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6305 Addison Road ** Seat Pleasant, Maryland
20743 **** (301) 336-2331
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2005
Past Incidents
December 31st - Engine 83 ends year with small kitchen fire - Around noon Engine 83 was dispatched 2nd due for a house fire in the 900 Blk of Clovis Ave in Company 5's area. Due to E51 being on a medic local, E171 was first due. The engine from 17 arrived to find smoke showing and advanced a line. Engine 83 picked up 17's line and was told to vent as the special services ( 22 and 33 ) were coming from a distance. A small fire was found in the kitchen and extinguished by E171 while Engine 83 attempted to vent and performed a search until the arrival of Tower 33. The fire was extinguished and Engine 83 returned to service in about 30 minutes. The rest of the day closed out on a slow note with run of the mill calls with the exception of the shooting (well I guess that could be considered run of the mill) we ran around 2200 hours behind the liquor store across the street. County Police, already in the area, heard a large barrage of gunfire, a speeding car, followed by a citizen telling them someone had been shot behind the apartments. After searching the area, no victim was found, and units returned to service.
December 29th - Squad removes 1 from accident on Central Ave - Just before 2130 hours, Squad 8 responded with A389 and M46 to Central Ave & Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with 1 unconscious. Squad 8 arrived to find the accident at the intersection of Central Ave & Daimler Dr with one unconscious and one pinned. Squad 8 requested an additional Medic unit and an engine company. The crew went to work stabilizing the vehicle and then extricating the patient. A short time later A389 and Medic 46 transported 2 to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes. Earlier in the day Engine 83 ran another fire in Company 26's area as units went on the scene of a working fire in the 2800 Blk of Xavier La. Engine 83 arrived and staged as first in units made quick work of the small fire with Engine 83 returning in about 30 minutes. Later in the night, our dumpster was ablaze again for the 5th time this month. Also we have finally added some pictures to the site for some of our recent incidents, not all are ours, but most are so enjoy.
December 28th - Morning explosive device followed by evening fire - Just after 1130 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 9100 Blk of East Hampton Dr, in Company 37's area, for a suspicious package. Federal authorities had x-rayed a package finding a large mass with wires coming from it and requested assistance. Squad 8 stood by with E372 and E51 while police and the bomb squad took care of business. Squad 8 returned to service about 1300 hours. Then just before 2100 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 6100 Blk of Central Ave, in Company 5's area, for fire in the basement of a house. Engine 83 arrived along with E51 and picked up their line as it was obvious there was a working fire. Engine 83's crew pulled a line and made entry, finding fire conditions in the basement. The crew made their way to the basement and extinguished the fire. Shortly after extinguishing the basement, the crew went back to the first floor and assisted Trucks 17 and 26 with opening up and extinguishing any extension. Chief 8 had interior and the units from 8 returned to the City of Seat Pleasant in about 90 minutes.
December 27th - Man injures hand in machine - Just before 1500 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 600 Blk of Hampton Park Bl, in Company 37's area, for an injured person with a report of amputated fingers. E371 arrived and reported that the person's hand was not stuck any longer however he had lost a finger and degloved the rest of his hand. Immediately MSP Trooper 2 was called to attempt to fly him to the hand center in Baltimore. E371 moved quickly to handle the landing site at the Wheatley School where units met Trooper 2 who then transported him. Ambulance 88 returned to service a short time later.
December 25th - What else but a fire on Christmas for Seat Pleasant - Well Christmas is no different than any other day around here producing another high volume of calls and a fire. Around midday, Engine 83 responded 4th due to the 1200 Blk of Stratwood Ave, in Company 21's area, for a house fire. Units arrived with heavy fire showing and a task force was called. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E29's spilt lay and then ran a line to the basement and extinguished the fire there. Crews operated throughout the house opening up and checking for extension. Engine 83 became available in about 90 minutes.
December 24th - Blah Blah Blah.....Another fire.....Blah Blah Blah - Well most of you are probably tired of hearing about all the fires we run, but we figure we would keep you informed anyway. Around 1945 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded for a kitchen fire in the 6800 Blk of Kipling Pkwy in Company 26's area. Battalion Chief 3 arrived to find fire involving part of the first floor and advised "level 1 operations". Engine 81 arrived and picked up E371's line and reported to the basement where they checked for any drop down fire and secured utilities while companies upstairs knocked the fire and performed searches. One occupant was treated on the scene for chest pains. Company 8 returned to Seat Pleasant in just under 45 minutes. Seat Pleasant, in the spirit of the holidays, would like to acknowldedge those less fortunate than us ( you know who you are ) for taking the time to transfer and fill in at our station while we work these fires. Your efforts to pick up our medic locals and alarm bells are much appreciated. Happy Holidays to all !!!
Photo courtesy of Ritchie
December 23rd - You'll never guess what we ran today - Well as another day dawned in Seat Pleasant, amid the medical locals and accidents, another fire was had by all (well not all, but you know what we mean). Just before 1500 Hours, Engine 81, Squad 8, and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 4900 Blk of Marlboro Pike, in Company 17's area, for an auto on fire inside a repair shop. As units left the station, a large column of smoke could be seen from the area of The Pike & Larchmont. E171 arrived to find heavy fire involving and blowing out all 3 bays of the repair shop and through the roof. Engine 81 arrived just behind E261 and picked up their dual lines. The crew from 81 then pulled a 2" line with a stack tip nozzle and went to work knocking the fire. Chief 8 arrived and was given accountability and also assisted with the overall operation and Squad 8 was assigned RIC duties. Crews worked for awhile knocking it down and performing overhaul. One volunteer firefighter from Engine 81 was taken to Medstar with 1st and 2nd degree burns to the hands, shoulders, and leg as well as the worker in the shop who was burned over 40 percent of his body. The fire apparently started when a gas line in a vehicle broke, hitting a work light, and then igniting. Company 8 units returned to service in a few hours. This was the 16th working fire this month for Seat Pleasant.
December 22nd - Day brings shooting, police chase, barricade, and fire - Another busy day for Company 8 brought a wide array of calls. Just before 0200 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6400 Blk of Wilburn Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. Units arrived with police to find a female shot once in the head. The patient was priority 4 and at this time they believe it to be possibly self inflicted. Units from 8 returned a short time later. Then around 0600 hours, a carjacking occurred at the Deanwood Metro in Northeast DC. While enroute to the call, a Metro Transit officer noticed the vehicle that was jacked and began to pursue it. The chase went through Seat Pleasant until they bailed out and ran at 69th Pl & Seat Pleasant Dr. One suspect was quickly caught, but it was suspected that the other had gotten into a house and a standoff ensued for hours. You can read/see more here at WRC-TV 4's website. Then around 0800 hours, while the standoff was in full swing, Engine 81 responded to the 400 Blk of Richton Ct, Company 46's first due, for a house fire. Units arrived with heavy fire from the first floor and began an attack. As units tried to push their way in, it was discovered that the basement was well involved and soon after, part of the first floor collapsed. Units were pulled out while heavy fire conditions persisted. Once everyone was out, the crew from Engine 81 and E332 were sent back in and worked to extinguish the house. Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 4 hours.
Photos courtesy of Kentland
December 21st - Extrication is followed by Capitol Heights house fire - Just before 1500 hours, while Squad 8 was returning from the extrication on Allentown Rd, communications began receiving calls for a house on fire in the 5000 Blk of Gunther St in Company 5's area. The call was dispatched bringing Engine 81 and Squad 8. Engine 51 arrived to find heavy fire from the 1st floor of a house with extension upstairs. Engine 81 picked up 5's line and the crew ran a few blocks to the fire and pulled a back up line. Squad 8 arrived and went to work searching and opening up. The crew from Engine 81 followed 5 and caught up with them and the Squad crew and began knocking some of the fire. The blaze was extinguished a short time later and two firefighters from Company 5 were transported to Medstar with minor burns. Engine 81 remained on the scene for almost 2 hours while the Squad remained for overhaul and to assist investigators for about 3 hours.
December 21st - Squad 8 on extrication in Allentown - Around 1330 hours, Squad 8 was sent to Allentown Rd & Brinkley Rd, Company 32's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a 3 vehicle accident with a driver severely pinned. Due to the distance Squad 8 has to travel, Squad 74 from Andrews Air Force Base was started on the call. Squad 8 arrived a short time later and went to work stabilizing the vehicle. Squad 74 assisted Squad 8 for awhile removing the doors, roof, and pushing the dash. The patient was removed and CPR was started. Many EMS units were called as well as several helicopters for multiple traumas. Squad 8 returned to service in just over an hour.
December 20th - Busy day produces shooting and fire - Another day has come with close to 30 runs for Seat Pleasant. The day was already in full swing by 0200 hours when Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 1300 Blk of Dillon Ct, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot. Units from 8 arrived to find a male victim shot in the head. The patient was treated and transported by Ambulance 88 with Medic 29 to a local trauma center, returning to service in just over an hour. Then after many medic locals and accidents with a box alarm or two thrown in, Squad 8 responded to the 3300 Blk of Poplar Dr, in Company 23's area, for a "house smoking". E371 arrived and found fire in the walls. Squad 8 arrived and was assigned the RIC duties as E371 and Truck 26 worked to open up and extinguish the fire. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
December 16th - ' Tis the season we guess - Well as has been the case for the past few days, Company 8 spent the day running about 30 calls including a fire ( or two ). Just before 1100 hours, Engine 81 responded as the 4th due engine to the 1300 Blk of Kingsbrook Ct, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire. E461 arrived to find heavy fire from the second floor of a house. Engine 81 arrived their due and picked up E371's line. The crew then reported to the scene and pulled a line off of E461 as fire was through the roof in part of the house. The crew ran the line up a ladder into the second floor where they started working on the attic. The crew worked for just under an hour extinguishing fire and hot spots along with some overhaul before returning to Seat Pleasant.
Photos courtesy of Kentland
December 16th - Company 8 on another fire, this time in Forestville - After 20 + calls Thursday, Company 8 continued their runs as just after midnight, Engine 81 was alerted to the 8600 Blk of Pennsylvania Ave, near 23's firehouse, for a house on fire. As has happened so many times recently, after being dispatched with one piece and up responding, Company 8 has been told to return for a different piece (ie: dispatched with the engine and told to go back and get the squad instead). So even with E231 on the scene with heavy fire, Engine 81 got the Squad and we continued on our merry way. Squad 8, along with Chief 8 ( McGill ) arrived as Battalion Chief 3 had established command and advised units he had a house well involved and would be exterior operations. The Squad crew was initially given the RIC and did a 360 of the house as crews fought the fire and water supply issues as well as the torrential rains. After awhile, Squad 8 was told to start overhauling and open up so crew memebers ascended ladders and hit some fire and hot spots while opening up. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 was held for just over 2 hours to overhaul more and assist investigators.
December 15th - Engine 81 on Chapel Oaks house fire - Around 0700 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 800 Blk of Carrington Ave, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire ( sound familiar ? ). Engine 81 arrived just behind E384 this time to find heavy smoke showing and fire from the attic of the same house run yesterday evening. Engine 81 again pulled a second line and with E384 found heavy fire in the living room and throughout the attic. Engine 81 again did a search and vented ( what was left ) while attacking the fire. The fire was extinguished shortly after and Engine 81 remained onscene for about an hour.
December 14th - Engine 81 on Chapel Oaks house fire - Around 1700 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 800 Blk of Carrington Ave, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire. Engine 81 arrived just behind E331 to find smoke showing. The engine from 33 advanced a line inside the house, which soon had fire showing from the downstairs, while Engine 81 advanced a second line in the house to the floor above. The crew from Engine 81 did a search and vented the structure while 331 knocked down the room in the basement. The searches came out negative and Engine 81 cleared in just under an hour.
Photo courtesy of Kentland
December 10th - Squad 8 removes one in accident on Pennsylvania Ave - Just before 2300 hours, Squad 8 responded to Pennsylvania Ave & Brooks Dr, in Company 17's area, for an accident with a vehicle off the road. Units arrived in the area and checked around but found nothing and with nothing further on the call, units were placed in service. Then just a few minutes later an assignment for Pennsylvania Ave & Spaulding Ave, down the road a ways, was dispatched for a vehicle overturned. A179 arrived to find a vehicle in the woods and immediately called for a helicopter and a second squad. Squad 8 arrived shortly after and found a vehicle on its roof with severe damge to the drivers side and the driver pinned inside. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the doors and quickly, yet carefully, slid the victim out as the MSP Trooper was landing. Squad 22, the second Squad, was placed in service before their arrival. The patient was suffering from multiple traumatic injuries and was transported by air to a local trauma center minutes after extrication. Squad 8 cleared in just over 30 minutes. In other exciting news, the new dumpster behind the firehouse which replaced the mangled, burned out, old dumpster has started toward the same demise as it too has suffered its first torching followed later on in the night by another dumpster fire behind the shopping center. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new trash receptacle friend to the neighborhood, you are now an official part of Seat Pleasant. Enjoy your stay.
December 9th - Engine 81 on double fatal fire in Boulevard Heights - After spending the morning running accidents due to the region's second snow "event" in a week, house and box assignments, and a DOA behind a house on Southern Ave, Engine 81 was alerted to the 4000 Blk of Alton St, in Company 17's area, for a house on fire. Being that the house was just 2 doors from 17's firehouse, E171 arrived quickly and found smoke showing and discovered from a resident that there were people trapped upstairs. Engine 81 arrived and picked up 29's line and the crew advanced a backup line into the house and did a search of the first floor. While in the house, crews found two unconcious males in an upstairs bedroom. One male was removed via the interior steps but two crew members from Engine 81, Volunteer Lt Kevin Brenner and Career FF Brian Monn, helped remove the second victim down staggered ladders from a second floor window. Members of Engine 81 immediately began CPR on the victim as a reeves stretcher was brought to the scene and the crews carried him up the ice covered street to 17's firehouse where they found an AED and continued CPR until the arrival of an EMS transport unit. Although Engine 81 and crews on the scene worked hard to remove and revive the victims, they succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The fire was quickly extinguished and Engine 81 cleared the scene in about 90 minutes.
Photo courtesy of Firehouseguy
December 7th - Finally an update !!!! - Past few weeks haven't looked busy on here but have been in the station. Since the last update the station has run over 400 calls for service. So that there isnt a long trail of stories to read, we will briefly mention some noteworthy calls to catch everyone up to speed :
11/18 Squad & Ambulance - MLK and Addison Rd ( 8 ) Injury / trauma
11/18 Ambulance - 800 Karen Bl ( 8 ) cutting / child to childrens
11/19 Squad and Ambulance - Hill Rd & Hill Oaks ( 8 ) 9I w/one trapped
11/24 Squad and Ambulance - 6900 Blk Hastings Dr ( 8 ) 9I w/trauma
11/24 - Squad 6400 Blk Central Ave (8) Hit and run accident
11/24 Engine - Cabin Branch Rd & Clearfield (8) auto fire ( suspect veh from hit and run )
11/25 Squad - 1900 Blk of Southern Ave (42) accident with one trapped
11/26 Squad - Donnell Dr & Pennsylvania Ave (26) accident w/ 1 trapped
11/27 Engine - 10600 Blk Broadleaf Dr (46) Fire on 2nd floor of a house
11/27 Squad - 1400 Blk Nye St (38) car into a house with traumas
11/30 Squad - 6700 Blk Marlboro Pike (26) accident w/one trapped
12/3 Engine - 4700 Blk Hudson Ave (17) few rooms off on top floor
12/3 Engine - 1100 Blk 61st Ave (38) small fire in the basement
12/4 Engine 5800 Blk Fisher Rd (42) fire in two apt buildings ( 3 alarms )
12/4 Ambulance - 1100 Blk Waterford Dr (37) injury from a fall / trauma
12/5 Engine - 304 70th Pl (8) small fire in the basement
12/7 Engine - 9500 Blk Caprice Ct (46) kitchen fire
12/7 Squad - 2700 Blk Lorring Dr (26) room off in terrace apt
12/7 Engine - 9500 Blk Caprice Ct *again* (46) fire throughout the attic
Along with these calls was the usual shenanigans witnessed by personnel at Company 8 such as the daily dumpster fires at and around the station with the occasional burning trash truck or two thrown in. Or the vehicle into the tree due to the estaranged boyfriend riding around in the trunk all day before coming through the backseat and beating the driver at knife point while she was driving and then holding police at bay with his 3 knives and gun. Yes, you may have been fooled by the lack of news on the site, however, there has been few times where crews have received a break. As always, never a dull moment and we hope to keep the updates coming ( more frequently of course ).
November 20th - Squad 8 has early morning door pop: More dumpsters - Around 0300 hours, Squad 8 was called to assist units on the scene along the MD/DC border at Suitland Rd & Southern Ave. Units were on the scene of a 2 vehicle accident, one of which had hit a telephone pole at a good rate of speed, trapping a victim inside. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and then removed the door. The patient was removed by awaiting EMS personnel and transported to a local trauma center. Being Sunday and all, it was trash burning day also ( November 6th story ) as the Engine ran the 1400 Blk of Addison Rd S with other units for a dumpster on fire in a building. Well there was a trash fire, however it was outside. Then as the day continued into Monday, Engine 83 went to the rear of the firehouse in Addison Plaza for dumpsters on fire and then a little later to the unit block of Yost Pl, adjacent to Addison Plaza, for more dumpsters on fire.
November 17th - Company 8 hits fire trifecta - Around 0700 hours, Engine 83 was dispacthed to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a fire in the building. Engine 83 arrived first to find a small fire in the laundry room. The fire was quickly extinguished and Engine 83 and Truck 5 remained on the scene for about 30 minutes to vent and pick up. Then just before noon, Engine 83 was on the road again, this time to Company 17's area ( shocker ) for the 2200 Blk of Shadyside Ave for a house on fire. Units arrived to find a room off with fire running down the hallway. Engine 83 arrived soon after but for some reason was given the RIC duties ( ? no idea ? ). Engine 83 got their equipment together and also assisted with ventilation as part of the crew took out windows to help the crew inside. Engine 83 returned to service in just under an hour. Then around 1430 hours, Chief 26A called in a garage well off about a block from our firehouse in the 100 Blk of 68th Pl. Engine 83 left and went around the corner and made quick work of the garage fire, remaining on the scene for about an hour to get hot spots and pick up.
November 14th - Engine 83 on afternoon first due fire - The day started off with the now normal occurrence of dumpster fires behind the firehouse but by early afternoon Engine 83 was alerted to the 6800 Blk of Wilburn Dr, just off Addison Rd S in the Wilburn Estates section of Seat Pleasant, for smoke coming from a house. As Engine 83 made its way up Wilburn Dr, they were met with citizens jumping up and down in the roadway pointing to the house that was obviously on fire. Engine 83 arrived with heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a two story house and immediately ran the 200 inside. The crew made it's way to the second floor, venting along the way, where they encountered a good amount of fire and began knocking it. The fire had extended to the attic and another room and crews worked to open up to stop any further extension. The fire was brought under control soon after and 1 dog was pronounced dead on the scene while one escaped on his own. Engine 83 returned to service in just over 2 hours.
November 12th - Squad 8 on another 17 house - Around 1541 hours, while transferred to Company 27 for a house fire in Morningside, Squad 8 was alerted to Edgewick St and Nova Ave in Company 17's area for a house on fire. E171 arrived to find smoke showing from a house. Squad 8 arrived as the first special service and began opening up as the crew from 17 worked on the fire. The Squad also conducted a quick search and checked for extension as the fire was quickly knocked down. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 3 hours for overhaul and to assist the investigators with lighting. This was the 3rd time in a week that Seat Pleasant was on a working house fire in Company 17's area.
November 12th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on double fatal accident - At 1016 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched the Outer Loop of the Capitol Beltway at Landover Rd for an accident with 1 overturned. Units arrived to find a vehicle on its roof with 3 people ejected including a child. Upon further evaluation it was discovered that 2 of the ejected adults were trauma codes and crews immediately started CPR. MSP Trooper 8 was called to the scene to transport the child to a local childrens trauma center. The two adults died from their injuries while the child remains hospitalized. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 returned to service in 45 minutes.
Photo courtesy of Kentland
November 11th - Squad 8 on Boulevard Heights house fire - Just before 1100 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2400 Blk of Porter Ave, in Company 17's area, for a house on fire. First in units reported smoke and fire showing from the rear. Squad 8, the first arriving special service, went to work upon arrival assisting the first in engine. Heavy fire was discovered throughout the basement with extension to the first floor and rear of the house. Squad 8 perfromed a search and opened up to assist units inside as they worked to knock the fire. The fire was extinguished a short time later and Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 90 minutes for extensive overhaul and to assist the investigators.
November 6th - Sunday apparently is trash burning day in Seat Pleasant - Sunday started off about 0130 hours as Engine 83 went to the rear of the station for the weekly " lets burn the firehouse's dumpster " party that someone likes to have. As usual, the dumpster was well involved and Engine 83 was back in quarters within 20 minutes. Then just before 0700 hours, Engine 83 responded to the unit block of Yost Pl, in the shopping center behind the firehouse, for a dumpster fire. Again, the engine arrived with a dumpster on fire, this one more full then the other, and again was returning to quarters in about 20 minutes. Then at 1343 hours, Engine 83 responded to Yost Pl & Baltic St, near the previous dumpster, for guess what ? nope...not a dumpster..this time they decided to set a whole trash truck on fire. Engine 83 worked for just over a half hour extinguishing this fire before returning to service.
November 5th - Ambulance 88 runs trauma on " The Boulevard " - Just after 2300 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1200 Blk of Capital Center Blvd, in Company 46's area, for a possible shooting. E462 and Medic 46 arrived first at the former site of the Capital Center, now turned town center, and staged for the County Police. Units were waved in soon after to find a male down in front of a store. Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted Medic 46 with patient care and loaded the victim into their unit. Ambulance 88 then transported the patient with Medic 46 on board to a local trauma center with a head injury after being beaten by a group of juveniles. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour. The patient from this call died Monday November 7th from the injuries received during the attack. This was the County's 150th homicide of the year, already 2 more than all of last year.
November 5th - Engine 83 on early morning Hillside house fire - Just after 0700 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched as the 4th due engine to the 1200 Blk of Kayak Ave, in Company 17's area, for a house on fire. Engine 83 is usually 2nd or 3rd due here however due to Truck 5 and 26 being out of service and the call being in Company 17's first due (eliminating the only available truck southside), Trucks 22, 9, and Tower 33 responded as the special services. E171 arrived on the scene with a working fire on the 2nd floor of a large 2 story house with a basement. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E171's line at the hydrant directly across from the old station 6 on Larchmont Ave and the crew advanced another line inside. While inside, the crew conducted a search of the first floor and basement as units made pretty quick work of the fire upstairs. Engine 83 remained on the scene for just over an hour before being placed in service. This brought to close a relatively busy week with the fires included in the previous stories plus a room off in Kentland Tuesday and several small fires set in an apartment early in the morning on Wednesday in the 2700 Blk of Lorring Dr in District Heights, both of which were run with Engine 83.
November 4th - Fatal fire in Silver Hill brings Squad 8 on the task force - Just after 2100 hours, units were dispatched to the 3500 Blk of 23rd Pkwy, in the Hillcrest Heights section of Company 29's area, for a house on fire with people trapped. Units arrived to find heavy fire involving the basement with extension to the 1st floor with confirmed one trapped. Right as units arrived, Squad 8 was dispatched to Company 29's area for an investigation of something blowing up in a microwave. First units in quickly handled and Squad 8 was sent to Company 26 on a transfer. After just a few minutes, Squad 8 was alerted to 23rd Pkwy on the task force and told to report to the scene and assume the RIC duties as units still tried to get a handle on the fire. One occupant was removed and transported as a working code to a local hospital where he died from his injuries and another occupant, who made it out a window just before the fire department arrived, was transported for a check up. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour before returning to Seat Pleasant. Chief 8C (Boomer) was also on the call and amazingly drives pretty well for a dog. Apparently Chief McGill has been teaching him well. Look out Chief, we think he's gunning for your spot.
November 3rd - Ambulance 88 on double shooting in Chapel Oaks - Just after midnight, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1100 Blk of Dunbar Oaks Dr, in Company 38's area, for 2 people shot. Ambulance 88 arrived with E384 and County Police to find 2 males shot with a shotgun. The one victim was shot in the back and the other in the thigh. Crews worked to treat both patients and package them. Both were taken to a local trauma center, the one shot in the back by Medic 30 and the one in the leg by Ambulance 88. Both victims were in the process of repossessing a minivan when they were shot. County Police have made no arrests and the incident is currently under investigation. Ambulance 88 returned to Seat Pleasant in just over an hour.
November 1st - Squad 8 removes 1 from burning car on 495 - Around 0130 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the IL of the Capital Beltway @ Ritchie Marlboro Rd for an accident with a car on fire and 1 trapped. Units arrived to find an accident involving a pick up and a tractor trailer. The collision had sent the pick up into the guard rail and then burst into flames with the driver still trapped inside. E371 arrived and immediatley ran a line and started extinguishing the car. Chief 37 called for a helicopter after it was discovered the patient, although burned and trapped, was still alive. Squad 8 arrived and quickly removed the door and then removed the victim. While Engine 371 was bringing the cot to the patient, the crew from Squad 8 began care and started bagging the patient. The crews loaded the patient who was then brought to MSP Trooper 2 who landed on the Beltway and flew the victim to Medstar with burns over a majority of his body and other traumatic injuries. Squad 8 remained on the scene for awhile with Hazmat 30 as they were called to assist in clean up of diesel fuel as 1 of the saddle tanks had ruptured on the tractor trailer.
October 31st - Halloween continues with extrication and traumas - As crews were getting around to finally getting dinner, Squad 8 and Engine 83 responded to assist E51 and PA5 on an accident at East Capitol St and Davey St. Units arrived and went to work extricating the driver from the pickup, who was now on the passenger side due to the force of impact. The driver was removed to PA5 with a shattered pelvis and a femur fractured in two places along with other cuts and bruises. The occupant of the other car struck by the truck was removed and transported by Medic 30 due to an altered level of consciousness and mechanism. Both of these patients were taken to local trauma centers and a third patient was taken to a local hospital for non life threatening injuries. Apparently, the pick up was stolen and was being followed by the police when it sped up and crashed. Witnesses claim the truck went airborne, so high that it actually touched the street light almost 30 feet up, and struck the pole at a high rate of speed. We're not sure if that actually happened ( although there were several different accounts stating this ) but somehow the street light above was shattered and broken. The units from 8 cleared in about 30 minutes.
October 31st - Halloween brings 2 daytime fires for Company 8 - Just before 1100 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 1100 Blk of Glen Willow Dr, just off MLK Hwy in Company 38's area, for smoke in the building. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E384's line as units reported smoke showing from the 3 story garden apartment. The crew from Engine 83 ran a back up line inside as units extinguished the suspicious fires in the apartment and worked to remove smoke. Engine 83 operated for almost an hour before returning to service. Later on in the afternoon about 1600 hours, Engine 83 and Squad 8 responded to the 700-Blk of Larchmont Ave, in Capitol Heights, for a shed on fire in the rear of the house. As units from 8 made the right on to Central Ave, it was obvious there was something on fire as a column of smoke could be seen over the trees. Seat Pleasant arrived as Engine 51 was attempting to make entry to the backyard. Squad 8 removed the lock on the gate and made their way to the backyard as a utility shed was found to be well involved. The fire was extinguished quickly and E51 and the units from Company 8 were held for about 30 minutes to overhaul and extinguish hot spots.
October 30th - Company 8 on first due stabbing - Just before 0100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to " all to familiar " 6800-Blk of Central Ave, near Cindy La, for a stabbing out front. Units arrived with County Police to find a male in a pool of blood in front. After a quick assessment, it was discovered that the male had been stabbed once with a very large knife under his left arm. The patient was bandaged and quickly transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.
October 28th - Evening full of box alarms keep Company 8 busy - Friday was a normal day with the exception of almost half the calls for the day came in a 3 hour period. Between about 1830 hours and 2130 hours, Company 8 responded to 9 calls including 6 box alarms, two of which were small fires. Company 8 toured the southside as they responded to a box alarm in 26's area, then to 29's area, and back to 26's. After clearing that it was off to Oxon Hill ( 42's area ), then Company 23's area and then finally to Company 20's area. The second box in 26's area and the 20 box were both small mattress fires that were quickly extinguished.
October 20th - Squad 8 on small kitchen fire - At 1330 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 1300 Blk of Minnesota Way, in Company 37's area, for a house on fire. E371 arrived to find smoke showing and advanced a line inside. Squad 8 arrived soon after and went to work venting the house and and doing a quick search. The fire was found to be in the kitchen and was held by the home's sprinkler system. Squad 8 operated for about 30 minutes checking for extension before packing up and returning to service.
Seat Pleasant's newest member, Boomer, hard at work as always
October 18th - Engine 83 on first due duplex fire - Right around 1130 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 7200 Blk of Joplin St, in Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a 2 story duplex with heavy fire on both floors and through the roof of one side of the duplex. As the crew stretched a line, the fire continued to grow as it was now meeting them at the front steps. The crew began knocking the fire and making their way inside as initially there was a report of possibly people trapped. As Engine 83 knocked the first floor, additional units took lines upstairs to start hitting the fire there. Crews conducted a quick search through the high heat and heavy smoke to insure that there was nobody still inside. It was discovered that the fire had extended into the roof and to the rear of the adjacent unit. Engine 83 and the rest of the assignment worked for a short time extinguishing the one unit and opening up and hitting the hot spots in the adjacent one. Engine 83 remained on the scene for about 4 hours to assist investigators and pack up.
Photos courtesy of Kentland
October 17th - Company 8 has busy day with accidents and fire - Monday started off fast with 9 runs between 0730 and 0930 hours. During that time Company 8 responded to 4 accidents, 2 fire alarms, a street assignment, a first due box and a service call. One of the accidents was on the Beltway at Ritchie Marlboro Rd in Company 37's area. That accident involved a tractor trailer that hit a jersey wall. Originally the Squad was put in service but then called back along with Hazmat 30 as one of the saddle tanks had ruptured spilling a large amount of diesel onto the roadway. Squad 8 assisted units on the scene for about 30 minutes before returning to service. Shortly after clearing, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 7900 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with an SUV overturned. Units arrived with Company 5 ( Squad 8 was still out in Forestville after clearing the Beltway ), to find a vehicle in the median on its roof. Ambulance 88 transported one of the unrestrained occupants to a local trauma center. After a few more box alarms and accidents for the day, Squad 8 responded to Capitol Heights Bl and Fable St, in Company 5's area, where E174 had arrived on the scene with a vehicle on fire next to a house with extension and requested the box. Squad 8 and Chief 8 as Battalion Chief 1 arrived next and assisted E174 as they were knocking the fire. As Squad 8 checked inside, it was discovered that the fire had spread to the rear porch and sides C/D. The crew did a quick search and opened up. Command held E174 and Squad 8 for about an hour to finish overhaul and picking up. During the 12 hour period between 0730 and 1930 hours, Company 8 responded to well over 20 runs.
October 16th - Squad 8 rescues car thief from creek bed - As the day was drawing to a close, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded with PE5 and PA5 to the 200 Blk of Possum Ct, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person after falling down a hill into a creek bed. Units arrived with the County Police to find a teenage male semi conscious on his back down an embankment. The crews quickly made their way down the hill and beagn treating the patient. He was boarded and collared and then placed securely in a stokes basket and brought out of the ravine by Squad 8. He was taken to a local trauma center by awaiting EMS units. The story goes like this, apparently him and some friends were spending a leisurely night stealing cars. After stealing one car, they then turned to steal a second car. Unfortunately for him, the car belonged to an off duty MPD officer who witnessed this crime occurring. A foot chase ensued and ended as the subject tried to run through the woods. What he didnt know was that the woods ended at a steep hill that dumped into a creek. He knows now though. This was the second incident Company 8 was on with the County Police. Earlier, crews went to the 800 Blk of Karen Bl, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person. This person had led PD on a chase on his ATV before bailing off of it and injuring himself.
October 13th - Day starts with fire, ends with homicide - Around 0200 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 were sent to Station 43 in Mitchelville, as units in the area operated on a working house fire. While there, Ambulance 88 was requested to the scene as the homeowner was complaing of smoke inhalation and a laceration. As crews worked to extinguish the fire, Ambulance 88 evaluated and treated the patient, taking him to a local hospital for a check up. Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 eventually returned to Seat Pleasant a few hours later when units began clearing. Then around 2315 hours, just after Engine 83 and Squad 8 cleared a stolen auto on fire in the vacant complex on Karen Bl, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6100 Blk of Elder St, in Seat Pleasant, for a man laying in the street after several callers reported hearing gunshots. Units from 8 arrived with county police to find a male shot in the head and was pronounced dead. Engine 83 & Ambulance 88 cleared in about 20 minutes. This call was dispatched just minutes after Company 5 responded to the 900 Blk of Eastern Ave for a shooting and then 2 hours later units responded to another shooting in Company 17's area in the 1600 Blk of Nova Ave where a victim died. You can stay updated with all that is happening with our new PGPD news link. Be careful out there !!!
October 11th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 extricate 1 on East Capitol St - Around 2230 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to East Capitol St & Coolidge St, in Company 5's area, for an accident. E51 and PA5 were on the scene reporting 1 trapped which brought The Squad, EMS11, and Battalion Chief 1. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle on the median with heavy damage and removed the drivers side door. The crew from Squad 8 then assisted PA5 in packaging an extremely combative patient, probably due to a head injury, who had to eventually be physically restrained. PA5 transported the patient to a local trauma center and the units returned to Seat Pleasant in about 20 minutes.
October 9th - Squad 8 on another fatal accident, this time on I 495 - Just before 0500 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the Inner Loop of The Capital Beltway @ Pennsylvania Ave for an accident involving 3 vehicles. Units arrived to find a vehicle that had been rear ended and then pushed into a parked truck on the side of the interstate. Units already on the scene removed a priority 1 trauma from the driver side and upon arrival, Squad 8 assisted E371 with patient care on the passenger. The passenger was in cardiac arrest and CPR was started by E371 and Squad 8 as they packaged the patient and sent them on their way to a local hospital where they died from their injuries. MSP Trooper was called to the scene to fly out the driver as PG Trauma was on reroute, which seems to be the norm now for Friday and Saturday nights. Squad 8 cleared a short time later. This was the 3rd fatal accident for Company 8 in less than 5 days.
October 7th - Squad 8 works afternoon basement fire in Clinton - Right around 1630 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 7500 Blk of Healy Pl, in Company 25's area, for a report of a house fire. Squad 8 got on the road for the long journey ( for the second time this week we responded with Brandywine Company 40 on an initial assignment ) and made its way toward Woodyard Rd. E255 arrived with a single family dwelling with heavy fire from the basement. Squad 8 arrived as the 3rd piece on the scene, just behind Truck 25, and per command went to work doing a search. The crew entered the house with units from 25, did a search of the structure and vented. The engine companies put a good knock on the fire and the Squad crew assisted with checking for extension and overhaul. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned to service a little while later. This was the 7th fire in as many days for Company 8.
Photo courtesy of Clinton VFD
October 7th - Squad 8 on fatal extrication in Bowie - Just before 0630 hours as the morning rush hour was getting started and the rain was falling from the remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy, Squad 8 responded to Rt 301 ( Crain Hwy ) and Central Ave, in Company 43's area, for an accident. The incident involved a dump truck and a minivan, pinning the driver of the minivan in their vehicle. Squad 8 arrived and popped two doors allowing the driver to be removed however due to multiple traumatic injuries, died. The driver of the dump truck was transported to a local hospital for a check up. Squad 8 cleared the scene a short time later.
October 6th - Good ol' days back ? Fire drought over ? Could be - After a freakishly slow year of fires so far, things have picked up this week. Just before 1700 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 900 Blk of St Michaels Dr, in Company 46's area, for a townhouse fire. Units arrived to find a middle of the row townhouse with a room off on the second floor. Units from Seat Pleasant arrived and went to work with Chief 8 taking interior and Squad 8 throwing ladders and then forcing entry to the D exposure to check for any extension. Fire was contained by units from Kentland to the room of origin and Squad 8 and The Chief returned to service within the hour. This was the 6th fire since Saturday and we can only hope that maybe things are back on track and we can actually get back to doing the work we enjoy !!!
October 5th - Engine 83, Squad 8, and Chief 8 on house fire - As the sun set and the day began to wind down, A179 responded to a medical call as it does many times a day ( not as many as us of course ) and while enroute to that call noticed a large amount of fire and smoke coming from a house. The crew called in the assignment to PSC in the 4900 Blk of Elm St and the call was dispatched bringing Engine 83, Squad 8, and Chief 8 ( McGill ) . E174 arrived to find heavy fire from the front rooms of the house with some extension and a woman handcuffed in the front yard. Apparently the newly incarcerated woman had tried to commit suicide by setting the house on fire. Engine 83 arrived in front of the house and ran the bumper line inside to assist units with a good secondary search and to open up and hit hot spots as the Engine from 17 had put a good knock on the fire. The Squad crew was ordered to remove the bars from the windows in the rear and then assumed the RIC duties. Units remained on the scene for over an hour before picking up and returning to Seat Pleasant.
October 5th - Engine 83 on Boulevard Heights apartment fire - Around mid morning, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 4700 Blk of Hudson Ave, in Company 17's area, for a building on fire. Units arrived to find a fire in a second floor bedroom. First arriving units made entry and worked to control the small fire while Engine 83 ran an attack line to the exposure to check for extension. The fire was contained to the original apartment and units cleared within the hour.
October 5th - Ambulance 88 on fire, Squad runs to Allentown Road - At 0600 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 5100 Blk of Indian Head Hwy, in Company 42's area, where units were on the scene of a fire in a commercial building. Units arrived with smoke showing and heavy fire in a dry cleaners with extension to the roof area and the dollar store next door. Command eventually called for a task force to assist units already onscene( why the Ambulance was due but not the Squad or Engine, who knows ). While units were responding to this incident, a local for a malfunctioning stove was dispatched to the 2900 Blk of Henson Bridge Terr, off of Bock Rd, in Company 32's area. That assignment brought E37 E40 ( thats right, Seat Pleasant was dispatched on a call with Company 40 ) and Squad 8. After a 20 minute response time, Squad 8 arrived first to find there was no active fire and assisted the homeowner in correcting the situation. Squad 8 cleared a short time later and Ambulance 88 cleared much later after units started mopping up from the fire.
October 4th - Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 on fatal accident - Around 2200 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted along with Battalion Chief 1 (Chief 8, McGill) to assist units on the scene at Largo Rd & Whitehouse Rd in Company 46's area. Units were on the scene with a 2 vehicle accident with a patient severely pinned in a vehicle that was on fire. The fire was extinguished and units worked on extricating the victim. MSP Trooper was called while Squad 20 worked to free the patient. After finally getting enough of the twisted metal away from the patient, he was pronounced dead due to injuries incompatible with life. Several other patients were transported to local hospitals by EMS units. Ambulance 88 returned to service shortly after and Battalion Chief 1 came home in about 30 minutes.
October 2nd - Engine 81 on District Heights apartment fire - For the second time in just over 12 hours, Company 8 was on its way to Company 26's area for an apartment on fire. This time it was Engine 81 responding to the 6500 Blk of Pennsylvania Ave where units arrived to find fire showing from the second floor of a garden apartment. Engine 81 arrived 3rd and laid a line and made their way to the rear. Due to limited access to the building, the crew made up a leader line and ran a ladder to side C, connected the standpipe pack to the leader line and made their way to the 3rd floor via the ladder. The crew made entry and searched the apartment above through moderate smoke conditions while first in crews worked to knock the fire below. Engine 81 worked with special services to open up and check for extension. Searches were negative and the fire was contained to the apartment of origin. Engine 81 cleared in just under 90 minutes.
October 1st - Squad 8 first arriving on apartment fire - Just before noon, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for smoke coming from a building. Units arrived in the area and began to check. Squad 8, coming up the backside from our first due to the newly vacated Karen Bl, noticed smoke coming from one of the vacant buildings. The crew dismounted, hopped a fence, and made it to the building to find a small fire in a 2nd floor vacant apartment. As the rest of the units arrived and ran lines to the building, the Squad crew did a quick search for any vagrants and began opening up. The fire was knocked and Squad 8 cleared within the hour. It's possible that this vacant complex could end up like some of the other infamous ones that caught fire on a regular basis until finally torn down. Only time will tell !
September 27th - Squad extricates, Ambulance transports trauma - Just before 1600 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Southern Ave, in Company 5's area along the DC border, for an accident. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with one trapped and two patients. The Squad stabilized the vehicle and removed the door, allowing the trapped victim to be freed. Ambulance 88 then treated and packaged 1 of the 2 traumas and transported them to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared a short time later while Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour.
September 24th - Trauma and fatality make up Saturday night runs - While another day went by with the usual call load, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to Largo Rd & Mt Lubentia Way, in Company 46's area, for an accident with people trapped. Units were already on the scene as Ambulance 88 was called to assist. Three total trauma patients were transported to a local trauma center by A88, A469, and Medic 46. Ambulance 88 transported the less serious trauma as he was suffering from injuries sustained after breaking off the steering column upon impact. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour. Then about 2230 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 500 Blk of Eastern Ave, in Company 5's area along the DC/MD border, for a female trapped under a vehicle after being struck by it. Units arrived to find a female who had been struck by a vehicle and then drove with her under it for a little over a block. Units arrived along with the police and found the patient dead. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes while police continued to investigate the accident.
September 23rd - Average Friday produces fire, trauma, & stabbing - Friday brought an average day of running up and down the road until early afternoon when Engine 81 was dispatched to the 5600 Blk of Malvern Way, in Company 5's area, for a fire in a townhouse. Units arrived to find a fire in the kitchen. Engine 81 assisted units with extinguishment and checking for extension before returning to service in about 40 minutes. Soon after returning, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6700 Blk of Atwood St, in Company 26's area, for a child struck. Units arrived to find an 8 year old female who had been struck by a vehicle. Units evaluated the child and found numerous traumatic injuries. Trooper 2 was called and transported the child to a local trauma center. Units cleared in about 30 minutes. Upon clearing, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 7300 Blk of Calder Dr, in the Shady Glen section of Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. Units arrived with county police and found a subject cut with a knife. The patient was treated and transported by the crew from 88. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while the ambulance cleared in about an hour.
September 22nd - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on stabbing melee - At 2039 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched along with PA5 and E51 for a stabbing in the 6800 Blk of Central Ave in the Central Gardens II complex. This complex and Central Gardens I on Cindy La, as you may remember, have been the site of numerous shootings and violent crimes in recent months. Units arrived with County Police to find a large crowd, up to 50 people, that had been involved in a fight. Two stabbing victims were discovered to the rear of the unit blk of Cindy La, which backs up to the dispatched address, as well as 1 victim in one of the buildings in the 6800 Blk of Central Ave. Ambulance 88 treated two victims while Squad 8 and units from 5 attended to the other stabbing victim. All 3 were treated for multiple stab wounds and taken to a local trauma center. Shortly after transport, Squad 8 had to return to Central Ave along with A389 for one person who was injured in the brawl and now wanted to go to the hospital. Squad 8 returned to service shortly after and Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 2 hours after clean up.
September 20th - Squad 8 on another fire in Hillside - For the second time in 3 days, Squad 8 responded to a house fire in the Hillside section of the county. Just after 1000 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 1000 Blk of Jansen Ave for a house on fire. Engine 51 arrived to find heavy fire showing from the front rooms of the house. Squad 8 arrived behind schedule as they were on a drill in Company 38's area at the time of dispatch. When the Squad arrived, part of the crew was made the RIC while others were told to assist in opening up as fire had extended to the attic and roof area above the porch. The one crew opened up the porch and front rooms exposing the fire conditions above while units worked to knock the fire. The fire was extinguished with moderate overhaul to be performed. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about an hour.
September 18th - Squad 8 on second trauma code of the day - Around 1400 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8A (Mehaffey) responded to Pennsylvania Ave & Silver Hill Rd, in Company 26's area, for an accident. While enroute, units were advised of possibly 1 trapped and that people onscene were now performing CPR on one victim. Units arrived to find a 4 vehicle chain reaction accident with moderate damage to the rear 2 cars. The driver of the rear car was in cardiac arrest and units continued CPR. Additional EMS units were called as a total of 5 patients were transported to area hospitals, with the trauma code going to Greater Southeast Hospital. Company 8 units returned to service in about 45 minutes.
September 18th - Squad extricates trauma code in Oxon Hill - At 0216 hours, Squad 8 responded along the DC/MD line at Wheeler Rd & Southern Ave, in Company 42's area, for an accident with people trapped. Units arrived to find a head on collision, confirming the initial dispatch. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the door. After the door was gone, they assisted EMS units with patient care. A total of 4 patients ( 2-priority 1 traumas and 2-priority 2 patients) were treated and packaged. Squad 8 assisted Medic 47 with the more serious of the traumas, a female with multiple traumatic injuries. The patient was initially combative, then due to massive internal injuries stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest. The crews started CPR and a member from Squad 8 drove the medics quickly to Greater Southeast Hospital, just blocks away. After assisting Medic 47 at the hospital, Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour.
September 17th - Engine 81 on basement fire in Hillside - Around 1730 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 1200 Blk of Larchmont Ave for a house on fire. E171 layed out and proceeded to 1230 Larchmont Ave, the reported address. Division Chief 2 arrived along with E263 to find the correct location to be a house on Heath St, (Heath St has a long history of having working fires, kind of like our Foote St), just off of Larchmont Ave. Engine 81 arrived and picked up 26's line and then ran an attack line to back up E263 as heavy fire was now visible from the windows throughout the basement. The fire began to extend to the first floor as units searched for the steps. Command made the decision to make an attack through the basement and 26 and 8 to hit the fire on the 1st floor and hold it there. E29 took a line into the basement and began knocking it. Due to the heavy fire and possible extension to nearby houses, a task force was called. The fire was extinguished and Engine 81 remained on the scene for well over an hour hitting hot spots and cleaning up. This fire occurred directly across from old Station 6, Hillside, which was closed down years ago.
September 14th - Afternoon trauma followed by late night homicide - Around 1330 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Ritchie Rd, in company 37's area, for an accident involving a motorcycle. Units arrived to find a stolen motorcycle who had struck an almost stationary vehicle at 3 times the posted speed limit. Ambulance 88 worked with Medic 46 in loading the patient who was then taken to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared the scene in about 20 minutes. Later on that night, after missing a shooting earlier that morning down the street on Maryland Park Dr due to the station being on a gas leak, Ambulance 88 hit the street to the 1200 Blk of Boones Hill Rd in Company 17's area, just a block from Southeast DC, for one shot outside by the dumpsters. County police arrived and began to preserve the crime scene as FD units arrived to pronounce the patient dead. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 20 minutes. This was the 121st homicide in the county this year.
September 13th - A morning full of box alarms - About 0130 hours, after responding to a few medic locals since midnight, Engine 81 responded to the 2700 Blk of Lorring Dr, in Company 26's area, for an apartment fire. Units arrived and investigated smoke, which turned out to be nothing, and units were placed in service soon after. Then just before 0300 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 7800 Blk of Allendale Dr, in Company 33's first due, for a bathroom on fire in a house. Units arrived to find a fire in an upstairs room and was extinguished soon after. Engine 81 returned to service in about 20 minutes only to be sent back out around 0430 hours for a report of an apartment fire in the 3200 Blk of Walters La, again in Company 26's area. Units arrived to find heavy smoke showing and units went to work. Engine 81 layed a line to the rear and assisted units inside. Engine 81 finally ended the night after picking up and returning to service around 6am.
September 11th - (222) 2 extricated from 2 accidents within 2 hours - Just after 1000 hours, Squad 8 responded to Addison Rd & Sheriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for an accident with 1 trapped. Units arrived to find one of the occupants trapped requiring the removal of a door. The Squad arrived, stabilized the vehicle, and cut away the door allowing the patient to be removed where they were then transported to a local hospital by awaiting EMS units. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. Then just before noon, Squad 8 responded to the 5700 Blk of Marlboro Pike, in Company 26's area, for another accident with a person trapped. Units arrived to confirm again the initial report and Squad 8 went to work freeing the victims from the car. Squad 8 cleared this run in about 30 minutes and the station went on to respond to 23 calls for service today.
September 10th - Squad 8 extricates 1 & then off to apartment fire - Just after 1700 hours, DC Fire Communications advised our PSC of an accident with one trapped at 23rd Pkwy & Southern Ave in Company 29's area along the DC/MD line. While Squad 8 was responding, units arrived to confirm one trapped. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the door to allow access to the patient who was then removed and transported by A429 to a local hospital. As the Squad finished putting the tools back on, the box alarm was sounded for the 3300 Blk of Curtis Dr, also in Company 29's area, for smoke coming from an apartment. Squad 8 arrived soon after being dispatched with E29 to find an apartment with heavy smoke conditions throughout. As E29 ran a line, Squad 8 assisted with doing a quick search of the apartment and venting. The search was negative and a small fire was found in the apartment and extinguished with minimal extension. The cause was determined to be unattended candles and Squad 8 returned to Seat Pleasant in about 45 minutes.
September 6th - Squad 8 on Oxon Hill apartment fire - Just before 1500 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 5500 Blk of Livingston Terr in Company 42's area for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find a working fire and went to work. While Squad 8 was making the long trek to teh deep south, units went to work running lines and opening up. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC assignment. The fire was contained to the apartment of origin and Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes. Yesterday, Squad 8 spent a small portion of the morning being the RIC on a fire in the 4900 Blk of Allentown Rd.
Septemebr 5th - Ambulance 88 on vehicle overturned with trauma - Just before 0400 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Kettering Dr, in Company 46's area, for an accident with a vehicle overturned and one trapped. Units arrived to find the single vehicle on its roof with a female patient, who was originally up front, trapped in the back seat. The vehicle was stabilized as the crew from 88 immobilized the patient and treated her injuries. Upon removing the door, the patient was quickly moved to MSP Trooper 2 where she was flown to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just under an hour.
September 3rd - Company 8 on fatal fire in Boulevard Heights - Just after 2200 hours, Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 1800 Blk of Porter Ave for a house on fire with people trapped. Units arrived to find heavy fire throughout the first floor. Squad 8 arrived late in the game due to just clearing a medic local on the far side of our first due, however arrived to still find active fire. Squad crew went to work assisting units already inside with a search until they were given a line and told to extinguish the fire and search the second floor. The second floor basically consisted of a small converetd attic, and with limited space, the officer took the line up and extinguished the fire while doing a quick search. The fire was knocked down and the body of a resident was found in the house. The fire has been labeled suspicious and is currently under investigation. Chief 8 had interior and the units from Seat Pleasant cleared in just over an hour.
September 2nd - Ambulance 88 on District Heights shooting - Just after 0100 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 6700 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, near Addison Rd S, for an accident with a car off the road. Units arrived to find just that with an unconscious victim and a very large amount of blood inside the car. The victim was evaluated finding a gunshot wound, which apparently caused the single vehicle accident. The patient was treated and removed and flown to a local trauma center in MSP Trooper 2. Ambulance 88 cleared in about an hour after cleaning up.
August 29th - Engine 83 on apartment fire with rescues - Late in the afternoon, Engine 83 responded to the 6900 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for an apartment on fire. E261 arrived with smoke showing and went to work. Engine 83 arrived 3rd and took a position in the rear, running a line to the floor above. Crews entered the burning apartment and discovered a kitchen heavily involved in fire and heavy smoke conditions throughout. In addition to the fire, 2 children and an adult female were located and removed from the apartment to awaiting EMS units. While Engine 83's driver laddered the rear of the building, the rest of the crew worked with Truck 17 above the fire as they searched and opened up the walls above the involved kitchen. The fire was knocked down and Engine 83 returned to service in about an hour. While on the fire on Walker Mill Rd, transfer crews went to work in our first due in the 6700 Blk of Wilburn Dr as they had heavy fire conditions in the basement of a house. Units operated there for over an hour. Earlier in the day crews ran a small kitchen fire on Leroy Gorham Dr in Company 38's area. The fire had been discovered as the crews from 38 were performing CPR on a working code next door when a citizen advised them of the fire.
August 27th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on Beltway door pop - Just after 0800 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the I/L of the Beltway between Ricthie Marlboro Rd & Pennsylvania Ave for an accident. Units from 8 arrived first as the accident was actually over Central Ave and found that 1 person was trapped. Squad 8 quickly stabilized the vehcile and removed the door allowing the patient to be extricated. Ambulance 88 transported 1 patient to a local hospital with multiple injuries. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in just over a half hour and Ambulance 88 made it home about 1000 hours.
August 26th - 1 dead and 1 critical in Seat Pleasant shooting - About 5 hours after clearing the last shooting, Squad 8 was sent to the 6000 Blk of Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for another shooting. Squad 8 arrived with police to find a victim in the drivers seat of a car shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead on the scene. A second victim was found on the steps to the apartment building also shot multiple times in the torso. Witnesses say that the shooters used an Uzi to spray the car they were sitting in. PA5 transported the victim to a local trauma center and Squad 8 returned to service in about 25 minutes. After a month since our last shooting, Company 8 has had 4 people shot in 3 days. This latest homicide was number 111 ( or maybe 112, its hard to keep count ) for the county this year.
August 26th - Company 8 on another first due shooting - Just before 1700 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 7000 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a person in a car who had been shot. Apparently, two people were driving along when a group in another vehicle came up behind them and opened fire. Three bullets came through the back window and then through the passenger seat striking the victim 3 times, once in the arm and twice in the back. They immediately stopped and the subjects fled. Units from 8 treated the patient and PA5 transorted the victim to a local trauma center. Units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
August 23rd - Company 8 on first due shooting - Just before 2300 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5600-blk of Martin Luther King Hwy, right at the DC line for a person shot after a robbery. Units arrived to find a female shot several times in the upper body. Units continued to treat and interview the conscious patient which soon was discovered to be a male( we're pretty sure Aerosmith had a song describing this ). The patient was transported to a local trauma center. Even though this area is known for open drug trades and prostitution, the motive was still apparently robbery. Thats the story, and he's sticking to it ! Units from 8 cleared in about an hour.
August 21st - Squad 8 removes one from fatal fire in Upper Marlboro - Just before 0800 hours, A209 and Medic 20 were disptached to the 14300 Blk of Colonel Clagget Ct, in company 20's area, for a person with trouble breathing and then collpased while on the phone. Shortly after at 0759 hours, Squad 8 was sent on the box to the same address for a townhouse on fire with a person trapped. While enroute, PSC advised police were on the scene confirming 1 trapped. E202 arrived with heavy smoke showing which soon turned into heavy fire on the 1st and 2nd floors. Crews knew by bystander accounts that the female was trapped in the 2nd floor bedroom to the rear. Squad 8 was made aware of the trapped female as they geared up for the long ride ( about the same distance to Beltsville or to Arlington, VA ). Squad 8 arrived and went to work searching for the trapped female. The crew, through heavy smoke and high heat, met up with the crew from Truck 26 who had located the woman. Due to her being a rather large patient, several crews worked to get her toward the window so she could be removed. While Squad 8 along with other units worked to find a way to get her up and out the window, the officer from 26 kept his mask on her, to try to enhance her chance for survival. The crews lifted her up and out to an awaiting firefighter on a ladder while the other units worked at extinguishing the fire on both floors. During the removal, both the firefighter and female fell from the ladder to the ground. CPR was immediately started on female while crews worked on the firefighter who injured his arm in the fall. The resident later died from her injuries. Two task force alarms were called during the incident to assist and rotate crews through. The cause was determined to be a faulty refrigerator motor and Squad 8 cleared the scene in just over 2 hours.
August 19th - Squad 8 participates in reality TV show - Squad 8 along with most of the 1st and 3rd Battalions spent most of the afternoon and evening moving furniture and other items into a house in Company 17's area. The house has been basically rebuilt and refurnished for the hit tv reality show on ABC, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We are unsure when the actual show will air, but check your local listings. When we find out, we'll let you know. On a side note, some of you may remember from news reports that when the crew initially arrived, that one of them was beaten and robbed at gunpoint reminding them of the area they were in.
August 18th - Three police chases pass Company 8 - As the week has progressed, with little work for us ( other than running up an down the road on calls ), Company 8 has been kept busy following the ongoing police activity. Sunday, as police were chasing a vehicle around the firehouse, it lost control hitting the curb directly across the street from Company 8. Personnel, hearing the noise, got a prime spot on the front ramp to now watch the foot chase. The driver bailed out and ran through traffiic down and across Central Ave and up Zelma Ave. PG County K9 and a Seat Pleasant City Police officer quickly caught up with the suspect before a majority of the calvary ( about 7 more cars ) arrived. The suspect was subsequently arrested. Then Wednesday night, MPD had been chasing a stolen car operated by several children down on East Capitol St just over the DC line. The car ended up crashing and the youths jumped out and ran. During the ensuing foot chase, several shots were fired by the children and the police. The kids then jumped in and stole a van, leading police on another chase which brought them by the firehouse not once but twice. The chase ended up back in DC where the second pursuit ended in another crash. All 7 juveniles, ages 10 ( thats right, 10 ) to 19 were caught and 2 handguns were found in the car. Then early Thursday morning, a PG County officer who had stopped by the station to visit, jumped in a chase as it came by the firehouse. This time, MPD were chasing a vehicle who was occupied by someone who had just robbed another at gunpoint. Although actual work has slowed some for us, police activity keeps us on our toes and occupied.
August 12th - Vehicle flips and strikes pole in Seat Pleasant - For the second time in about an hour, an accident left a local fire station without power. Shortly before 0030 hours , as one of our live ins was finishing his research paper, the power went out at Company 8. By the time he had finished yelling and screaming due to losing all of his work, Squad 8 and Engine 83 responded to Addison Rd & Crown St for an accident with a vehicle into a pole. As units responded down the street, they were greeted by a man with no shirt, yelling and screaming and covered in blood, who at one point tried to jump in the engine. As quickly as he appeared, he disappeared into another vehicle and fled the scene. Units from 8 arrived to find a pole obliterated, a new car in the driveway of a house destroyed, and a lone vehicle on its roof off the roadway. The crews carefully checked the vehicle and surrounding area for more occupants. That search came up negative. PSC then advised that the police had the vehicle with the victim stopped in the 6000 Blk of Crown St. A58 went to that location and treated the victim while Company 8 stood by for PEPCO. In unrelated news while waiting for PEPCO, a citizen approached the crew and asked for some gloves because she had blood all over her wall. We at Seat Pleasant have learned in the past, its sometimes best not to know or to ask why and just kind of go with it. Units from Seat Pleasant cleared in about an hour. During the outage, Ambulance 88 responded to several calls including a person who was assaulted by men with masks and guns at Seat Pleasant Dr & Hill Rd. Power was restored to Station 8 and the surrounding area around 3am.
August 11th - Vehicle hits pole, Company 37 kept in the dark - Just before 2300 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to Ritchie Marlboro Rd & Walker Mill Rd, just a block or two from Company 37, for an accident with a vehicle into a pole. E371 arrived to find the same and Squad 8 arrived to remove a small tree from near the door as it was preventing the patient from being removed. Upon completion by the lumberjacks from Squad 8, Ambulance 88 transported the patient to a local hospital. Due to the pole being struck, this accident left Company 37 with no power at their station. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.
August 11th - Squad 8 spends most of the night in the 5th battalion - At 2349 hours on the 10th of August, Squad 8 was sent to Allentown Rd & Tucker Rd, in Company 32's area, for an accident with one trapped. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with a priority 2 trauma and a trauma code severely pinned in the vehicle. The priority 2 was quickly removed and transported to a local trauma center while upon further evaluation, the trauma code was pronounced dead and Squad 8 was returned at 0008 hours. Then shortly after clearing, Squad 8 was sent to the Beltway & Rt 210 for an accident. Units arrived with no one trapped and returned Squad 8. After the long ride home, just after 0230 Squad 8 was alerted to return to Allentown & Tucker to extricate the body as PD was done with their reconstruction of the accident. While enroute, Squad 8 was diverted and sent again to the Beltway and Rt 210 for another accident involving a tractor trailer. Squad 8 and other units found a tractor trailer and a car involved about a 1/2 mile apart. There were no injuries, however the accident had ripped open one of the tractor trailers saddle tanks and fuel was leaking onto the Beltway. Hazmat 30 was alerted to the call as the crew from Squad 8 began trying to contain and stop the leak. HM30 and Squad 8 worked to clean up the product that had spilled, clearing this call in about 45 minutes just to be transferred to Company 23 for awhile, finally returning home just before 6am.
August 9th - Kid makes drive through out of local bar - Just before 2030 hours, personnel from Station 5, Capitol Heights, heard a loud crash out front and upon investigating found that a car had driven into one side of the building next to the station, through the inside, and out the other. The crew immediately called for a collapse assignment bringing Squad 8. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle had bailed out and ran from the scene. Units checked the structure for stability as well as the area for any remaining occupants as no one was found. Police say the driver was more than likely one of the local "kiddie car thieves" that have plagued the area ( on average, a car is stolen every 30 minutes in PG County, alot by kids not even old enough to legally drive ). Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 30 minutes.
Car goes in.................................Car comes out
August 9th - Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 on first due house fire - Just after 1800 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 8100 Blk of East Nalley Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a kitchen well off with extension to other rooms. Ambulance 88, clearing another run, was added on the working fire dispatch. Contrary to other reports circling, Engine 83 did run a line in the house and extinguish the main body of fire. Other units arrived and assisted Engine 83 with extinguishing the other rooms and checking for extension. Tower 33 operated venting and opening up different areas. The fire was extinguished and Engine 83 remained on the scene for just over 90 minutes.
August 8th - Company 8 on first due trauma - Around 1820 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded to Addison Rd South & Ronald Rd for an accident. While enroute, PSC advised Chief 8A they had received additional calls of a child with a large laceration and a vehicle on fire. Chief 8A requested a medic unit and an engine company be added to the call. Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with an engine compartment on fire in one of the vehicles. As members of Squad 8 worked with 2 cans to extinguish the fire, the rest of the personnel attended to a child complaining of severe abdominal pain and a laceration over the eye exposing the childs skull. Trooper 2 was started by Chief 8A and was landed at Central High School by E51 who quickly picked up hose after wetting down the vehicle and headed to the LZ. A238 and Medic 29 transported the child to the LZ who was then flown to a pediatric trauma center. Units from Seat Pleasant cleared in about 30 minutes. Today proved again to be a busy one as by 2000 hours the station was close to 30 runs for the day.
August 7th - Squad 8 removes one from Beltway accident - At 1045 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the Beltway at Ritchie Marlboro Rd for an accident with one off the road. Units arrived to find just that, and Squad 8 went to work. Squad 8, with some help from 37, stabilized the vehicle while the officer from Squad 8 began cutting both A posts and the B post while Squad 8's driver hooked up the winch to stabilize the vehicle on its side. Due to the angle of the vehicle and limited access to the other B post, the cutters had to be handed in to finish that one cut. The roof was removed and the patient extricated and transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 45 minutes.
August 7th - Busy week with little work - Well another week has gone by with no fires, no shootings ( well we missed one shot in the head due to chasing early morning dumspter fires the kids were lighting ), and only 1 tool job. Units were kept busy with an average of close to a call an hour for the entire week. Although there was nothing major to report, personnel still enjoyed running calls all over the county from 2 house assignments in Bowie to running with units from Alexandria for accidents on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. So far today looks like it is no different as units have responded to over 20 runs as of this posting.
Seat Pleasant receives contribution - The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank the Honorable Mayor Eugene Grant and the Seat Pleasant City Council for approving a budget which allows the city to make a considerable contribution to the Seat Pleasant VFC. We thank them for their continued support and all they have done for us.
August 3rd - Squad 8 and Chief 8 remove one from accident - Around 2030 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) were dispatched to Harry S Truman Dr & Whitehouse Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident with a report of one overturned and one trapped. Units arrived to find a boom truck on its side with the driver trapped inside. Squad 8 made it on scene and stabilized the van and then went to work removing the roof above the driver. Rescue Engine 33, who apparently was in the area, arrived a few minutes later and stabilized the van further with air shores and assisted with cutting the steering wheel. Squad 8 finished the extrication allowing the driver to be removed and flown to a local trauma center in MSP Trooper 2. Units from 8 cleared the scene in about 30 minutes. Soon after, the Squad remained on the road pretty much the rest of the night running several medic locals, a car that crashed into a house (occupants of course bailed out and were nowhere to be found) and two gas leaks.
August 3rd - Workers start replacing floor in basement - Around 0800 hours, workers began prepping the downstairs for our new floor. Members worked the last few days moving furniture out, cleaning, and disposing of our ancient pool table so that work could begin on the floor. Crews worked all day to get the floor ready so hopefully tomorrow they will lay all the new tile and be done. After that, the members will fill the basement back in with a new layout of our old furniture, cabinets, and of course our tv. This " renovation " is keeping in line with the new kitchen and HVAC system we received earlier in the year. After the basement is finished and back in order, we hope to tackle the bathroom and showers, which we've already been told should be condemned.
July 31st - Seat Pleasant attends Expo in Baltimore - The members of Seat Pleasant along with Engine 83 attended the Firehouse Expo in Baltimore City this week. The expo, as probably everyone looking at this site knows, attracts firefighters from all over the country here in Baltimore every year for training seminars, to check out new vendors and products, and of course sightseeing. A crew brought Engine 83 up on Sunday and took part in the parade and then enjoyed a day downtown. As happens every year with the influx of fireman to the area, Seat Pleasant was a favorite stop for out of towners as people from all over came to the station to check things out, talk to the guys, and ride on a few calls. Special thanks to Kieran Keane, Assistant Chief of the Commack Fire Department on Long Island and to past member Ryan Pope along with a fellow firefighter Tommy Clymer ( both career firefighters in the City of Charlotte ), Brad Allen (volunteer with Harrisburg , just outside of Charlotte) and the 15 - 20 members of the Lawnside Fire Department in New Jersey along with everyone else who stopped in to say hi. See everyone next year along with some new faces we're sure.
July 31st - Ambulance 88 on double fatal accident - After a week with nothing to report other than riding up an down the road all day and night, Ambulance 88 changed that by responding around 0330 hours for an accident at Harry S Truman Dr and Prince Pl in Company 46's area. Units were on the scene with a vehicle that had struck a pole and suffered serious damage, trapping two occupants and ejecting one. The person ejected was pronounced on the scene while units worked to extricate the driver and rear passenger from the vehicle. Ambulance 88 worked with Medic 46 to treat the driver, who upon extrication, was transported to the landing site by both units and flown to a local trauma center in USPP Eagle 1. The rear passenger was also extricated but later died due to his injuries. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.
July 24th - Squad 8 on kitchen fire - Just after 1230 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 4600 Blk of Davis Ave in Company 17's area for fire in the kitchen of a house. Units arrived to find a single family house with smoke showing. Squad 8 arrived soon after first arriving units and was given the RIC assignment. Units worked to extinguish the fire and open up. Command held the units for awhile for overhaul and checking for extension. Squad 8 returned to Seat Pleasant in about 40 minutes.
July 23rd - Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 support the Marauders - Between all the runs on Saturday, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 joined Seat Pleasant's Mayor, Eugene Grant, along with many other fans in supporting our official local football team at the PG Sports and Learning Complex on Sherriff Rd. In February, Mayor Grant made the Marauders the official team of the City of Seat Pleasant. Last year the Marauders were the Champs of the NAFL ( North American Football League ) and this year we'll urge them on as they attempt to repeat as champions. Tonights game was a good one, and The Marauders made a great comeback but fell short in the end losing 17-14 to the DC Explosion. You can keep up on the Marauders and their season and any other news pertaining to them on the link below. Go Marauders !!!!
Maryland Marauders
Marauders making their 2 point conversion late in the game
July 23rd - Engine 81 transfers south due to major gas leak - Just minutes before midnight, while Ambulance 88 was returning from the trauma on the Beltway, Engine 81 snuck in one last call, number 38 for the day, as they transferred to Company 29 as units were on the scene of a major gas leak. A large amount of gas had leaked underground spilling explosive levels of vapors into the entire sewer system, apartment buildings, and threatened the subway system along Southern Ave. Units worked to isolate the leak and then vent all the buildings. Engine 81 remained on the transfer until almost 3am while additional crews remained at the station to cover Seat Pleasant. Upon returning, the crew was welcomed home by the neighborhood as a gun battle erupted in the parking lot of Addison Plaza behind the firehouse as no less than 20 shots rang out and squeeling wheels were heard. About 15 minutes later many county police cars were seen going down East Capitol St along with the Seat Pleasant Pheasant, however, no fire units were dispatched for anyone shot. Then around 5am, personnel were awakened to the sound of a man screaming and then squeeling wheels as a citizen was carjacked at the Shell station next door. County police arrived, checked the area and talked to the victim. We are glad to see that the criminals are now alternating between the Exxon and the Shell stations next to the firehouse for their carjackings as just last week another victim, who was carjacked at the Exxon, jumped out in front of Engine 81 as they were responding to an auto fire ( which was stolen ). To date, there have been close to 400 carjackings in PG County.
July 23rd - Busy day continues with Beltway trauma - Just before 2330 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to the Inner loop of the Beltway at Pennsylvania Ave for an accident involving a motorcycle. Just after being dispatched, Engine 83 was dispatched to Central Ave and Addison Rd for an accident. Knowing that all of the Company 8 units would have to go through Central & Addison, Communications reassigned all 3 to that run. Ambulance 88 arrived and quickly determined it to be property damage with County Police on the scene, and Engine 83 returned to service while Ambulance 88 and Squad 8 continued to the Beltway. Squad 8 was returned from that call as no one was trapped however Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted with packaging the motorcyclist who was tranpsorted to a local trauma center on Medic 46. Ambulance 88 returned to service just before midnight.
July 23rd - Company 8 has busy day, including 2 fires - At 0931 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 1500 Blk fo Rollins Ave, in Company 26's area, for a house fire. Units arrived to find nothing evident and E261, E51 and Truck 17 investigated. After about 15 minutes units were returned as those units were held to investigate further. Squad 8 returned home until about 1000 hours when the entire assignment was called back due to smoke being in the attic. Squad 8 arrived and went to work with the other units opening up the attic as a fire had been smoldering all night after a lightning strike. Squad 8 operated until 1050 hours when the 2300 Blk of Anvil La, in Company 29's area, was dispatched for a house fire. Squad 8 responded and staged as units checked for the source of smoke in the house. While there, a box was dispatched to the 3900 Blk of 23rd Pkwy just around the corner, for an apartment fire. Units at the top of the hill could see the fire from Anvil La and hurriedly wrapped it up. Squad 8 cleared, but with the 1st alarm already enroute , was dispatched on the 2nd alarm. Although officially on the 2nd alarm, Squad 8 was the 4th piece on the scene finding heavy fire on the third floor and running the entire cockloft. Squad 8 went with E371 to the fire apartment and assisted them with opening up and searching. The crew then went to adjacent units to pull ceiling exposing the heavy fire conditions in the cockloft for the engine companies. The fire was under control a little while later and Squad 8 remained on the scene for 2 1/2 hours.
July 22nd - Ambulance 88 transports trauma victim from accident - Around 0230 hours while returning from PG Hospital after transporting a suicidal, paranoid schizophrenic, Ambulance 88 was returning down Eastern Ave on the DC/MD line when they heard a loud crash behind them. Upon looking in their mirror, they saw a car had just hit a parked truck on the side of the road at 62nd Ave. Ambulance 88 turned around and found a male saying he was ok and that he didnt want to go to the hospital. The only problem was that the engine of his vehicle was now riding shotgun due to the impact. He also stated that the truck, whose engine was cold and perfectly parked along the curb, cut in front of him and parked and then the person bailed out and ran. Knowing that this didnt happen and the fact he could not answer and questions correctly, Ambulance 88 transported the victim to a local trauma center for mechanism and cleared about 0310 hours. Less than two hours later Company 8 responded to Central Ave and Cindy La for the usual shooting . A citizen had reported that two groups of males had come running out of the complex on to Central Ave shooting at each other and that a male was hit. County Police checked the area and couldnt find anyone shot, returning the units from Company 8.
July 19th - Squad 8 on child burned - At 1734 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 6400 Blk of Rolling Ridge Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for a child burned. Squad 8 arrived to find a small child with 2nd degree burns to the entire lower body. Apparently the babysitter did not realize how hot the bath water was and accidentally placed the child in the tub. This of course all happened hours before at another location. The caretaker thought nothing of it and brought the child home. Squad 8 awaited the arrival of A389 and M46 who then transported the child to a local pediatric burn center. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes.
July 18th - Squad 8 works security on pedestrian struck - Just before 1830 hours, while retuning from a box alarm on Suitland Rd, Squad 8 responded to Central Ave & Cindy La for a pedestrian struck. Squad 8 arrived with A389 and E384 to find a female struck by a vehicle. Apparently the car came around the corner at a high rate of speed, striking the female and a parked car. The neighborhood wasnt too fond of the driver, and things got ugly when they found out the driver was unlicensed. Along with the fire department units was 1 police officer and a mob of about 30 angry people. The boisterous bunch started yelling and screaming and trying to get at the driver. The crew from the rescue squad attempted to keep the group at bay, or at least away from the patient and 389, while about 10 more officers, including a K9, quickly arrived. Soon after the calvary arrived, the situation leveled off and the patient was transported to a local trauma center with A389 and Medic 30 . Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
July 17th - Squad runs fire, Ambulance transports burn patient - Opposite ends of the day turn out work for Company 8. Just after midnight, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 10100 Blk of Campus Way S, in Company 46's area, for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find a working fire on the upper floor of a garden apartment. Squad 8 arrived and was put to work with a search and venting. The fire was contained to the room of origin and the searches were negative. Squad 8 returned to service in about 45 minutes. Then just before midnight, Ambulance 88 responded to the 6500 Blk of Joplin St, in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for the injured person. Ambulance 88 arrived to find a male who was burned by hot tea on his, ummmm, "area" below. Ambulance 88 surveyed the damage, which ended up being 2nd degree burns to the entire region. He was transported to Medstar by the Ambulance who returned to service in about an hour.
July 16th - Trauma, Trauma , Fire - Looks familiar, but yes it is a different day. Just after 1900 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 6800 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person after jumping out a second floor window. Units arrived to find a male with serious injuries to both legs. The male apparently chose the fall rather than the alternative, being shot. Thats right folks, dodging bullets being fired at him, he jumped out the window, landing below. The patient was loaded and transported to a local trauma center. While the Engine was clearing, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 5000 Blk of Leejay Dr in Company 26's area for an injured child from a fall. The small child had climbed up on the railing on the 3rd floor landing and then fell over, landing head first, on the 2nd floor. The child initially was crying but after a few minutes went unconscious. The child was quickly transported to Childrens Hospital with Ambulance 88 and Medic 29. Ambulance 88 cleared in about an hour. At 2125 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 7900 Blk of Polk St for a house fire. Units from 33 arrived to find a working fire in the basement. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC assignment. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour.
July 15th - Fire, trauma, fire - Just before 1400 hours, Squad 8, Engine 81, and Ambulance 88 responded to Addison Rd S & Ronald Rd for an accident involving a motorcycle. Units arrived to find a male, a helmet, and bike parts in the street after he hit a parked car. Strangely enough, there was no bike. Apparently after wrecking, his friends were kind enough to go ahead and pick his bike up and remove it from the scene, while leaving him there. Maybe they left him due to his broken femur and other miscellaneous injuries. The patient was loaded and transported to a local trauma center in Ambulance 88 with the medics on board. Engine and Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service in about an hour. Later on in the evening Ambulance 88 spent about 45 minutes in the 9000 Blk of Allentown Rd as units were on the scene with a working fire. The evening before, they spent about 90 minutes in Oxon Hill in the 5100 Blk of Glassmanor Dr as units were on the scene with a working basement fire.
July 13th - Company 8 on first due shooting - Just after 2000 hours, PGPD received a call for shots fired in the 7100 Blk of Fresno St, just off Seat Pleasant Dr. While the call was pending, Ambulance 88 was dispatched also to the 7100-Blk of Fresno St to check on the welfare of a man down in the alley. Shortly after, two and two were put together and Squad 8 was dispatched to the call also. Units arrived to find a male in the alley with gunshot wounds to the neck, chest and leg. He was pronounced dead and Squad 8 returned to service in about 15 minutes while Ambulance 88 remained on the scene for about an hour.
July 9th - Ambulance 88 makes early morning visit to the Mad Chef - Just after 0300 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched along with Medic 46 to the Mad Chef Cafe in the 7900 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. Units arrived with the County Police to find a young male stabbed twice with a 5 inch blade. The patient was treated and taken to a local trauma center by both units. Ambulance 88 returned to service about 0430 hours.
July 7th - Ambulance kept busy with accident and double shooting - Around 2000 hours Ambulance 88 responded to the Inner Loop of 495 at Ritchie Marlboro Rd for an accident. Units arrived to find several vehicles with many injuries. Chief 33A arrived and established the Beltway Command and 2 more ambulances and a medic unit were called along with a helicopter ( which was down due to the remnants of "Cindy" ). Two adult traumas and a pediatric trauma and several BLS patients were transported to area hospitals with Ambulance 88 clearing in just over an hour. Shortly after returning from the accident, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 4100 Blk of Southern Ave on the line between Southeast DC and PG County for a shooting. Units arrived to find a male shot once in the head and was pronounced dead on the scene. Another victim was found close by shot 3 times ( leg, arm, and abdomen ) and transported to a local trauma center with Medic 29 on board. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 90 minutes. During the day, 3 different Ambulance were transferred to Station 8 as EMS units Southside were kept busy.
July 7th - Engine Company 8 on Fairmount Heights kitchen fire - Around 1645 hours Engine 81 and Engine 83 responded first and second due for a house fire in the 700 Blk of 60th Pl in Company 38's area. Engine 83 arrived first with nothing showing however upon investigating found a fire in the kitchen. Engine 83, Truck 5, and Rescue Engine 33 worked to extinguish the kitchen, open up and vent the house. Chief 33A had the command and units cleared in about 30 minutes.
July 7th - Fan + fingers = 7 fingered Johnny - After spending the morning learning about the terrible attacks in London ( We wish our brothers and sisters the best there as we can only imagine they had their hands full today and what a great job they've done ) and preparing for the possible attack here at home, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 6200 Blk of Central Ave around 1340 hours for a partial amputation. Apparently a worker got his hand a tad close to the fan as he was working on the A/C and amputated the tips of a few fingers. The medics requested the Trooper to fly him out and Engine 81 handled that landing site at Goodwin Park just down the street from the firehouse. The Trooper landed and transported the patient to a local Trauma Center. Units from 8 cleared in about 40 minutes.
July 4th - July 4th celebration continues with fire in Capitol Heights - As the day drew to a close, Engine 81, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 800 Blk of Clovis Ave in Capitol Heights for a house on fire. As Squad 8 was coming up Drum Ave they could see heavy smoke and fire through the trees. Engine 51 arrived to find a 20 x 20 "house" in the rear of the regular house on fire. As the crews from 8 made there way to the rear, flames could now be seen shooting about 20 feet above the roof. The house was opened and the fire knocked as it vented through the roof. Squad 8 worked to open up as alot of the fire had extended to the attic. The fire was extinguished and units remained on the scene for about 90 minutes to assist investigators and to overhaul the structure. The cause was determined to be electrical. We here at Seat Pleasant hope everyone had as good an Independence Day as we did.
"House" to the rear / Crew from Squad 8
July 4th - July 4th feast interrupted by shooting - While crews had just sat down to finally eat, Squad 8 responded to a shooting in the 300 Blk of Milfan Dr behind the Metro Station in the Rolling Ridge section of Seat Pleasant. Engine 81 returning from a wires call in 26's area ( for the 2nd time today ) also responded on the call. While enroute communications advised to use caution as it was reported that a group was running down Clearfield Pl still shooting. Police arrived on the scene and units were told to come in. The victim was shot once in the back at the corner of Milfan and Rolling Ridge Dr as he was walking to his house. The patient was treated and transported to a local trauma center. Units from 8 remained on the scene for a short while as they tried to figure out how to get apparatus out of the neighborhood due to all the shell casings in the road and the extensive crime scene. These shell casings were found for almost a block in both directions. In addition, the day started off around 0430 hours with the homeless person living behind our dumpster setting it on fire. We guess he couldnt wait for the fireworks to start later in the evening. Happy Independece Day everyone !!!
1) We count at least 10 casings ( blue paper marks a casing )
2) Two more casings next to Squad 8 down the street
July 4th - Seat Pleasant celebrates the 4th - Another summer holiday produces another holiday cookout. Seat Pleasant gathered again with friends and family to enjoy Independence Day. Parents, wives, girlfriends, and children hung out with us and enjoyed a nice spread of food. Members started cooking a little later than expected ( thanks Tonto ) but a good time was had by all. Seat Pleasant hopes everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday. Later on after cleaning up and Engine 81 and Squad 8 running Smith's Junkyard for a building fire ( turned out to be a stolen auto ) the crew decided to stop by on the District line in our first due and enjoy fireworks Seat Pleasant style as the residents always put on a nice display. Being inside the Beltway, we dont get the big, high money productions like people outside 495 get, but we love it just the same.
1) Chief 8 behind the grill & Justin sporting the latest in summer fashion (nice socks, with your flip flops and yellow shirt)
2) Friends and family group shot
July 3rd
- Man beaten and sent to trauma center -
Just after 2200 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to the 6500 Blk of
Greig St, in Seat Pleasant, for an unresponsive person after an assault. Units
arrived to find an adult male unconscious af
