Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company

6305 Addison Road ** Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743 **** (301) 336-2331

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2004 Incidents

December 31st, 2004 - Another year over - Well it looks as if another year has come to a close here in Seat Pleasant, and although it was incredibly slow most of the year, it was still a relatively good one. Many hard times were handled and overcome with the passing of long time Chief Pat Souders and the recent injury to our Captain, Joe Johnson, however the volunteers have adapted reasonably well in dealing with these difficult times. The year end stats are as follows:

Fires : 124 Shootings : 32 Extrications : 39

Engine : 1194 Squad : 1858 Ambulance : 3588

Total runs : 6640

Busiest month : December with 588 runs

Busiest month for fires : February with 16 fires

Busiest month for Shootings : May with 6 shootings

Busiest month for Extrications : April with 6 extrications

We hope the upcoming year is exceptionally better, and the volunteers look forward to making it one of the best ever. We look forward to seeing everyone back as well as the new members who have joined and anyone else wishing to be a part of what we do. Enjoy 2005 everyone !!!!

December 31st - Ambulance 88 on police involved shooting - Just after 0600 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to Walker Mill Rd and Ritchie Rd in Company 37's area for a shooting. The series of events started about 20 minutes prior to being dispatched as a cab driver was carjacked at gunpoint across from the firehouse. The car was taken by two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, and driven toward the Ritchie area. Luckily, the cab had GPS and police were quickly able to find the vehicle. Upon finding it at Walker Mill and Ritchie Rd, the police stopped and surrounded the vehicle. As they were moving in to remove the suspects, the driver threw the cab in reverse and sped toward the officers, trying to run them over. The cab struck a police cruiser as an officer, in fear of his safety and the safety of his fellow officers, fired 1 shot at the driver striking him in the upper body. Ambulance 88 and Medic 46 treated the victim who was then transported to a local hospital. A loaded semi automatic handgun was found in the vehicle and the driver has been charged as an adult on many charges. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.

December 29th - Engine 83 on stabbing - Just before 0300 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6900 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for one stabbed from a domestic. Engine 83 arrived to find a subject stabbed and started EMS care. The patient was stabilized and taken to an area hospital via EMS units. Engine 83 returned to service in about 30 minutes after cleaning up.

December 25th

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone everywhere from the officers and members of the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company.

December 24th - Captain Johnson's children and others receive gifts - During the past week, many people from area fire departments and from the community have assisted in providing toys and other necessary items for Joe's children by dropping them off at Station 38. Today, the toys were being distributed and due to the incredible support by the community and area fire departments, Joe's children along with a few other families in the area were able to enjoy Christmas. Bags and bags of toys and two bikes were collected for Joe but even with that done, there were still so many toys left and a few extra bikes, that they were distributed to other families in need including the family where Captain Johnson was injured, as they lost everything, as well as a local women's shelter where over 40 children will spend Christmas. Seat Pleasant Volunteers were on hand at Station 38 along with members of the media as the distributions took place. After it was over, Deputy Chief Jeff Mehaffey, past Chief Mike Harrison , and Vol FF Jerell Thomas took all the toys on Engine 83 and delivered them to Joe's children. Special thanks to Chief 38 (Bolden) , Chief 38A (Gansert), all the area fire departments, and the citizens for allowing Joe's family to enjoy Christmas even though he will not be able to be with them as he remains in critical condition. Support continues to pour in, and for that, we thank everyone.

December 23rd - Engine 83 on early morning fatal fire - At 0445 hours, Engine 83 responded with units from the 3rd Battalion for a bedroom on fire in an apartment in the 2700 Blk of Lewis Ave. Units arrived to find a working fire in a first floor apartment with people trapped. Several lines were advanced to keep the fire in check while units made rescues as the fire spread to the second floor. Several people were taken to area hospitals and one resident in the original fire apartment was pronounced dead on the scene. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour.

December 21st - Engine 83 on District Heights townhouse fire - Just before 0100 hours, Engine 83 responded second due on the box in the 1700 Blk of Addison Rd S in Company 26's area for a townhouse fire. E261 arrived with nothing evident , however , Engine 83 arrived in the rear with a working fire. Engine 261 ran a line to the second floor finding a room off while Engine 83 ran a line to the rear and up a ladder to the third floor to check the floor above. While there, they checked for extension, searched and vented. The fire was extinguished a short time later with minimal extension. Engine 83 remained on the scene for over an hour.

December 20th - Ambulance 88 on trauma on Beltway - During the evening rush hour, Ambulance 88 responded to the Outer Loop of the Capitol Beltway south of Central Ave for an accident with one off the roadway. Units arrived to find 6 patients including two children. The children were removed quickly and work began on the adults. All were traumas and had to be extricated. Ambulance 88 treated a patient with a fractured femur along with many other injuries. She was eventually flown by Trooper 2 to a local Trauma center . In all, 3 helicopters were called to the scene for transport which wreaked havoc on evening rush hour due to both sides of the Beltway having to be shut down. Ambualnce 88 cleaned up and cleared in about an hour.

December 18th - Engine 81 and Chief 8A on another fire then trauma - After trying to get some rest and several medic locals, Engine 81 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 600 Blk of Elfin Ave in Capitol Heights for a house on fire. E51 arrived to find a vacant house with fire on the first floor. Engine 81 arrived just after E51 and took the hydrant in front of the house, supplied E51, and then ran a back up line. The crew vented and searched as the fire was contained to to a few rooms and a hallway. The assignment was scaled back shortly after holding the units for about an hour. Chief 8A had safety and Chief 5A had command. As Engine 81 was clearing, they were sent to Addison Rd and Central Ave, in front o fthe metro, for a pedestrian struck. Chief 8A and E554, who was on a transfer, were already on the scene as citizens had stopped by the station to advise of the accident. Engine 81 and E554 stabilized and treated the patient who was still face down in the middle of Central Ave. The victim was transported to a local trauma center by Paramedic Ambulance 5 suffering from numerous injuries. Units from 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.

December 18th - Engine 81 and Chief 8A on vacant building fire - Around 0500 hours Engine 81 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to Company 17's area for fire coming from the roof of a building in the area of Opus Ave and Boundary Ave. E174 arrived in the 1500 Blk of Boundary Ave to find heavy fire from the 2nd and 3rd floors of one of the many vacant buildings. Engine 81 arrived and layed a line from E292 and pulled to side A. While Engine 174 was knocking the stairwell and the two apartments on the second floor, Engine 81 and Chief 8A advanced a line to the floor above extinguishing the stairwell there and then moving on to the two apartments that were on fire. Chief 8A was given Division 3 and worked with Engine 81 and Truck 5 to open up. Due to the heavy fire conditions and prolonged burning, the floor had burned through in many spots making the job of extinguishing a bit tougher. After knocking down the front apartment Engine 81 moved their line to the rear apartment knocking that. Holes in the floor initially prevented Engine 81's crew from getting to the fire in the rear bedroom but after holding it in check while the wall from the kitchen was breached by Engine 81's officer, the crew made it and that fire was also extinguished. Engine 81 and Truck 9 , dispatched on the 1st task force, operated for the duration on the 3rd floor opening up and hitting hot spots while other crews operated on the 2nd floor. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Units returned to Seat Pleasant around 8am and Battalion Chief 3 had the command.

December 12th - 1st due house fire critically injures volunteer Captain - Around 2230 hours, Engine 81 responded right around the corner to the 200 Blk of 69th St for a house on fire. Engine 81 arrived with light smoke showing and ran a line to the house finding a light haze. Volunteer Captain Joe Johnson ran the line and searched for the fire along with Truck 5 as conditions started to deteriorate. The fire was located in the basement and the line was taken downstairs. The Captain made his way through the debris downstairs as the fire started to become more intense. The fire was darkened down by Engine 81 but in the process, Captain Johnson was now out of air and in the basement where the only way out was back up the stairs. Chief 8 ( McGill ) had the command and upon learning of Captain Johnson's condition a Mayday signal was transmitted. Communications sounded the tone and Truck 9, who was the RIC, was deployed. Command called for a RIC Task Force as well as a fire task force as it was initially unclear how many firefighters were in the basement as Truck 5's crew was not accounted for. Soon after, both Captain Johnson with the assistance from members of 5, 38, and 33 and the crew of Truck 5 emerged from the basement and units were called out to regroup as fire was now involving the basement and part of the first floor. Units were redployed to extinguish the fire and hot spots while keeping away from the front door as the floor was unstable. Captain Johnson was transported by Medic 46 and EMS1 to the burn unit at Medstar where he was admitted into ICU in critical condition with burns and smoke inhalation. The prognosis is good as doctors think he will be fine after a few days, and well, we are sure of it. The units from 8 cleared about 4 am, almost 6 hours later. The cause is still under investigation. Get better soon " Slo Joe ", there's plenty more fires to run.

December 11th - Trauma Night for Seat Pleasant - Saturday proved to be even busier then Friday with 28 runs, including 4 traumas in 6 hours. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the first just before 2100 hrs for a pedestrian struck in the 6200 blk of Central Ave. Company 8 assisted with packaging a child who was taken by Paramedic Ambulance 5 to Childrens Hospital in DC. Both units cleared in 20 minutes. The second trauma came about a half hour after clearing in the 5600 blk of Coolidge St where units arrived to find a 2 car accident. Ambulance 88 packaged one patient and transported to PG Trauma with Medic 29 on board. Trauma number three came just before midnight at Central Ave and East Capitol St for a reported Hit and Run. After searching the area for about 5 minutes and talking to witnesses, the Squad found the patient who had fled the scene about 75 yards from where she was allegedly struck by a car. Ambulance 88 packaged the patient and transported to Medstar Trauma in Washington DC. The fourth and final trauma came about 3 am Sunday morning as Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 6800 blk of Walker Mill Rd for an accident with one trapped. No one was trapped however the untits from 8 packaged 3 patients, 2 of which were traumas. Ambulance 88 transported one of them with Medic 29 on board to PG trauma again. The Squad cleared in about 30 minutes and Ambulance 88 finally made it home about 90 minutes later.

December 10th - Busy Day Includes Fire and Extrication - Friday proved to be another busy day for the week as Company 8 responded on 26 runs. Just before 1030 Squad 8 responded to the 2100 blk of Alice Ave for a reported apartment fire. First in units found a working fire in a first floor apartment. Squad 8 arrived and handled the RIC assignment while units put a quick knock on the fire. Squad 8 assisted units on the scene for about 30 minutes. Later at 1430 hours, Squad 8 was added to the accident at Central Ave and Harry S Truman Dr where Engine 461 and Ambulance 88 were on the scene with one trapped. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the car, and popped the passenger side door providing access for the EMS units to remove the patient who was then taken to an area trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service a short time later.

December 8th - Engine 81 on District Heights house fire - Just after 0800 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 6200 Blk of Alpine St in Company 26's area for a house fire. E261 arrived to find a house with smoke showing. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the kitchen was involved in fire with significant extension to the 2nd floor. Engine 81 arriving next, layed from a nearby hydrant to the house and ran a line to the second floor to extinguish the fire there. While part of the crew was extinguishing the fire, the other crew members did a search and opened up finding several holes in the floor where fire had burned through. Due to the amount of debris upstairs and the fire involvement, units were held for awhile for overhaul. Four dogs died in the blaze. Engine 81 returned to service around 0930 hours.

December 6th - Company 8 on trauma - Just before 2130 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the unit block of Cindy La in Seat Pleasant for a man down between 2 buildings. Upon arrival, they found a semi conscious male bleeding from the face and ear after being attacked. Squad 8 and Medic 46 were called to the scene to assist. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 treated the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center with a closed head injury in 88 with Medic 46 on board. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 90 minutes after cleanup.

December 5th - Three dead after early morning fire - About 15 minutes after returning from the extrication on the Beltway, Engine 81, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to Addison Rd and L St in Company 38's area for a house on fire with people trapped. Units from 8 arrived along with E384 and Chief 38A to find a house with heavy fire on both floors and confirmed people trapped. Engine 81 and E384 both quickly ran lines to the front to make entry and start extinguishing and searching. E384's line burst as it went through the front door leaving Engine 81 to handle the heavy fire conditions until another line could get in place. The crew from 8 made headway as they found one of the victims in a bedroom severely burned. Shortly after, crews from 5 and 33 found the other two victims, an adult male and a child, both unresposnive suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Both were removed to the crew of Ambulance 88 and Paramedic Ambulance 5 where CPR was started immediately. The crews split off and both patients were quickly taken to area hospitals. All of the victims died as a result of their injuries. A fire task force and an EMS task force were called to assist. The fire was under control in about 20 minutes as units used caution to extinguish hotspots as the structure was weakened. Units from 8 remained on the scene until the very end around 0500 hours to clean up and assist investigators. Chief 8 had interior during the incident. Later on in the afternoon, the crew from 8 went back out to the neighborhood to assist in handing out smoke detectors and batteries. The cause was determined to be unattended smoking materials.

December 4th - Company 8 extricates 1 from tractor trailer - At 2245 hours, an assignment was dispatched to the Inner Loop of the Beltway at Central Ave for an accident with one overturned. Due to the initial reported location, Squad 22 was sent instead of Squad 8 however, Chief 8 ( McGill ) was in the area finding a tractor trailer on its side on the ramp from Central Ave to the Outer Loop of the Beltway with the driver pinned in the cab and requested Squad 8 to respond. Squad 8 responded along with Ambulance 88 ( after clearing a pediatric code in 37's area who was brought back ) and went to work stabilizing the truck and beginning extrication. Squad 8 and Squad 22 worked under the direction of Chief 8 for almost an hour to remove the driver by removing the roof of the tractor. The driver was transported to a local trauma center by EMS units. Units from 8 cleared in just over an hour.

December 3rd - Squad 8 extricates 1 after police chase - Just before 2000 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 6400 Blk of Marlboro Pike in District Heights for an accident with one trapped. Units arrived to find an suv on its side with one trapped and several injured. Police had been chasing a vehicle wanted in connection with a carjacking and attempted robbery when it crashed into several cars. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle, removing the roof allowing the patient to be removed. Four BLS patients and 1 Trauma were transported to area hospitals. It is unclear if all suspects were arrested, however some were taken into custody. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about an hour.

December 1st - First call of the month, working fire for Squad 8 - Around 0340 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2900 Blk of Parkland Dr for a vacant house on fire in Company 26's area. E261 arrived to find a house with heavy fire throughout. An initial interior attack was tried but was changed to an exterior attack due to fire load and holes in the floor of the vacant dwelling. Squad 8 took the RIC assignment as units tried to extinguish the fire with several lines. Squad 8 remained on the scene assisting units for about 90 minutes before returning home.

November 28th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on townhouse fire - Just before 2000 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 14200 Blk of Governor Lee Pl in Company 20's area for a townhouse on fire. Squad 20 arrived first with fire showing from the garage. The first arriving units went to work doing a search and knocking the fire as some had extended to the second floor. Squad 8 was given RIC assignments as we rode, and rode, and rode some more to the call. A task force was called bringing 2 more engines and a rescue squad. Units from 8 arrived at last and assumed the RIC. The fire was extinguished and units were held for about 45 minutes checking for extension.

November 24th - Busy day yields shooting and extrication - Wednesday was rather busy bringing 29 runs for Company 8 including a shooting and extrication, both in the first due. The shooting occurred just before 1600 hours when Ambulance 88 responded to the 500 Blk of Pacer Ct. Ambulance 88 arrived to find nothing at that address. Upon clearing, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 8000 Blk of East Nalley Rd just a few blocks from the original call for the shooting. This time they found the patient, a teenage male, who had been shot once in his left thigh. Ambulance 88 treated and transported with Medic 46 to a local trauma center and cleared in about an hour. Later on as the day was coming to a close, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Hill Rd and Hastings Dr for an accident with one trapped. Units arrived to find a vehicle on all 4 wheels, but it had rolled several times, hitting a pole with the roof, then coming back down to set on its wheels. The impact had crushed and creased the entire roof pushing it down into the passenger compartment. Squad 8 removed the roof allowing the patient to be extricated. Miraculously he was not severely injured and wa stransported to a local trauma center by land as a precaution by Ambulance 88 and Medic 46. Squad 8 returned to service in about 45 minutes and Ambulance 88 did not return home until almost 0130 hours the next day.

November 21st - Burn patient requires fly out in Seat Pleasant - Around 1620 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched for one burned in the 1000 Blk of Fairford Way in Seat Pleasant. Upon arrival, they found a patient who had been burned by hot grease across her torso and lower extremities. Due to the extent of the burns, a helicopter was called bringing Engine 81 to set up the LZ at Goodwin Park down the street from the station. Ambulance 88 treated the patient and transported to Trooper 2 who was waiting. The patient was flown to a local burn center and Ambulance 88 and Engine 81 returned to service in about 45 minutes.

November 16th - Ambulance 88 on trauma - Around 1144 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to Garrett A Morgan Blvd near the new metro station for a person who had gotten his leg run over by a large piece of paving machinery and was reportedly still trapped in it. Units arrived to find the person no longer trapped, however, he was suffering from severe trauma to his foot and leg as it had been basically twisted and ground up. Ambulance 88 worked with the Engine from 33 and Medic 46 to stabilize the patients leg as a Trooper was called to the scene. The patient was transported just up the street to Fed Ex Field ( Home of the Redskins ) where Trooper 2 transported the patient to Baltimore where they specialize in hand and foot traumas. Ambulance 88 cleaned up and returned to service in about an hour.

November 12th - Busy 24 hours with several minor fires - The last 24 hours has been a steady one with 27 runs including many accidents and several minor fires. It started Thursday evening when the Ambulance ran the working fire dispatch in the 11000 Blk of Old York Rd in Company 46's area where units were on the scene with a garage fire. Shortly after returning, Engine 83 ran a set fire in front of a church in the 7600 Blk of Walker Mill Dr in Seat Pleasant. That fire was quickly extinguished. Then the following morning around 4am, Ambulance 88 was transferred to Company 21 and soon after Engine 83 was alerted to the Task Force for the 2600 Blk of Brinkley Rd in Oxon Hill as units were on the scene with a working fire. The task force was returned quickly and Engine 83 remained at home while 88 continued to 21. Then about 1130 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 14600 Blk of Brock Hall Rd in Company 20's area for a house fire. Units arrived on the scene to find a malfunctioning wood stove that had extended to the joists between the 1st floor and basement. Squad 8 remained on the scene for 2 hours assisting units in locating and confining the fire as well as venting the structure. Then after some accidents and a false call for a building fire at the local homeless shelter, Squad 8 went to the 6300 Blk of Hilmar Dr in Company 26's area for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find fire in a vacant apartment ( which has been happening alot lately ) and Squad 8 assumed RIC duties returning to service within an hour.

November 10th - Engine 83 and Chief 8A on 2 alarm apartment fire - Just after 1300 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 5600 Blk of Regency Park Ct in Company 27's area for an apartment on fire with people trapped. Chief 26A arrived and reported heavy smoke showing. Units arriving in the rear discovered a terrace level apartment well involved. Engine 83 arrived and took a hydrant in front supplying E174 who took a line through side A to the terrace level. Engine 83 was given the assignment to pull a larger line to back up 17's line as they were experiencing heavy fire conditions in the hallway and apartment. Chief 8A relieved the chief officer on the terrace level and assumed that sector while Engine 83 helped 17 extinguish the fire. The other engines deployed lines to the units above and adjacent to extinguish the fire there. A second alarm was called due to the vertical extension and the need to finish the searches of all 4 floors, primary and secondary. Some victims were removed and treated by awaiting EMS units. Engine 83 and Chief 8A cleared in about 2 hours.

November 8th - Engine 83 on first due house fire - Around 1530 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6900 Blk of Avon St about a block from the firehouse for a reported house fire. Engine 83 arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the basement and first floor. Several lines were taken in and the fire was extinguished soon after. Units were held for some time for extensive overhaul and to assist the investigators as the house has been the site of smaller suspicious fires over the past few weeks. Engine 83 returned home about 4 hours later.

November 6th - Engine 83 on early morning fire in District Heights - Just before 1am, Engine 83 was dispatched 2nd due to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd in District Heights for smoke in the building. Upon arrival, E261 and E83 found smoke in the hallway and upon further investigation found a room off in a vacant apartment. Engine 83 forced entry and assisted E261 with the line extinguishing the fire. While enroute to this call , Quint 22 came across an accident at Addison Rd S and Ronald Rd in our first due with a vehicle overturned and 2 trapped. Several EMS units were called to the scene as the patients were extricated and taken to local hospitals. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour. Later on that afternoon Ambulance 88 was sent on the working fire dispatch in the 2700 Blk of Lorring Dr in Company 26's area where units found a fire in a third floor apartment. The fire was quickly extinguished and Ambulance 88 returned to service in about an hour.

2700 Blk of Lorring Dr

November 5th - Squad 8 extricates 3 from accident in Ritchie - Around 1430 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 500 Blk of Hampton Park Bl in Company 37's area for an accident. Units arrived to find two vehicles with 3 patients trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized both vehicles removing the door on one and then the door and steering column on the other. All 3 patients were transported to local trauma centers by waiting EMS units. Squad 8 returned to service in about 40 minutes.

October 30th - Company 8 on daytime shooting - Just before 1700 hours Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 6600 Blk of G St in Seat Pleasant for a report of one shot. Units arrived to find a male in his driveway shot once in the lower leg and suffering from a tib-fib fracture with no exit wound. Company 8 units treated the injury and Ambulance 88 transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 and Chief 8A cleared in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned home in about an hour.

October 28th - Squad 8 on Capitol Heights house fire - Around 1800 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 400 Blk of Ventura Ave in Company 5's area. Units arrived to find a single family house with smoke showing. Squad 8 opened up and performed a primary search while the engine company extinguished the fire. The fire was confined to a room in the house and Squad 8 remained on the scene for over an hour checking for extension and assisting investigators.

October 27th - Ambulance 88 on stabbing - Around 1530 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 3300 Blk of Walters La in Company 26's area for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a male that had been involved in a domestic and stabbed near the elbow with a steak knife. Usually this wouldnt create too much of a problem, however, the blade caught an artery on the inside of the arm and the patient began to bleed profusely. After many pressure dressings were applied, the patient was transported with Medic 46 to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared the call in just over an hour.

October 26th - Engine 81 on early morning house fire - Just after 0200 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 5700 Blk of J St in Company 38's area for fire coming from the basement of a vacant house. Upon arrival, units found heavy fire from the basement windows as well as heavy smoke from the first floor and a task force was called. E384 ran a line inside while Engine 81 ran an additional one trying to find an entrance to the basement. No entrance was found and the line was brought inside. By this time, E384's crew was still on the first floor trying to knock the fire enough to make the steps. Engine 81's crew made it to the basement and E384's crew followed. Lines were used to knock the fire on the first floor that met them at the steps as well as the entire downstairs. The fire was extinguished a short time later with units being held for awhile for overhaul and to assist investigators. Engine 81 returned home around 0430.

October 23rd - Company 8 removes 1 from accident, later lands bird - Around noon Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to MLK Hwy and Addison Rd down the street from Company 8 for an accident. Units arrived and no service was required. While returning from that accident, they were sent to the other end of Addison Rd at Central Ave by Company 8 for an accident with one overturned. Units arrived to find a vehicle on Central Ave overturned with a patient inside. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the door extricating the patient. Ambulance 88 transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes and The Bus cleared in about an hour. Later on that evening, Engine 81 set up a landing site for a Trooper at District Heights Elementary School as a patient from a motorcycle accident needed to be flown to a trauma center.

October 21st - Squad 8 responds to basement fire on the border - At 1819 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 4400 Blk of Southern Ave in Company 17's area on the Maryland side of the Southeast DC border for a house on fire. Units arrived to find heavy fire in the basement with extension to the 1st floor. Engine 174 arrived and ran a line to the basement through the rear as there was no access to the basement from the inside. Additional lines were put in place on the first floor to knock the fire there and to keep it from spreading. Squad 8 arrived and because of the possibility of things to go wrong quickly due to limited access and vertical fire spread, set up as the RIC. The fire was extinguished and units opened up checking for any further extension. Squad 8 also performed a secondary search of the first floor. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour.

October 20th - Squad 8 removes trauma in Largo - Just before 1430 hours, Squad 8 responded to Central Ave and Harry S Truman Dr in Company 46's area for an accident. Units arrived to find two vehicles quite a distance apart with people trapped in both vehicles. Squad 8 arrived and went to work extricating the more serious trauma from the vehicle by removing the door and roof. While Squad 8 was working on this one, Rescue Engine 33 removed a less serious trauma from the other vehicle. The patients were both taken to local trauma centers by awaiting EMS units. Squad 8 cleared in about 45 minutes.

October 15th - Engine 83 on apartment fire - Around 0045 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 2700 Blk of Lewis Ave in Boulevard Heights for an apartment on fire. The Engine from 17 arrived with a second floor apartment off. Engine 83 arrived 3rd and took a line to the exposure opening up the walls and checking the cockloft for extension. The fire was extinguished shortly after and searches were negative. Engine 83 returned home in just under an hour.

October 11th - Two extrications and a fire for Columbus Day - The Columbus Day holiday was slow with only 17 runs however it yielded 2 extrications and a fire later in teh day. The first extrication was at 0917 hours at Central Ave and Hampton Pk Dr in Company 46's area. Units arrived to find a Ford Excursion on its side with one person still inside. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the windshield allowing the patient to be extricated. That patient was taken to a local hospital. The second extrication came at around 1500 Hours when Squad 8 was sent to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd in Company 26's area for a car off the road. Squad 8 arrived to find a single vehicle wedged between some trees. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle, removed the roof and a door while E371 stood by with a line and assisted. The patient was removed a short time later and transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes. Later around 2030 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 4200 Blk of Torque St in Boulevard Heights for a house fire. Units arrived to find fire in the kitchen with extension to the attic. Squad 8 was given the RIC assignment and helped open up checking for extension and performed extensive overhaul. Power saws and hooks were the tools of choice for a while as units worked to find and extinguish all the fire. Squad 8 cleared in about 2 hours.

October 10th - Ambulance 88 on trauma - Around 0115 hours while returning from PG Hospital, an accident was dispatched for the BW Pkwy and Landover Rd. Ambulance 88 being right there, arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle rollover accident with one patient. The patient was suffering from a large gash on his head along with other minor injuries and a loss of consciousness. The patient was treated and loaded into Ambulance 88 where the crew trasnported to PG Trauma. Ambulance 88 cleared in about 45 minutes.

October 8th - 100th fire of the year is house fire in Capitol Heights - Just prior to 0900 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 700 Blk of Mentor Ave in Company 5's area for the 3rd working fire in 24 hours. Units arrived to find heavy fire on the second floor of a house. Squad 8 arrived and went to work searching and opening up. The fire was knocked a short time later and brought under control shortly after that. Squad 8 remained on the scene for 2 1/2 hours doing overhaul and assisting investigators. This was the 100th fire for the year, which last year did not occur until November 1st.

October 7th - Company 8 on two fires in four hours - Just before 1330 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 3300 Blk of Dodge Park Rd in Company 33's area for an apartment on fire with people trapped. Units arrived to find a working fire on the second floor with several people in need of rescuing. A maintenance crew in the area assisted with the removal of two children and an adult from the fire apartment who were then transported to a local hospital for burns and smoke inhalation. Squad 8 had the RIC duties as the engine companies knocked the fire and units made a thorough search of the building for additional victims. Squad 8 cleared in about an hour after assisting the units on the scene. Then just before 1800 hours, Engine 81 cleared a first due fire alarm and was sent to the 1700 Blk of Allendale Terr in Palmer Park where units arrived to find a good amount of fire coming from the second floor. The fire was contained to the room of origin and Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 30 minutes before returning to service.

3300 Blk Dodge Park Rd

October 2nd - Company 8 on trauma - Around 2330 hours, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded with Ambulance 389 to MLK Hwy and Hill Rd for an accident. Units arrived to find two vehicles, both with significant damage, and 3 patients total including two traumas. Ambulance 389 took one while Ambulance 88 took two patients to a local trauma center. Squad 8 and Chief 8A assisted units with packaging the patients and controlling the fluid leak from both vehicles. Squad 8 and Chief 8A cleared in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 90.

September 28th - Person assaulted, car taken, trip to trauma center - Just after 1500 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the Auto Body Shop in the 4800 Blk of Marlboro Pike in Company 17's area for an injured person. The mechanic at the shop had been working on a vehicle when someone decided that they wanted the car, beat the mechanic, and took the car fleeing toward DC. Ambulance 88 transported the victim to a local trauma center and returned to service in about 90 minutes.

September 26th - Child falls out 3rd floor window - Around 1735 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 7100 Blk of Chaparral Dr in Company 26's area for a child that had fallen out of a 3rd story window and landed on a car. The child was found face down suffering from multiple injuries. The child was stabilized and treated while Ambulance 88 and Medic 29 transported the child to the landing zone where she was transported to a local trauma center in MD State Trooper. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about an hour.

September 26th - Ambulance 88 and Chief 8A on trauma - Just after midnight, Ambulance 88 along with Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 6000 Blk of Central Ave next to Company 5 for a person on a 4 wheeler hit by a car. Upon Engine 52's arrival, the striking vehicle fled the scene heading toward Seat Pleasant. Ambulance 88 and Engine 52 treated the victim who was thrown a good distance from the 4 wheeler after being struck and was suffering from a fracture to the lower leg. The fracture and the patient were immobilized and then loaded into Medic 29 who took the patient to a local trauma center. The striking vehicle was followed by a citizen until police could catch up and then finally stopping the vehicle at Marlboro Pike and Donnell Dr in Forestville. Ambulance 88 and Chief 8A cleared in about 30 minutes.

September 25th - Another small fire in the first due - Just around 1000 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 7000 Blk of Hastings Dr in Seat Pleasant for a house fire. Engine 81 arrived to find smoke showing from a single family house. A line was stretched and a small fire was found in the laundry room. The fire was quickly extinguished however heavy smoke conditions remained in the house. Engine 81 and Truck 5 were held for about 45 minutes for smoke removal and overhaul.

September 24th - Small fire in transmission shop - Around 0630 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 6500 Blk of Central Ave, about a block from the firehouse, along with the rest of the box alarm for fire in a transmission shop. Engine 81 arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing. Engine 81 and Truck 5 made quick entry as the engine crew stretched a line finding a small fire in the rear of the store. The fire was knocked quickly and units were held to ventilate as heavy smoke conditions persisted. Engine 81 returned to service in about an hour.

September 23rd - Second fire in 12 hours for Company 8 - It seems after the lull in fires recently, we may be back in business. Just after 1000 hours, Engine 81 responded for fire in the basement of a house in the 6000 Blk of Addison Rd in Seat Pleasant. Engine 81 arrived and confirmed a small dryer fire and held themselves to pick up. About 15 minutes later as they were leaving, they noticed a house down the street, still in the 6000 Blk of Addison Rd, with heavy smoke coming from the rear. Engine 81 pulled up and ran a line calling for the assignment. The line was run through the rear as the front of the house was not accessible. The rear addition was on fire and was quickly knocked down while other units assisted with ventilation and a search. Engine 81 remained on the scene for over an hour to mop up. Some of you may recognize this house as the same one that was hit by the metro transit officer, collapsing the front porch, just over a month ago.

September 22nd - Squad 8 on fire in vacant building - After almost two weeks without a fire, the drought was broken about 2200 hours as Squad 8 and units from the 3rd Battalion responded to the 4700 Blk of Hudson Ave in Company 17's area for a vacant building on fire. Units arrived with heavy fire in the rear of the building. Squad 8 was given the RIC assignment as two additional engines and a squad were called to the scene along with Paramedic Ambulance 5. Lines were advanced and searches were done looking for any vagrants that had set up residency in these vacant buildings. The searches were negative and the fire was extinguished with little extension. Squad 8 cleared the scene in just over an hour after assisting units on the scene and picking up their equipment used.

September 20th - Engine 81 on overturned vehicle with trauma - Monday was a rather busy one starting off with 6 calls before 0700, including the shooting, and the rest of the day was spent responding to 27 runs including an accident in the 1100 Blk of Addison Rd South in Seat Pleasant. Units arrived to find an overturned vehicle with one patient suffering from numerous injuries including a compound fracture to one of her arms. The patient was treated and carefully removed by the crew from Engine 81 and then was transported to a local trauma center. Engine 81 returned to service in about 20 minutes.

September 20th - String of violence continues in Seat Pleasant - As the sun began to rise, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent just before 0700 to the 6900 Blk of Central Ave for a shooting. Units arrived to find a teenager shot multiple times in the chest and was pronounced dead. Apparently him and a few other teenagers were hanging out the night before when at least two men opened fired on them, making the group scatter. The teens were chased until one of them got caught on a fence and then was shot multiple times at close range. This continues a recent outburst of senseless violence in the area including 11 armed carjackings by a group of males since Friday, all of them being in the Seat Pleasant area.

September 18th - Another shooting in Seat Pleasant - After a somewhat busy Friday of 24 runs when most of the DC area was dodging tornadoes from what was leftover of Ivan, Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) started Saturday off right around 0100 hours with a shooting in the 100 Blk of Maryland Park Dr in Seat Pleasant just outside of SE DC. Units from 8 along with the rest of the medical box alarm including Paramedic Engine 52, Paramedic A58, Ambulance 229 and Medic 46 arrived with county police to find a patient shot in the lower body after an attempted carjacking by several unknown subjects who then fled. The patient was treated and transported by PA58 and A229 to a local trauma center. Squad 8 and Chief 8A cleared in about 20 minutes. This comes just days after someone opened fired on a group of teens in the 400 Blk of 69th Pl. No one was struck however one person suffered a knee injury after diving for cover from the gunfire.

September 15th - Pedestrian killed in front of firehouse - Just after 1300 hours, crews were sitting in the firehouse when they heard a loud thud and then screeching brakes, which in that order is never a good thing. As they got up to investigate, they were met with lots of people banging on the bay doors confirming what they had heard. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 investigated and called for a medic unit. Paramedic Ambulance 5 and Medic 29 were started but due to the distance of Medic 29 and the severity of the patient, they were placed in service and the 1 medic from PA 5 transported with Ambulance 88 to a local trauma center where he he succumbed to his injuries. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 and the medic from 5 returned to service in about 2 hours. Addison Rd at Central Ave was also closed for over 2 hours while the police reconstructed the accident wreaking havoc on early evening rush hour.

September 14th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on trauma - Right around 1830 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to 401 Jadeleaf Ave at the Carmody Hills Elementary School for a child that had flipped on an ATV and then had the 4 wheeler land on him. Units arrived and had to go to the rear of the school to find County Police officers along with a child and two ATV's. The child was not suffering from any major injuries but did have an altered level of consciousness. The child was treated and packaged by Ambulance 88 then transported to a local trauma center with Medic 30 on board. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 remained on the call for close to an hour.

September 11th - Seat Pleasant on back to back shootings - At 2108 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent down the street to the 5900 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for one shot. Units arrived with PD to find a victim shot once in the head after a drive by and attempted carjacking. Units from 8 treated the patient and Ambulance 88 transported the victim with Medic 30 to a local trauma center. Upon clearing the hospital, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 2400 Blk of Brightseat Rd in Kentland for a shooting. Units from 33 arrived just prior to Ambulance 88 to find two victims shot, one of them in the head and several times in the body and the other not as seriously in the body. Immediately the crews started bagging the one patient which soon turned into CPR. Ambulance 88 transported the patient to a local trauma center again where he fell victim to his injuries and died. The other patient was also transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 took almost two hours to return to service due to the extensive cleanup. This represented the 100th homicide in PG County this year, with a majority of them being in the Seat Pleasant and Landover areas.

September 10th - Squad 8 on stabbing & accident at the same time - Just after 2230 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 7000 Blk of Central Ave for a stabbing. Squad 8 arrived to find many subjects in handcuffs and one patient that had been stabbed in the neck and chest as a result of a domestic situation. While the crew from Squad 8 was assisting Paramedic Ambulance 5 in treating and packaging the stabbing victim, a 3 car accident occurred in front near Squad 8. The crew went to check on victims of that accident while PA 5 quickly left the scene. After investigating, it was discovered that 5 people needed to be taken to the hospital, so 3 basic units including Ambulance 88 were called to assist. Squad 8 provided patient care until all patients could be removed and transported. The original stabbing victim was flown out by Eagle 1 to a distant trauma center as all of the local ones were closed. Squad 8 returned to service from both calls in about an hour.

September 9th - Ambulance 88 on trauma - Around 2200 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent for an accident involving a motorcycle and a car at Branch and Allentown. Ambulance 88 arrived and found teh driver of the motorcycle in the road with numerous injuries. The patient was treated and carefully packaged by the crew from Ambulance 88 and was soon transported to a local trauma center along with medic 47. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour.

September 9th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on pedestrian struck - Around 1900 hours Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 along with Medic 30 responded to the 5000 Blk Addison Rd in Company 38's area for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a teenager in the street that had been struck by a car at about 40 miles per hour. The patient was suffering from a broken arm and broken leg and was transported to a local trauma center by Medic 30. The units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

September 9th - Company 8 on two morning house fires - Just before 0300 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 1200 Blk of Java Pl in Company 38's area for a house fire. Units arrived to find fire showing from the house. Squad 8 arrived soon after and went to work searching as heavy smoke filled the house which was divided up pretty extensively. The engines advanced lines and knocked the fire as the Squad continued to search which proved negative. The fire was controlled in a short time and Squad 8 remained on the scene for over an hour. Then right around 1000 hours, DC Communications received a cell call reporting a house on fire at an address that was not in DC. After consulting with PG, it was decided it was possibly the 300 Blk of Zelma Ave in Seat Pleasant. Units arrived in that hundred block to confirm a kitchen fire at a residence. The fire was quickly knocked down and Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 45 minutes to overhaul and pick up.

September 4th - Squad 8 removes one on the Pike - Just after 2000 hours, Squad 8 was called to assist units at Marlboro Pike and Opus Ave with one trapped after an accident. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the car and then removed the door. EMS units packaged and removed the patient and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.

September 3rd - Engine 81 & Ambulance 88 first arriving on 5 house - Just before 2300 hours, Engine 81 was dispatched second due to the rear of the 900 Blk of Larchmont Ave in Capitol Heights for a house on fire. Engine 51 went on the scene in the area with nothing evident and told the units to stage as they checked. Engine 81 while responding stopped in the 500 Blk of Larchmont Ave at a house with heavy fire involving the rear. The crew quickly ran a line and reported the correct location to the incoming units. Upon entering, the crew discovered the house to be vacant except for the mattresses and trash in the rear bedrooms. The crew extinguished the two rooms and hallway quickly as the rest of the units checked for extension. Units from Seat Pleasant cleared in about two hours.

August 31st - Squad 8 makes trip to Forrestville for townhouse fire - Around 0615 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the rear of the 2900 Blk of Chester Grove Rd for a townhouse on fire. E371 arrived with smoke showing and a working fire. Upon further investigation it was discovered that a large shed type structure was on fire. E371 ran a line while Truck 17 did a search as the shed was large enough to warrant one. Squad 8 took the RIC duties as the fire was quickly darkened down. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

August 29th - Squad 8 removes trauma for 88 in Seat Pleasant - At 0338 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to East Capitol St and Coolidge St in Seat Pleasant for an accident. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle T-bone collision with the driver of one vehicle trapped and unconscious. Squad 8 stabilized and removed the roof and door to allow the patient to be taken out. He was suffering from fractures to both femurs, the pelvis, and skull along with a flailed chest and had to be bagged while still in the vehicle. Ambulance 88 transported with Medic 46 to a local trauma center. The driver of the other vehicle was caught a short time later by county police as he tried to run from the scene. Squad 8 returned to service in just over an hour after assisting the police and Ambulance 88 returned to service a short time after that.

August 25th - Man attacked with machete' in Seat Pleasant - Around 1615 hours, Squad 8 and EMS units responded to the 7800 Blk of Central Ave in Seat Pleasant for a cutting. Units arrived to find a male with several deep gashes after being attacked with a machete'. Apparently the supervisor of a local business had angered an employee, so the employee went and got a machete' and cut him. The patient was suffering from a deep gash on his forehead which laid it wide open along with part of the skull, a smaller gash on the back of his head, two almost amputated thumbs, and a severe gash on his wrist. The patient was treated and transported to a local trauma center via medic unit. Squad 8 cleared in about 25 minutes.

August 21st - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on extrication - After clearing the shooting, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to Central Ave in front of Addison Plaza in Seat Pleasant for an accident with one unconscious. Units from Seat Pleasant arrived to find a T-Bone accident. The passenger in the one car was trapped while the driver decided to run from the scene, leaving his friend in the car. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the door to allow Ambulance 88 to transport the patient to the hospital. Units from 8 cleared a short time later.

August 21st - Squad 8 on double shooting - At 2025 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 5900 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr at the #1 Best Food Mart in Seat Pleasant for two people shot. Squad 8 arrived to find two teenagers shot inside. Apparently they were just standing outside when an SUV pulled up and opened fire on a group and left. The one patient was shot in the ankle which completely blew apart the bone while the other was shot in the hip and in the leg, shattering his femur. Both were treated on the scene and transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes.

August 21st - Squad 8 stabilizes car on Suitland Pkwy - Just after 1900 hours, Squad 8 responded to the ramp to Suitland Pkwy to Silver Hill Rd for an accident with one overturned. Units arrived to find a vehicle that was precariously sitting on the ramp in a position that any sudden movement could have sent it rolling off of the ramp. Squad 8 arrived and hooked up the winch to stabilize the vehicle to prevent it from rolling. The vehicle was stabilized and the driver was carefully removed. Squad 8 returned to service a short time later.

August 18th - Squad 8 on fire in Palmer Park - At 2300 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 1700 Blk of Dutch Village Dr in Company 33's area for a fire in a townhouse. Units arrived to find a fire in a second floor bedroom. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC duties as a line was stretched to extinguish the fire. The fire was knocked and out a few minutes later and units were returned quickly. Squad 8 assisted and picked up returning home in about 30 minutes.

August 17th - Ambulance 88 on afternoon shooting - Right around 1345 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 7600 Blk of Allendale Dr in Palmer Park for a shooting. Units arrived to find a male shot twice in the hip region. Ambulance 88 assisted with patient care and transported with Medic 46 to a local trauma center. The bus returned to service in about 90 minutes.

August 15th - Metro Transit Officer escapes serious injury - Just before 2100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6000 Blk of Addison Rd in Seat Pleasant for a police car into a house. Units from 8 arrived to find a single vehicle accident involving a cruiser that had ended up in the front yard after hitting a house. The officer was responding to a call in the area and apparently the car had flipped several times end over end, striking the house causing the front porch to collapse. Luckily the officer suffered only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital in Ambulance 88. Squad 8 cleared in about 40 minutes after inspecting the damage to the house and Ambulance 88 returned to service in about an hour. The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company extends our best wishes to the officer for a speedy recovery.

August 14th - Company 8 on two stabbings - Just after 0100 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 700 Blk of Glacier Ave in Company 5's area for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a male stabbed multiple times after being robbed. The patient was suffering from a stab wound to the wrist, and right shoulder as well as a large gash to the left side of the back. He was transported in Ambulance 88 with the Medics on board to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour. Then at the end of the day around 2230 hours, a couple showed up at the firehouse after the female was assaulted. She was suffering from a large stab wound to her face and ear after being attacked by an unknown male near the firehouse. Ambulance 88 and Squad 8 treated the patient as Ambulance 88 transported the victim a local trauma center returning to service just before midnight.

August 12th - House explodes in Carmody Hills - Just after 0500 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6600 Blk of Clinglog St in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant for an auto fire. Engine 83 arrived with an auto on fire but simultaneously PSC was receiving additional calls for a block over in the 6600 Blk of Valley Park Rd for a house on fire with a report of the house collapsing. It was thought to be the same call however an assignment was sent anyway just in case. Engine 83 finished extinguishing the fire and quickly disconnected the trash line and went to the call on Valley Park Rd. Engine 83 arrived first with nothing evident and checked the area while other units staged. A citizen advised that the house in question was on Drylog St so Engine 83 went there and found a pile of burning rubble which used to be a house. Engine 83 corrected the address and had units come to the 6600 Blk of Drylog St. Units began looking for any signs of survivors as the house continued to burn. It was deemed that the house was vacant and units began a defensive attack with handlines due to the instability of the structure. Chief 8 ( McGill ) had the command as Battalion Chief 1 and units operated for about 20 minutes to get most of the fire out before other units started to return to service. Engine 83 remained on the scene for 5 hours as a backhoe had to be brought in to sift through the rubble to extinguish hot spots. The cause was a gas explosion when gas was left leaking from a stove that was stolen out of the house. Speaking of things stolen, if anyone sees 100 ft of 1 1/2 hose with a fog nozzle, formerly known as our trash line, let us know. It "disappeared" from Clinglog St when we broke it down and left it after extinguishing the auto to go to the house fire. Pawn shops beware !!!!!

August 11th - Squad 8 removes 1 from accident - Just before 1730 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 8000 Blk of Cryden Way for an accident with one trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and quickly removed one patient by popping a door. The patient wa streated and taken to a local hospital with numerous injuries. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 40 minutes.

August 10th - Second fire of the day for Seat Pleasant - Just before 2030 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 1400 Blk of Nova Ave in Company 17's area for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find a working fire in the bedroom of an apartment. Squad 8 was given the RIC duties while Ambulance 88 treated 4 patients who were removed from the apartment above. The fire was extinguished a short time later and the units from 8 remained on the scene for about an hour.

August 10th - Squad 8 on two alarm storefront fire - Just before 0530 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 4100 Blk of Branch Ave for smoke coming from the Dollar Store. E292 arrived to find heavy fire involving the front of the store. Squad 8 arrived soon after and with the officer from E292 being by himself, Squad 8 assisted him with the initial line while the truck companies opened up and additional engines started running lines. Command requested a task force which was soon upgraded to a full second alarm. The fire was controlled about 20 minutes later and Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 2 1/2 hours assisting investigators and overhaul.

August 7th - Ambulance 88 on stabbing - Just before 1700 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 900 Blk of Sitka La for a stabbing. Ambulance 88 arrived to find a victim with multiple stab wounds. The patient was treated and transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour.

SEAT PLEASANT SAYS GOODBYE TO AN IRREPLACEABLE LEGEND

August 6th, 2004

Today the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company laid to rest Past Chief, President, and Life Member Pat Souders. You will never be forgotten Pat and can not be replaced. Goodbye and thanks for the memories and experience you have given us all. Your legacy will live forever here in Seat Pleasant.

Gerald Pat Souders

February 18, 1934 - July 29th, 2004

August 6th - Stabbing, fire, and an extrication...all in a days work - Just after 0200 hours, Ambulance 88 and Medic 46 were sent to the unit block of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, where a man had been approached and attacked, having his throat slit by an unknown assailant. EMS units treated the patient and Medic 46 transported the patient to a local trauma center where luckily the the knife did not get any major arteries. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Then just before 0900 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 4700 Blk of Omaha St in Company 17's area for a bedroom on fire in a house. Squad 8 arrived as the first special service and went to work while Engine 51 took a line to the second floor. Squad 8 searched and vented as the room was knocked down. Squad 8 remained on the scene for awhile for overhaul. Then just after 1600 hours, Squad 8 was specialed to Pennsylvania Ave and Walters La in District Heights to assist units on the scene with a van on its side and a person trapped. Squad 8 arrived and assisted Squad 27 with cutiing some of the posts to remove the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

August 5th - Busy night for Company 8 - Just before midnight on the 4th, Engine 83 and Battalion Chief 1 ( Chief McGill ) responded to the 8100 Blk of Richard Dr in Company 37's area after E371 arrived on a local and found a breaker box on fire in the house in which the power could not be cut off hampering the extinguishing process. The fire was held in check for awhile until pepco could arrive to cut the power. While units were here, the box was sent to the 7200 Blk of Landover Rd just after midnight for a vacant apartment building on fire. Units from 33 arrived to find heavy fire involving the structure. Battalion Chief 1 cleared Richard Dr and responded on the call. Units fought the fire defensively as the side of the building had collapsed. Units remained on the scene for a few hours to get hot spots and check for extension. Then just after 0300 hours, Engine 83 and Battalion Chief 1 were on the road again to the 600 Blk of Ivyleaf Ave in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant for a house fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a fire in the basement of a house. Engine 83 and E331 ran lines while the tower opened up and searched. Units from 8 and 33 were held for about an hour for cleanup.

August 2nd - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on trauma - Just after 0930 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to Sherriff Rd and Cypress Tree Dr along with E384 for an accident. Engine 384 arrived to find one pinned and requested Squad 8 and a Medic Unit. Ambulance 88 arrived and started patient care while Squad 8 arrived to stabilize the vehicle that had run under the back of a stake body truck at a high rate of speed putting the rear of the truck on top of the car. Squad 8 removed the roof, doors and then cut the steering wheel to remove the patient whose condition was worsening. The patient was taken to a local trauma center in Ambulance 88 with the medics on board. Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour and Ambulance 88 in about 90 minutes.

July 31st - Company 8 on small fire then shooting - Just before 0200 Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 1700 Blk of Dutch Village Dr in Company 33's area for smoke coming from a townhouse. Units from 8 arrived second after E331 to find smoke coming from a middle of the row townhouse and a small fire on the first floor. Squad 8 did a search and checked for extension while E331 knocked the fire. The units from 33 were held and Squad 8 and Chief 8A returned to service in about 30 minutes. Then just before 0400 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 5500 Blk of Addison Rd in Company 38's area for a shooting. Ambulance 88 arrived to find a male who had been shot at 3 times from a car while walking, striking him once in the lower body as he dove for cover. Ambulance 88 took the patient to a local hospital and returned to service in about an hour.

July 30th - Squad 8 and Chief 8A on house fire - Just around 1100 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the 1200 Blk of Sue La in Capitol Heights for a house fire. E51 arrived with heavy fire from the first and second floor. Squad 8 arrived second and pulled a backup line to assist E51 in getting to the fire. Chief 8A assisted units on the second floor with a search and checking for extension. After knocking the fire Squad 8 finished the search on the first floor which was negative. Division Chief 12 ( Chief 33 ) had the command.

July 29th - Seat Pleasant loses a legend - It is with the deepest regret and sorrow that the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company announces the sudden passing of our President and past Chief Gerald Souders known to everyone as Pat. He was a much loved man and was very dedicated for well over 50 years to Seat Pleasant. He also put forth as much love and dedication to his family and friends. Pat, you will be missed a great deal and will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Pat just recently at our 4th of july crab feast

We miss you pat, you will never be forgotten !!!!!

June 27th - Company 8 on early morning trauma - Around 0430 hours, Squad 8, Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) and Ambulance 58 responded to Central Ave and Addison Rd for an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle that had run into the back of an abandoned SUV at a high rate of speed. Upon hitting the truck, it pushed it up on the sidewalk hitting a pedestrian. Squad 8 and Ambulance 58 removed the driver of the car and was transported to a Trauma Center with serious head injuries while Ambulance 88, returning from another run, stopped by and transported the pedestrian that had been hit to a local hospital with minor injuries. Units cleared in about 30 minutes.

June 26th - Squad 8 on garage fire - Around 1400 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 1100 Blk of Kayak Ave in Company 17's area for a garage on fire. E171 arrived to find smoke showing and ran a line to the garage that was discovered to be detached form the house and found an auto on fire. Squad 8 arrived and assisted with overhaul and ventilation as E171 extinguished the fire. The rest of the units were returned soon after as E171 and Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over 30 minutes.

June 25th - Busy day full of trauma for Company 8 - Friday proved busy for Seat Pleasant as Company 8 responded to 30 runs including 3 calls with traumas. The first came just before 0200 hours as Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 ( Mcgill ) responded to MLK Hwy and Carrington Ave in Company 38's area for an auto accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle that had been rear ended by another one at a high rate of speed. No one was trapped however there were multiple traumas. PG Trauma was closed so Trooper 8 was called to transport one to another local trauma center along with a small child. Chief 8 had the command and units cleared in about an hour after cleaning up. Later on that morning units from 8 responded for an accident with one on fire at Denise Dr and Rollins Ave in Seat Pleasant. Units arrived to find a Ford Bronco into a tree and fully involved. Engine 81 made their way down there and extinguished the fire. No patients were found. Later on around 1800 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 7600 Blk of Green Willow Pl in Seat Pleasant for an accident. Squad 8 arrived and started patient care until Medic 30 and Ambulance 58 arrived to transport. Upon clearing that call Squad 8 was sent to the local homeless shelter in the 600 Blk of Addison Rd South for a stabbing. Apparently two residents had gotten into an argument and one pulled a knife and stabbed the other one. That patient was taken to a local trauma center with Medic 29.

Denise Dr and Rollins Ave

June 20th - Squad 8 on townhouse fire - Just after 0630 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 1800 Blk of Village Green Dr in Company 33's area for a townhouse fire. Units arrived to find a fire on the second floor of a two story townhouse. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC duties as the units from 33 knocked the fire. Squad remained on the scene for over 30 minutes assisting units before picking up. While Squad 8 was on the scene Ambulance 88 transferred to Company 33 to cover the area.

June 17th - Squad 8 and Chief 8A on water rescue - While units were on the fire on Lorring Dr, a call was received for a vehicle stuck in high water with a person inside on Forrestville Rd just passed Suitland Pkwy. This assignment brought Squad 8, Engine 231, Rescue Engine 33 and the water rescue folks from Company 22. Units arrived to find a van that had been stranded on a bridge due to the high water from the torrential downpours. The personnel from Squad 8 and 33 hooked up a rigging system using a tree and the front of Squad 8 and sent 2 people attached with a safety line out to the van who then brought the driver, who refused transport, back to dry land. Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) returned to service in about an hour.

June 17th - Severe thunderstorms keep Seat Pleasant and PG busy - About an hour after clearing the accident, severe storms swepped through the area. First the storms crippled the 4th Battalion with numerous fires and lightning strikes, then a second batch came hit the rest of the county. Just after 1730 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8A responded to the 15400 Blk of Jennings La in Mitchelville ( 43 ) for fire coming from the roof of a house after a lightning strike. Squad 8 was placed in service initially but then specialed on the Task Force Alarm. Engine 431 arrived with heavy fire on the 2nd floor and attic area. Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) had staging for the task force units. The fire was controlled a short time later and the units from 8 were placed in service. Upon Clearing that run, units were on the road again, this time to Forrestville for a fire in the building in the 7900 Blk of Penn Randall Pl. Also at the same time a box alarm was struck for the 2700 Blk of Lorring Dr and a collapse investigation for part of the mall collapsing in the 3700 Blk of Branch Ave. Squad 8 was placed in service from Penn Randall and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to the call on Lorring Dr as units had fire in the attic from a possible lightning strike. The county was so overwhelmed with calls that this assignment included a ladder truck from DC, a tower from Prince Frederick, and an Engine from Huntingtown. The county continued to be busy for most of the night with many storm related calls and help from different counties including Charles and Calvert. Also to complicate the call load even more, all of the channels except channel 2 went down due to lightning so every fire, EMS and working incident were held on 1 channel. Even though the system was down and the call load was high, Fire Communications did a good job handling the overwelming amount of emergencies.

June 17th - Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8A on accident - Around 1545 hours, units from Seat Pleasant responded to Ronald Rd and Addison Rd South, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Company 8 arrived to find a SUV about 200 feet off the road in the woods resting on its side after rolling over many times. Squad 8 requested a Medic unit, bringing Medic 29 to the scene as the crews from Seat Pleasant made their way through the woods to remove the patients. Two were taken by land as priority 2 traumas, 1 in 88 and 1 in 58 with Medic 29 splitting their crew. Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) returned to service in about 25 minutes.

June 14th - Person shot rolls up on front ramp of firehouse - Just after 2200 hours while Ambulance 88 was out on a run, a person started beating on the doors to the firehouse. Upon investigating, it was discovered that the person who was beating on the door had driven his friend to Station 8 because he had been shot multiple times. An ambulance and Medic were requested as the person layed in the back seat shot and care was started. EMS units arrived soon after and the patient was transported to a local trauma center. Another person was found shot in the head later just a short distance away in the 6900 Blk of Walkermill Rd in Company 26's area, it is unknown if the two shootings are related.

June 11th - Engine 83 on first due house fire - Just before 1700, Engine 83 and units from surrounding companies were dispatched to the 6300 Blk of Field St in Seat Pleasant for a house on fire. While enroute communications notified them that they had been receiving several calls and that people were still going in the house. As Engine 83 made the left onto MLK Hwy, heavy fire could be seen involving the top floor of the house. Engine 83's crew forced the door and ran a line upstairs where they encountered heavy fire conditions involving the entire second floor, attic, and through the roof in some parts. The crew made an aggressive attack and knocked the entire second floor and the attic. Squad 33 opened up and assisted the crew from 83 while E174 pulled a backup line. The fire was extinguished a short time later and units were held for just over 2 hours for overhaul and assisting investigators in determining the cause in the vacant house.

The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company would like to congratulate volunteer Phil Gervais on his graduation from the DC Fire Academy. He graduated June 10th and has been assigned to 32 Engine in the Southeast section of the city. Congratulations !

June 9th - Company 8 on double cutting - Just around 0230 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6600 Blk of Clinglog St in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant for a cutting. Units arrived to find two patients, one with multiple deep lascerations to the arms and the other with multiple minor lascerations. Both patients were treated and transported in Ambulance 88 to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes and Ambulance 88 about 0400 hours.

June 5th - Squad 8 removes one from vehicle - Just after 1300 hours Squad 8 responded to Marlboro Pike and Ruston Ave in Company 17's area for an accident with one trapped. Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with the driver trapped in one vehicle. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the drivers door. Awaiting EMS personnel transported the patient to a local hospital suffering numerous injuries. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

June 4th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on accident in Largo - Just before 2300 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded with E462 to Central Ave under the Capitol Beltway for an accident. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with 1 trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the drivers side front and rear doors and then the B post while Ambulance 88 treated the patient. Ambulance 58 was called to assist with additional patients in other vehicles. The driver was removed and transported to a local hospital in Ambulance 88. Squad 8 cleared in about 35 minutes and Ambulance 88 became available in just over an hour.

May 30th - Company 8 on shooting - Just before midnight, Engine 81, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 responded along with Medic 30 to the 7000 Blk of Fresno St, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot. Units arrived to find a patient shot once in the lower body. Units from 8 treated the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center in Ambulance 88 with Medic 30 on board. Engine 81 cleared in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 became available just after 0130 hours.

May 29th - Engine 81 on apartment fire - Just after 1400, Engine 81 was dispatched to the 2700 Blk of Lewis Ave in Company 17's area for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find a working fire on the second floor. The first in units ran a line and ventilated as crews knocked the fire. Engine 81 arrived and reported to the building with hooks and assisted with opening up and checking for extension. Engine 81 picked up and returned to service in about 45 minutes. Company 8 ran a total of 28 runs during the day including many box and house assignments.

May 29th - Squad 8 extricates one on the beltway - After Squad 8 being out of service all week, we finally obtained the reserve rescue squad on Friday and it didnt take long for the runs to pick up again. Just after 0230 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the Inner Loop of the Beltway at D'arcy Rd for an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle overturned with 1 ejected and two trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the doors allowing EMS units to slide the trapped victims out. Trooper 2 transported two to local trauma centers while many more were transported to area hospitals by land. Squad 8 cleared the scene in just over an hour.

May 19th - Company 8 on back to back shootings - Around 2345 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to the 1900 Blk of Rochelle Ave in District Heights for a shooting. A269 cleared their last call and responded also. Units arrived to find a person shot. Units from 8 assisted EMS units on the scene. Upon clearing about 10 minutes later, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 1000 Blk of Elderberry Dr for another shooting. Ambulance 88 arrived to find a male shot in the head. The bullet had entered in the right eye and exited through the left eye. The patient was flown to an eye specialist/trauma center in Baltimore. Ambulance 88 cleared the scene in about 40 minutes.

May 19th - Engine 81 & 83 on first due house fire - Just before 0200 hours, Engine 81 and Engine 83 were dispatched as the 1st and 2nd due engines on a house fire in the 400 Blk of 70th Pl in Seat Pleasant. Engine 81 arrived to find heavy fire involving the first floor of a house. Engine 83 picked up 81's line and advanced a back up line. Upon entering it was discovered that in addition to the several rooms that were off on the first floor that there was heavy fire consuming the basement as the floor began to burn through in spots. The steps were located, however due to the amount of the steps that had burned and the condition of the first floor as fire continued to burn through it, the one line on the first floor held the steps as E384 enetred through the rear basement door. The second line continued knocking the fire on the first floor within minutes. A precautionary task force was called as the initial units took a beating and to check for extension in the second floor. One dog did succumb to the fire and a Seat Pleasant Volunteer was taken to Medstar for burns and smoke inhalation and then was released later that day. Engines 81 & 83 became available in just over 3 hours.

May 18th - Ambulance 88 on shooting - Just after 2130 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1100 Blk of Nalley Rd in Company 33's area for a shooting. Units arrived to find a patient shot once in the leg. Ambulance 88 assisted Medic 30 in treating and loading the victim. Medic 30 transported the patient to a local trauma center and Ambulance 88 returned to service a short time later.

May 17th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on stabbing - Just after 1730 hours, units from 8 were sent to the 6100 Blk of Drylog St, in Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a patient stabbed multiple times in the upper body and hands. The task of treating his injuries was not simple as he was now chasing after the person who stabbed him and was trying to fight. The police and the firefighters from Company 8 quickly calmed the situation and the patient was transported to a local hospital..Squad 8 cleared in about 25 minutes and the Ambulance returned to service in about an hour.

May 16th - Engine 81 on school fire in Oxon Hill - Just after 2130 hours, Engine Company 42 was dispatched to Potomac High School for a fire alarm. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was found throughout the school and the box was filled. Engine 81 responded and took a position on side 3 along with Engine Company 32. Truck 5 and Engine Company 25 joined them a short time later. After searching through the blinding smoke, a fire was found in a first floor classroom. The fire was extinguished and part of the crew from Engine 81 checked the classroom above for extension and ventilated while the other part of the crew ran lights to the fire room and assisted with first floor ventilation. Investigators were called in as well as County Police to investigate the suspicious fire. Engine 81 cleared the scene in just over an hour.

May 15th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on suspicious townhouse fire - Just before 1600 hours, Squad 8 and the Chief responded to the 10000 Blk of Laforge Dr in Company 46's area for a townhouse fire. Units arrived to find two set fires in different locations of the house. Chief 8 arrived and established command while units worked to extinguish the set fires. Squad 8 completed a search of all 3 levels of the townhouse and ventilated. The fires were quickly extinguished and Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over 40 minutes cleaning up and assisting with overhaul and investigations.

May 14th - Squad 8 and Engine 81 on Kentland apartment fire - Just after 0300 hours, Squad 8 responded to Landover Rd and Pinebrook Ave in Company 33's area for an apartment building on fire. Units from 33 arrived in the 7300 Blk of Landover Rd to find fire on multiple floors of a building. Squad 8 initially set up for RIC duties then assisted with ladders and checked the exposures for extension. Engine 81 arrived and ran a line to the fire building and extinguished hot spots and also checked for extension. Squad 8 remained on the scene for over 2 hours and Engine 81 was made available in just over 90 minutes. After clearing, Ambulance 88 transferred to Company 20 and Engine 83 transferred to Company 25 as units were on the scene of a house fire in Croom. Seat Pleasant maintained an additional crew at the station.

May 11th - Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 on house fire - Just before 1100 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 1300 Blk of Waterford Dr in Company 37's area for a house fire. E371 arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen. Engine 81 ran a line to the attic to check for extension. Engine 371 knocked the kitchen as Engine 81 gained access to the attic and knocked the fire there. Ambulance 88 arrived and set up the aid station. The fire was knocked down a short time later and the units from 8 became available in about an hour.

May 10th - Car into house injures little girl - Right around noon shortly after Ambulance 88 was returning from a fire in Oxon Hill, Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 responded to the 4800 Blk of Heath St in Company 17's area for a car into a house with a child trapped. Chief 17B arrived to find a car into the house but the child had been removed prior to the arrival of the fire department. Squad 8 arrived and surveyed the stability of the house and checked for any hazards as EMS units treated the child. The child had been in bed when the car came crashing through her bedroom and came to rest against the other wall. Luckily the only thing that ended up not under the vehicle was the mattress she was laying on. The child was transported via Trooper 2 to a local trauma center. Units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes.

May 9th - Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 on shooting - Just after 0230 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 along with Medic 46 responded to Central Ave and Jonquil St near the Mad Chef Cafe, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot. Units were advised to stage at Central Ave and Hill Rd until the scene was secure as police were looking for the suspect. As police were notifying Communications for units to come in, a loud gunshot was heard from the area where the units from 8 were staging as someone took a shot at either them or the police in the area. No one was injured from that shot and Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 arrived and treated a male with a gunshot wound to the hand and leg. The patient was transported to a local trauma center in Ambulance 88 with Medic 46 on board. Engine 81 returned to service in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 cleaned up and was available in about an hour.

May 7th - Squad 8 and Chief 8A extricate one - Just after 2300 hours, Squad 8, already on the air for a service call in District Heights, was dispatched to the 400 Blk of Hill Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident along with Ambulance 58. While enroute, Medic 30 and E384 were started as PSC was receiving additional information that there was possibly one trapped and unconscious. Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) also responded on the call and Squad 8 arrived to confirm one trapped and one already out of the vehicle requesting a second ambulance. Chief 8A established the Seat Pleasant Command and requested an additional Medic unit as the other patient was being considered a trauma. Command was advised that the two closest trauma centers were on reroute and helicopters were down due to the earlier severe storms. Squad 8 worked for a short time removing the doors and the roof of the vehicle then lifting the dash to remove the deteriorating patient. A quick call was made to EMS 1 through Battalion 66 on the scene to enable Medic 30 and Ambulance 58 to load and go to one trauma center even though they were closed due to the severity of injuries. A228 transported the other patient as a priority 2 trauma to another local hospital after being evaluated by Medic 46. Squad 8 and Chief 8A returned to service in about 40 minutes.

May 7th - Ambulance 88 on Level 1 Hamat - Just after 1530 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched as the BLS unit to the 6100 Blk of Sheriff Rd in Company 38's area for a chemical that had over pressurized and spilled over some people. Units arrived and found a patient with the product on them and several others that had inhaled the substance which was in a concentrated form and basically used as a stripper. Hazmat teams came in and contained and cleaned the spill and checked the building for further contamination. Ambulance 88 remained on the scene for almost 3 hours treating patients that had been exposed.

May 4th - Squad 8 on townhouse fire - Just after 0900, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2700 Blk of Iverson St in Company 29's area for a fire in the kitchen of a townhouse. Units arrived to find smoke showing and fire in the kitchen that was started by painters whose fumes caused the fire. Squad 8 was assigned the RIC duties while crews tried to knock the fire. The fire extended to the walls and cockloft and Squad 8 was reassigned to check the exposure in the attic to determine the amount of extension. After checking the exposure, they were then reassigned to the actual fire building to open up and stop the fire there as command requested a task force alarm. The fire was successfully stopped and Squad 8 returned to service in just over an hour.

May 2nd - Company 8 on 3 calls for shootings overnight - After a really slow day, as the sun went down the calls picked up. Just before 2100 hours on Saturday night, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6800 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot. Units arrived to find a male suffering from a severe head wound. Upon further evaluation, it was determined he had not been shot but beat with something instead and Medic 46 transported to a local trauma center. Then just after 0230 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd in District Heights for a report of one shot. Units arrived to find a male shot once in the head laying between two cars in front. Ambulance 88 provided care then transported to a local trauma center with the medics on board. While Ambulance 88 was at the trauma center, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 7000 Blk of Hastings Dr in the Peppermill section of Seat Pleasant for one shot out front. Units arrived to find a male bleeding profusely from his arm. Upon further questioning, it was discovered that the male had been stabbed and not shot. The wound was very deep and he was taken to a local hospital also in A389.

May 1st - Seat Pleasant takes part in annual Seat Pleasant Day - May 1st brought the annual Seat Pleasant Day celebration which started just after 1000 hours with the parade which included area police departments, marching bands, vintage cars, and of course the fire department. The parade started at the firehouse and went down to MLK Hwy and back to Goodwin Park where there was plenty of food, activities, and music provided by local bands. Engine 81 & 83, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 spent the day at the park entertaining visitors and spending time with the community answering questions the public had. Smoke detectors were available for the public as well as a raffle and different activities that both children and adults could enjoy. Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support we received as well as the volunteers that participated and put in weeks of hard work and dedication getting this day lined up. We would also like to thank Onya and Heather, two of the Redskins Cheerleaders that spent a majority of the day with us hanging out and signing autographs. The day was a success !

S.P.V.F.C. Apparatus getting ready / Seat Pleasant PD Officer Rush

Vol FF J. Gigogne and the kids / S.P.V.F.C. with Onya and Heather

April 27th - Squad 8 on double fatal accident - Just after 2130 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the Inner Loop of the Beltway near Central Ave for an auto accident. Units arrived to find a few vehicles and a tractor trailer involved with widespread damage over a large area of the Beltway. There were already two fatals on scene and several others that were seriously injured. Apparently a vehicle going northbound on the Beltway crossed the median, went airborne and then was struck by a tractor trailer ejecting two of the occupants killing them instantly. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour assisting other units including a State Police Helicopter using its heat detection device to try and locate any other patients that may have been ejected further into the woods. No other patients were found and the Beltway remained closed for several more hours as State Police investigated and reconstructed the accident.

April 26th - Squad 8 on morning house fire in Capitol Heights - About 0645 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 500 Blk of Drum Ave, in Company 5's area, for smoke coming from a house. Squad 8 arrived just behind Engine 51 to find heavy smoke showing and a room off in the basement. Squad 8 began venting from the outside removing the windows from the basement then forced the basement door and entered. Upon entering, split up and searched the basement while Engine 51 got their line in place to knock the fire. The fire was knocked down a short time later and worked for awhile checking for extension including opening the floor with a saw. Engine 51 and Squad 8 were held almost 2 hours for overhaul and assist investigators.

April 25th - Trench Rescue in Seat Pleasant - Just after 1700 hours, Squad 8 was taken off a medic local and sent to the 5900 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for an overturned backhoe and one trapped in a trench. Squad 8 and Chief 8, as Battalion Chief 1, arrived and found a backhoe partially in a ditch with a male buried up to his chest in mud. The Squad crew secured the scene and awaited the arrival of the collapse team. Several more units including rescue squads, EMS units, command officers, Anne Arundel County's Collapse Team, and of course the media descended on Seat Pleasant as units rotated in and out of the collapse zone digging by hand and hauling mud out to try and free the patient while simultaneously shoring up the trench. EMS units provided patient care as the firefighters performed the tedious job of digging him out which proved difficult due to water continuing to pour in and the mud just falling back on him. By 2100 hours, they had him dug out to his thighs as it became increasingly dark and storms approached. About 90 minutes later, the male was removed and taken to a local rauma center for evaluation. Chief 8 as Battalion Chief 1 had operations and Chief 5 as the Volunteer Operations Commander had the Seat Pleasant Command. The crew from Squad 8 as well as everyone else on the scene did an incredible job at effectively and safely removing the patient and keeping him alive. Squad 8 and Chief 8 operated on the scene for 7 hours.

April 25th - The officers and members of the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of past chief Sonny Wells and the rest of the members of the Hillside VFD. Sonny Wells recently passed away after serving many years with Hillside Company 6. We here at Seat Pleasant are very saddened and wish everyone close to him the best in the future.

April 24th - Ambulance 88 on trauma then shooting - Just after 0100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to the Capitol Beltway near Pennsylvania Ave for an accident involving a motorcycle. Squad 8 was placed in service due to no entrapment however Ambulance 88 treated a patient who was the passenger on a motorcycle when it lost control. The patient was found a great distance from the motorcycle and suffering from numerous facial injuries and abrasions. She was taken to a local trauma center by the crews from Ambulance 88 and Medic 20. Just after 0200 hours as Ambulance 88 was clearing the trauma, they were dispatched to the 3000 Blk of Brightseat Rd in Company 33's area for a shooting. Units arrived to find a teenager shot once in the head and unconscious. The patient was immobilized and loaded into Medic 46 with the crew from 88 assisting them with care and ventilations. Ambulance 88 cleaned up and returned to service about 4am.

April 18th - Engine 83 and Chief 8 on 3 alarm fire - Just after 1730 hours units were dispatched to the 4800 Blk of 68th Pl in Landover Hills for an apartment building on fire. Units went approaching the scene with heavy smoke showing just as Engine 83 was going on the air. Units arrived to find heavy fire involving all floors of one building and extension to both exposure buildings. The column of smoke could be seen from MLK Hwy and Addison Rd, in Seat Pleasant, and with additional crews at the station, Engine 83 was transferred to Company 30. About a minute into the transfer a 2nd alarm was sounded bringing Engine 83 as the first due engine. As Engine 83 arrived in staging, the evacuation tones were sounded for the initial fire building and Engine 83 was told to go to the scene. Upon arrival the crew took a line into the exposure along with Truck 12 and a crew from 28 and began opening up and extinguishing the heavy fire that had extended. Chief 8 arrived and was given that exposure while Engine 83's driver layed 600 feet of dual lines to another hydrant to supply Engine 282 who was supplying a majority of the units on side 1. A third alarm was sounded to replace the 2nd that was now working and the fire was controlled by interior lines and master streams. Engine 83 and Chief 8 packed up and returned home in about 4 hours. Just a side note, this 3 alarm fire was basically just across the street from the 3 alarm fire Company 8 ran 10 days ago.

April 18th - Squad 8 extricates another - Just after 0230 hours while Ambulance 88 was on a medic local and Engine 81 was responding 3rd due on a 26 box, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 1900 Blk of Ritchie Rd in Company 37's area to assist units on the scene of an accident with one trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle removing two doors and the "B" post so that EMS units could extricate the patient. After further evaluation, a helicopter was called to fly the patient out to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes and then was transferred to Company 40 as units in Baden were on the scene of a house fire on Aquasco Rd. Squad 8 remained on the transfer for several hours while Company 8 maintained an Engine and Ambulance crew as well as Squad 2 who was transferred to Seat Pleasant to protect that part of the 1st Battalion.

April 17th - Seat Pleasant removes two from overturned vehicle - After a relatively slow but steady day of only 23 runs by 2100 hours and not much to talk about other than a first due kitchen fire and an "almost" building fire in Company 17's area, Engine 81, Squad 8 and Ambulance 8