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 Former Palm Beach County Truck Overseas- Story by Mark V. Carr, Photo by Dr. James Kus.
Posted on
April 5th
, 2009
As the fleet of most fire departments age, new apparatus are purchased
to replace them. What happens to the older rigs is not usually of concern,
and is not usually kept track of, except by fire apparatus buffs and
historians. Some rigs are sold or donated to smaller departments close by.
Others are traded in and purchased by smaller departments where they're
often refurbished and given a new life. And quite often, the rigs are sold
at auction and used by private owners or shipped abroad.
Such is the case of this 1986 Ford F350/Wheeled Coach unit former rescue truck
recently found in Argentina.
 Vehicle Accident on US-27- Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice.
Posted on
April 7th
, 2009
On Thursday, March 31st, units from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR)
and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) were dispatched to a reported
single-vehicle roll-over on US Hwy 27, approximately 10 miles north of South
Bay. Construction workers in the area reported that a vehicle rolled over
several times with 2 people being ejected.
DC7, BC7 and E74 arrived to find an SUV in the median with heavy damage.
Two patients were noted on the ground upon arrival. Command was established
and a quick assessment of the patients was completed. With the extent of
the injuries, both Trauma Hawk One and Trauma Hawk Two were request to fly.
Due to the close proximity to the Hendry County Line, Hendry County MED
108 and the Clewiston Fire Department also arrived on scene.
Patients were treated, immobilized and transported to the landing zone at
John Stretch Park. Both patients were airlifted to the regional trauma center.
Units on scene- BC7, DC7, EMS7, E74, R74, E73, R73, TH1, TH2,
Hendry County MED 108 and an Engine from The Clewiston Fire Department.
 Rush Hour Wreck Snarls Traffic in West Palm Beach- Story and photos by Captain Mark V. Carr.
Posted on
March 24th
, 2009
Several units from the West Palm Beach Fire Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
responded to a rush-hour crash on Okeechobee Blvd. just west of Interstate 95. Initial
reports were that 5 or 6 vehicles were involved, one on its roof and smoking.
West Palm Beach's Rescue 6 and Engine 1 were initially dispatched and Palm Beach County's
Engine 24 and Rescue 24 were dispatched to what was initially thought to be another crash
in the same area. The two calls turned out to be one and the same. Squad 4 and Rescue 4
from West Palm Beach as well as several EMS, Chiefs, and Safety Officers subsequently
responded when the intensity of the telephone reports escalated. City and County crews ended
up working together to assess and mitigate the incident.
First on the scene was West Palm Beach Squad 4 who reported multiple vehicles with one car
rolled over and onto the hood of another. Both the east and west bound lanes of Okeechobee
Blvd, a major artery in the center of the county, were cluttered with crashed cars pointed
in all directions in the roadway.
There were several walking-wounded victims from the crash as well as a couple that were treated
and transported by West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. Most of the victims received only minor
injuries and were treated and released at the scene. Amazingly, nobody was trapped or
seriously injured.
 Fire in Canal Point- Story by Lt. Tony Faso R72-C, pictures by PBSO.
Posted on
March 23rd
, 2009
On 3-19-09 at 2317 hours, units from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 72
in Pahokee and Station 73 in Belle Glade responded to a residential structure fire
in Canal Point. While responding, units were notified that the Palm Beach Sheriff's
Deputies were on scene and reporting a house fully involved with the house next to it
beginning to burn.
On arrival, station 72's units found a house 75% involved, with flames blowing out the windows on
the Bravo, Charlie and Delta sides. The flames were touching the neighbor's house. The Alpha
side was showing black, boiling smoke, exiting under extreme pressure. As the first line was
being pulled, this angry black smoke lit off, resulting in an fire ball rolling out from
the front porch. Captain Paccione on Engine 72 ordered the first line deployed to protect the
Bravo exposure, which now had flames rolling over the top of it. A water supply was quickly
established by Engine 72 Driver R. Rodriguez and Tender 72 Driver Bud McCarroll. With a
positive water supply, the second pre-connect as well as the 2.5" were charged, both as fire
attack lines. Although initially short handed, Engine 72 and Rescue 72 crews were able to put
all three lines in service until the balance of the alarm arrived. With all 3 lines flowing,
the water system in that area was taxed. The closest hydrant could only supply about 400 gpm's.
Because of a quick and aggressive fire attack by the Station 72 crews, the exposure was saved
and a family still has a home to live in. The structure suffered very minor damage to the outside
"Delta" wall. Unfortunately, the house of origin was a complete loss. The residents in the
community gave all PBCFR crews great praise for their quick and aggressive fire attack which
resulted in a save for their neighbors home.
Units on scene - E72, R72, T72, B72, E73, E73B, EMS7, DC7, IV.
 Local 2928 Recognizes Local News Anchor-
Posted on
March 19th
, 2009
The Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF, Inc.,
recognized a WPTV Channel 5 local news anchor, Chandra Bill, for achieving second place
in the International Association of Fire Fighters annual "TV News Feature or Documentary
Contest."
Ms. Bill has shown support of local efforts to get the State of Florida to
recognize cancer as a presumptive disease for Firefighters by creating a series of new
stories documenting and bringing attention to the issue. As part of her news series, Ms.
Bill documented the trials and tribulations of Palm Beach County Firefighter Guy Roper as
he battled the disease.
On more than one occasion, Ms. Bill traveled to Texas to meet with and interview Roper using
her own time. Local 2928 showed its support of Ms. Bill’s efforts to bring attention to
this cause by entering the news series into the national contest and later recognizing her
for her success in achieving second place with a certificate of achievement and a gift of
appreciation.
 Sons of the American Revolution Awards Recipients-
Posted on
March 19th
, 2009
Three of our employees were honored at an awards ceremony held by the Palm Beach Chapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. The Sons of the American
Revolution is a fraternal organization made up of direct descendants of our country's
"Founding Fathers". Their purpose is to maintain those ideals which their descendants
fought to instill in our country.
Once a year they hold an awards ceremony to honor those involved in fire safety and law
enforcement who have made outstanding accomplishments and/or contributions of the areas of
fire safety and law enforcement. This year, the awards ceremony was held at the Sailfish
Club in the Town of Palm Beach.
Twelve people were being honored this year: six for law enforcement, and six for fire safety.
Out of those six for fire safety, three were from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue: Fire Safety
Specialist John Harsch, EMS Captain Craig Prusansky, and District Chief William Rowley.
These three were awarded the medal for their exemplary work in various areas of the fire service.
Also in attendance were the supervisors for these employees: Deputy Chief Randy Sheppard,
Division Chief Jim St. Pierre, and Battalion Chief Michael Arena.
 Vehicle vs Gas Pump, With Fire- Story and photos by Captain Jeffrey Teems.
Posted on
March 17th
, 2009
E42, R44, E44, R45, DC4, EMS4 responded to a signal 4 in a Chevron parking lot
with gas pumps involved. Found 2 vehicles on fire and a gas pump taken out of
the ground. One patient transported ALS to DCH.
 Royal Palm Beach Students Say, "I Can" with Station 28- Story and photo by Captain Mark V. Carr.
Posted on
March 16th
, 2009
Concern for humanity is still alive in Royal Palm Beach! Students at Ideal
Preschool and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach had a "Heart to Heart" talk
with Principal/Co-owner Wendy Soderman, also a teacher at the schools, and learned
that they can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate of their own
community. Every Friday afternoon, at the end of the school day, the children are
given an opportunity to share in the project aptly called "I Can", by the students.
Along with Principal/Co-owners Chris and Wendy Soderman, teachers and parents, the students
take a 4-mile walk from their school to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 28 and back.
With them, the each carry a canned good that they deposit in a bin at the fire station.
The firefighters then take the canned goods to local church or civic groups to be dispersed
as needed.
Approximately 100 students choose to participate in the weekly journey. To show their
excitement for the cause, they've designed their own special t-shirts that identify their
mission. They wear the shirts as identification on the trip and as a way to promote their
joy of giving.
Wendy Soderman and teacher Joanne Markovich share that the kids' desire is for other schools,
churches and groups see what they are doing and join in the cause.
At the fire station, the kids are allowed to help themselves to ice cold water and a shady spot
to rest before returning to school. Some even enjoy looking over the fire engine and talking
to the firefighters. As an extra reward for participating, the kids get to pick a ticket from
a hat for a lucky chance reward. Winning ticket holders are rewarded in a variety of ways
such as a dress-down day, being allowed to wear their pajamas to school, and other class
privileges.
Children are our future family and community leaders. It's encouraging to see them display
such a giving spirit at such young ages. Way to go kids!
 Double Drowning in Lake Okeechobee Canal- Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky.
Posted on
March 6th
, 2009
On Friday, February 27, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue
Station 73 responded to a report of a boating accident at John Stretch
Park near the community of Lake Harbor. A man, his daughter, and his
granddaughter were boating when the boat took a sharp turn, causing the
three to fall into the water.
A PBSO (Palm Beach County Sheriff Office) Deputy who was close by was able
to rescue the 8-year old daughter from the water, but the man and his
granddaughter were not able to be rescued and died. Crews from Station 73
deployed Airboat 73 to perform a search of the area. The granddaughter was
found later that night by Florida Game and Fish officers, and the man was
found the next day by PBSO divers.
The daughter was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected
to recover. The PBCFR Light and Air unit remained on scene all night to
assist the law enforcement officials with the search.
The incident is under investigation by PBSO.
Unit on scene: E73, E73B, AB73, R73, LA24, DC7, EMS7
 Rollover Crash with Fire on US 27 in Lake Harbor- Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky.
Posted on
March 6th
, 2009
On Saturday, February 28, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue
Stations 73 and 74 responded to a report of a rollover car crash with fire
near Mile Marker 81 on US Highway 27, near the community of Lake Harbor.
Crews arrived to find a single vehicle on its side, fully engulfed in
flames. The occupant of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital
with minor injuries. The fire was extinguished quickly by the responding
crews. The crash had US Highway 27 closed for a couple of hours.
The incident is under investigation by PBSO.
Unit on scene: E74, E73B, R73B, DC7, EMS7
 Semi Crash on US 27 Near Okeelanta- Story and photo by Captain Craig Prusansky.
Posted on
March 6th
, 2009
On Friday, March 6, 2009, at 5:20 am, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue
Stations 73 and 74 responded to a report of a vehicle crash with near
the Okeelanta Sugar Mill on US Highway 27 several miles south of South Bay.
Crews arrived to find two semi-trailers that had collided, both having
severe damage. The driver of one of the trucks was ejected and had died
from his injuries on the scene. The three occupants of the other truck
were treated on scene and released.
The incident is under investigation by Palm Beach County Sheriff Office
and Florida Highway Patrol.
Unit on scene: E74, E73B, R73B, DC7, EMS7
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