Duster Concerns on C-ShiftCrop Duster Concerns on C-Shift
Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice. Posted on November 23rd , 2009

On November 17th, Station 72, was called to respond to two PBSO Deputies who were on patrol when a crop duster flew overhead and released an unknown substance on top of them. Fortunately the deputies were inside their units when the fly over occurred. DC9 and Special Operations 34 were consulted to determine the best course of action.

The product was determined to be a non-toxic fungicide. DC9 recommended that the SO cruisers be de-contaminated. E72 crew applied water and foam to breakdown the fungicide. The Deputies were directed to take a shower and wash their uniforms before returning to patrol.

Units involved, E72, R72, T72, DC7, DC9, E34, Special Operations 34.

Roll-over in Dead Mans CurveRoll-over in Dead Mans Curve
Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice. Posted on November 23rd , 2009

Units from the 7th Battalion were paged out for a truck that had rolled over in the middle of Dead Man's Curve north of Hooker Highway on 441.

Upon arrival Station 73 units found what had been a fully loaded dump truck on its side with a minor fuel leak. The  truck was laying across the roadway, guardrail to guardrail, making it impossible for any units to get by. E73 initially used soil to build a dike and then absorbent rolls to contain any fluid. R73 transported the driver of the truck to an area hospital for further evaluation.

Units on scene- E73, R73, EMS7, DC7.

Station 32: The Reconstruction (Part II)
Posted on October 1st , 2009

Pictures of the progress of the construction of Station 32.

PBCFR Provides Skid Control Training for North LauderdalePBCFR Provides Skid Control Training for North Lauderdale
Story and photos by Captain Doug Watson, Training and Safety Division. Posted on November 18th , 2009

North Lauderdale's Ladder 44 navigates on wet pavement through the EVOC course as part of a 6-hour re-certification curriculum being held at PBCFR.  All members of the North Lauderdale Fire Department will be attending the training during November which consists of 3-hours of classroom instruction, 1 1/2-hours on the driving simulator and 1 1/2-hours on the driving range. Similar skid control training is planned as on-duty training for PBCFR in early 2010.

Crash in Fog on US 27 Near OkeelantaCrash in Fog on US 27 Near Okeelanta
Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky. Posted on November 18th , 2009

At 5:22 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 74 responded to a reported crash involving 2 semi-trucks and a minivan, in front of the Okeelanta Sugar Mill. Crews arrived to find a minivan pinned between the two trucks. Fortunately, the driver of the minivan was able to remove himself from the van before the crews arrived.

One person was taken to a local hospital. The crash is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Crews from Station 31 Receive PBSO HonorsCrews from Station 31 Receive PBSO Honors
Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO. Posted on November 16th , 2009

On Friday, November 13, members of two crews from Station 31 received awards at the Annual Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Awards luncheon held at the Kravis Center.  Captain Ed O'Berry received the Combat Cross for his heroic effort in saving the life of a police officer (the first civilian, non-law enforcement type to ever receive one). The other PBCFR individuals received the PBSO Samaritan Award.  Over 750 people were in attendance and the local media covered the event.  Captain O'Berry received a standing ovation. 

3 Semi-tractor Trailer Signal 4 in the 7th Battalion3 Semi-tractor Trailer Signal 4 in the 7th Battalion
Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice. Posted on November 13th , 2009

On October 27th, units from the 7th Battalion were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving 3 big rigs. The location of the accident was at the Martin/Palm Beach county line on US Hwy 441, a long distance from the nearest station. 

E72 with Capt. Jennifer Johnson was first to arrive. Arrival report indicated two semi-tractor trailers and one low-boy were involved. All hands were busy until units from Station 73 arrived. One person was trapped and required extrication. Two of the trucks suffered heavy damage and the low-boy was reported to have had its trailer thrown through the air, landing in a construction parking lot. The truck without the driver trapped also had a small engine compartment fire shortly after initial arrival of units. One saddle tank was torn off a truck and another was ripped open.

Command was established, a protective hoseline pulled, scene and patient evaluation initiated and extrication was begun by Station 72 personnel. Trauma Hawk arrived and determined its best LZ was on top of the Levee just north of the incident. Units from Station 73 along with command staff arrived to assist units on scene. One person was airlifted to the regional trauma center.

Units on scene, E72, R72, T72, E73B, R73, DC7, EMS7, TH1.

New District Chief Vehicle for Battalion 7New District Chief Vehicle for Battalion 7
Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice. Posted on November 13th , 2009

The 7th Battalion "The Glades" took delivery of their new District Chief's vehicle last month. Realizing things are different in the west and off road trips are common, Battalion Chief Michael Arena decided to go with something more suited for the cane fields and rural roads than the standard Suburban. The answer was a 3/4 ton, Ford F250, 4 doors, 4 wheel drive.

The basic platform was selected as it has increased ground clearance and load carrying capabilities. It better accommodates off road operations and towing of the various vehicles that may be used out west, such as Airboat 73 or the Mule for search and rescue in the Holey Lands.

Shop Mechanic John Vasko was responsible for putting the whole package together. The three DC's worked on the basic layout that they felt would allow maximum use of the space available. John was invaluable in making suggesting that allowed the DC's ideas to work much better. He prefabricated the top shelf which doubled the storage capacity and features a backboard storage area for MCI's.

By selecting a pickup instead of the Suburban, we were given more options. There is no longer any equipment or contaminated gear stored inside the cab. There are no storage compartments that open into the cab requiring gear to be moved to gain access. People can be transported in each seat. The rear seat area can be utilized for a command center when a controlled environment is required. All the gear that the DC carries is now easily accessible from the two side doors on the topper. A white Plexiglas sheet was installed on the inside of the rear tailgate. This allows it to be used as a huge command board or a platform for maps when Airboat 73 is deployed.

The truck features additional LED emergency lights, PIAA fog lights, a Rumbler siren, a slide out tray in the bed and a 9,000 lb winch. Due to the potential for MCI's and extreme response times with limited backup, the top deck has a special compartment to transport disposable backboards. It is a welcome addition to the Tri-cities area.

2009 Golden Palm Award Nomination for Captain Craig Prusansky
Battalion Chief Michael Arena. Posted on November 10th , 2009

Captain Prusansky has been with Palm Beach County since 1991 and has been in the Glades since 2007. He presently serves as an EMS Captain overseeing the paramedics on his shift for the Glades response area.

As is typical of him Captain Prusansky always takes on additional work not necessarily related with his primary job functions. He is a key person in the Battalion 7 Hurricane/Disaster planning staff. He organized the Command staff and set up a communication process which routinely keeps everyone in the communication loop when a storm is possibly threatening Palm Beach County. He maintains this 24/7 even when he is off duty.  I could go on describing all of the additional duties and responsibilities he has taken on but I would like to highlight the addressing project he is working on.

His most recent and notable accomplishment has received recognition in the entire Glades community, local media and recognition from other county departments. He took it upon himself to correct incorrect addresses in the Glades. This is a tremendous undertaking since emergency calls were delayed because of improper addresses.

He started out by working with the GIS folks in improving the maps; this quickly evolved in is attendance of several home owners meetings and involvement with the GTAC (Glades Technical Advisory Committee) which is coordinated through the OCR (Office of Community Revitalization). He has received several public accolades in meetings from Mr. Houston Tate and his office, the Canal Point Community, The Palm Beach Post, The Sons of the American Revolution and the Palm Beach Sheriff's office.

He took it upon himself to personally visit every residence in the Canal point and Lake Harbor areas and one by one is correcting their addresses. He has even been working with the United States Post office.

The bulk of this effort has been on his own time and utilizing his worn resources. Several news stories have been done in the Glades and I have attached a packet illustrating an example of some of his efforts.

In fact he maintains a website for people to contact him in order to continue this project for all of the Glades. The site is http://can911findyou.kkpss.info

Captain Prusansky is a go to person and truly deserving of this recognition and consistently goes the extra mile to benefit the Citizens and employees of Palm Beach County.

Busy Weekend for the Honor Guard and the Pipe and Drum BandBusy Weekend for the Honor Guard and the Pipe and Drum Band
Posted on November 10th , 2009

On Saturday Nov 7, the honor guard and Pipe Band presented colors on the track at the Palm Beach Kennel Club for the kick off of South Florida Fire Fest. That night the band split and half went to play at Slaintes for the after burner party for Fire Fest. The rest of the band were the guests of the United States Marine Corps. 4th ANGLICO. The band played at the USMC 2009 Birthday Ball celebrating 234 years of the USMC. PBCFR's own Tony Acosta and Lee Bronco were in attendance also.

The band than went and played at the Combat Challenge Teams fundraiser in PB Gardens. On Sunday, Nov. 8. both groups went and marched in the Veterans Day parade down Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Special thanks to the Black Pearl , Browards Bravest Pipes and Drums and Engine 24 "C" for the help over the weekend.

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