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2006 Past Incidents

January 1st 2007 - The yearly breakdown - Well another year is upon us so its time for the break down of last years runs. Overall runs were about the same as we ran 6966 runs this year compared to 6924 a year ago. Fires were significantly down ( the lowest number that we can ever remember ) at only 106. Shootings were up although overall crime is supposedly down and extrications were slightly up. We look forward to another safe year and handling anything that may come our way. Anyone who would like to join us and be a part of our Company, contact us. We are always looking to increase membership as well as see our current members in the new year. Be safe everyone !!!

Fires : 106 Shootings : 49 Extrications : 48 Engine : 1187 Squad : 2018 Ambulance : 3761 Busiest month : December with 635 runs (4 months with 600+ runs) Busiest month for fires : January & March with 14 fires each Busiest month for shooting : June with 8 Busiest month for extrications : November with 12

December 31st - Ambulance 88 on early morning shooting/barricade - Just after 0400 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 7900 Blk of Johnson Ave, in Company 33's area, for a barricade situation. Apparently some people decided to get high on "boat" and then one started shooting people. With two people already shot and police being shot at by the suspect, the situation became tense. PGPD eventually were able to restrain the subject and placed him in custody about an hour into the call. Ambulance 88 then had the pleasure of transporting the gunman to the hospital for evaluation. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over 2 hours.
December 30th - Busy day, and odd one, for Company 8 - Just before 0400 hours, Squad 8 responded to Pennsylvania Ave & Suitland Pkwy for an accident with 1 overturned and 1 trapped and unconscious. Units arrived to find a vehicle overturned with 1 still inside. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle allowing the patient to be safely removed by EMS units. The patient was then packaged and transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour. Then around 0820 hours, Squad 8 was called to Brinkley Rd & St Barnabas Rd to assist units there with an accident with 1 trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and then removed the door. The patient was again removed by EMS personnel and transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. Then just after 1600 hours, as Squad 8 was clearing a working code on Burgundy St, they were alerted to the 100 Blk of Pepper Mill Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person. Units arrived to find a male laying on the ground with a head injury and an open fracture of the leg just above the ankle. When asked what happened, he stated he fell off of his motorcycle. The crew quickly looked around, and seeing no motorcycle, asked him where it was. The response was " I dont know ". Due to past experiences, the crew didnt ask further questions as alot of times its better just not to know and continued treating the patient who was transported to a local trauma center due to mechanism. Squad 8 cleared in about 25 minutes. Other odd calls for the day included a man who was apparently complaining of chest pains on Marlboro Pk. When asked what was wrong all he kept saying was " take me to the F'n hospital and stop asking questions ". After medics continued to ask questions to see how to treat the patient, the man just took off and started running away down the street. Units went in service. Then Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the Capitol Heights Metro and Ambulance 88 transported a woman who had been sitting at the bus stop....... for 3 days. We guess the bus never came until the A88 bus came through. In all, 26 runs were handled by Seat Pleasant today.
December 29th - Squad 8 on house fire in Chapel Oaks - Just after 1300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 1000 Blk of 58th Ave, in Company 38's area, for a house fire. Units were already on the scene with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear. Originally we would have been on the initial assignment, however, someone decided to wreck on the Beltway at Ritchie Marlboro Rd which sent us there just before the initial assignment. However once clear, the Squad made the run back to 58th Ave and was given the RIC assignment as crews worked to open up and chase fire that was traveling from the basement to the top floor. Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over 30 minutes as crews finished extinguishing hot spots and checking for extension.
December 27th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on first due shooting - Just before 2330 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to the unit block of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for 1 shot. Several calls had been received by PSC about some arguing in the stairwell of the building and then many gunshots. Units arrived with police to find a male shot once in the rear, upper leg. The gunshot wound was just a grazing and was treated on the scene. The patient refused transport, so we thought. About 20 minutes after clearing the scene, Ambulance 88 returned to transport the male to a local hospital.
Christmas - No time for anything but calls during the holiday - Christmas was a little bit of a show this year for Seat Pleasant. The day started off with several assaults for Ambulance 88 in Seat Pleasant and surrounding areas. Then as the sun rose, so did the number of accidents and kitchen fires. At 0922 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 11300 Blk of Joyceton Dr, in Company 46's area, for a kitchen fire in a townhouse. E181, who was in the area, arrived first with smoke showing. Squad 8 arrived as units were putting a knock on the kicthen and the crew went to work ventilating and opening up as the fire had extended. Squad 8 continued to open up as hot spots were hit and the assignement was scaled back to E181 and Squad 8 who cleared in about 30 minutes. While Squad 8 was clearing the fire, Ambulance 88 responded to MLK Hwy & Bellehaven Dr, in Company 33's area, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a male that had been struck by a vehicle suffering from leg and head injuries. Ambulance 88 assisted Medic 46 with patient care and packaging. Medic 46 transported the victim to a local trauma center and Ambulance 88 cleared in about 25 minutes. Around 1320 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1700 Blk of Dutch Village Dr, in Company 33's area, for 1 shot. Crews arrived to find a male shot twice, once in the upper back and once in the upper rear of the leg. Ambulance 88 transported the patient to a local trauma center clearing in about an hour. Then around 1530 hours, Engine 81 responded to Willow Hills Dr & Nalley Rd, also in Company 33's area, for a pole on fire. Engine 83 stood by for pepco as the pole was burning. This outage made big news as about 1400 people in the Seat Pleasant area were now without power on Christmas interrupting precious cooking time and family gatherings. Engine 81 returned to service in about 40 minutes. Then at 1732 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Garret Morgan Bl, in Company 37's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find an unresponsive male in the roadway. Apparently during the accident, the male struck his head on the windshield. When he got out of his vehicle to survey the damage, he was struck by a vehicle causing several more critical injuries including a massive head injury. Crews worked the patient who was stabilized and transported to a local trauma center as a trauma code. In all, 25 runs were handled by Company 8 on Christmas and for the 4 day weekend ( fri - mon ) Seat Pleasant responded to 100 calls for service. We can only imagine what New years will bring. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas !!!
December 24th - Squad and Ambulance on stabbing near station - Just before 1100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6500 Blk of Central Ave, a block from the firehouse, for a report of one stabbed. Units arrived with police who found a male stabbed twice, once in the leg and once in his head, splitting it open. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was transported to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 55. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned in just over an hour. Engine 81 returned just after 1230 to wash down the blood after police were done with their investigation.
December 22nd - Door pop and 2 traumas for Company 8 - Around 1530 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Central Ave & Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an auto accident. Squad 8 arrived along with E371, who happened to be in the area, and found two vehicles about 50 yards apart with 1 trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the door allowing the victim to be removed. Two patients in the vehicles were transported to local hospitals, including 1 to an area trauma center. A third patient was also transported after being struck by flying debris as they were walking down the street. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 40 minutes. Then just after 1700 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the O/L of 495 prior to Landover Rd, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a box truck that struck a light pole, collapsing the cab and ejecting the driver through the window onto the Beltway. Ambulance 88 arrived and provided patient care for injuries which included a severely dislocated knee and femur injury as well as lacerations. Ambulance 88 transported with the medic unit to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in about 25 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned in just over 2 hours after cleanup. In all, 31 runs were handled today by Company 8.
December 20th - Squad 8 runs to DC in addition to 25 other runs - Today Company 8 was kept busy with the usual runs for assaults, medical emergencies, accidents, and box alarms. Just after 1400 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the District of Columbia for an accident with people trapped on I 295 at Burroughs Ave NE. Units from the District arrived to find several injured but no one trapped. This was while units from DC operated at a 2 alarm fire in the 6200 Blk of Dix St NE about 500 feet outside of our first due. There, units had fire in a vacant building under renovation. The rest of the day was filled with calls as well as the Company responded to 26 total for the 24 hour period.
December 19th - Company 8 on fatal accident near firehouse - Just after 2200 hours, Squad 8 , Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to Addison Rd S & Wilburn Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with 1 ejected. Units arrived to find a mangled car off the road with 3 ejected and a pole snapped in half with the top half being supported by the wires only. It all started when County Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop and all of a sudden the car took off. It was originally reported that the vehicle may have contained robbery suspects. The county police then followed the car ( not chased ) as the suspect vehicle reached speeds possibly over 100 mph as it sped up Addison Rd S. The car then lost control approaching Wilburn Dr and somersaulted end over end before coming to rest right side up. Units from 8 and E261 began patient care on two patients, both suffering from severe traumatic injuries. Another patient who was ejected was pronounced dead on the scene and the driver who caused all of this, believe it or not, was able to jump out and run away. County police using their manpower and the Seat Pleasant Pheasant ( Air 1 ) looked for the outstanding suspect but he was not found. Ambulance 88 along with part of Medic 46 transported 1 patient and PA5 along with the other half of Medic 46 transported the other patient, both to local trauma centers. Squad 8 remained on the scene for awhile and Ambulance 88 returned to service much later.

December 17th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on stabbing - Around 0815 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 7200 Blk of Joplin St, in Seat Pleasant, for one stabbed. Units arrived to find a male with a 2 inch deep laceration in the left side of his chest after being stabbed. Crews from Company 8 treated and bandaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center by Medic 30. Units from Seat Pleasant returned to service in about 25 minutes.
December 16th - Ambulance 88 on EMS Task Force in Bladensburg - Just before 1000 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted on an EMS Task Force in the 3300 Blk of Kenilworth Ave in Company 9's area. Units were on the scene of a Freon leak with about 20 people overcome. Units already onscene were busy treating patients and performing triage. Ambulance 88 arrived and through the coordination of command and EMS officers transported one of the many patients to a local hospital for treatment. The leak was controlled and the building was deemed safe once again. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.
December 10th - Multi injury accident, Hazmat, and pediatric trauma - A tad busier than normal Sunday with 22 runs brought a wide array of calls for the day. Just after 1100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the O/L of the Beltway at Ritchie Marlboro Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find several patients but no one trapped so Squad 8 was returned. Ambulance 88 arrived and provided patient care taking 3 patients to a local hospital for a check up. Ambulance 88 returned to service around 1230 hours. Then around 1945 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 9100 blk of Central Ave, in Company 46's area, for a hazmat local reporting a strange odor and people coughing. Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over an hour while crews worked to determine the cause and ventilate. While Squad 8 was on the Hazmat local, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 1300 Blk of Alberta Dr, in Company 37's area, for a child struck by a vehicle. Apparently a 3 yo child ran out between two parked cars and was struck by a moving vehicle. The patient was suffering from numerous injuries and was immobilized and treated by crews onscene while a helicopter was requested. Ambulance 88 transported the child with Medic 46 to the landing site on Ritche Dr where they were taken to a local pediatric trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 45 minutes.
December 8th - Squad 8 removes one from fatal crash - Just after midnight, Squad 8 was alerted to D'arcy Rd & Hampton Park Bl, in Company 37's area, for a single vehicle accident. Units from 37 arrived and confirmed a car into a tree with 1 trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the car and began extrication by removing the doors and roof and pushing the dash. Once the patient was free, medics on the scene pronounced him dead. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour picking up and providing scene lighting,
December 3rd - Back to back extrications make up busy day - Between 1000 & 1900 hours, Company 8 kept 3 crews in service and responded to 22 runs in those 9 hours. Early in the afternoon, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to Central Ave & Sultan Ave, in Company 5's area, for an accident with 1 trapped. Units arrived to find a vehicle on its side with the driver still inside. Chief 8 established command while Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the windshield to provide the driver a way to get out. The driver was removed and eventually refused transport. Units from 8 returned home in about 30 minutes. Then just a short time later as the Redskin game was drawing to a close, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, Engine 81, and Chief 8 were alerted to the Beltway and Forestville Rd for an accident with 1 trapped. Engine 81 was placed in service as Company 37 had come up with another engine crew but the rest of the house continued on the call. Units from 8 arrived with Company 23 to find the correct location just south of Central Ave and confirmed 1 trapped. Chief 8 again established command and Squad 8 went to work on the vehicle. The rear seat passenger had been partially ejected through the window frame while it rolled several times off the roadway. Upon coming to rest, the roof buckled pinning him in the window frame. While Squad 8 came up with a plan, the crew from Ambulance 88 which included a volunteer medic, suctioned the patients airway due to the amount of blood and began bagging him. Due to the complex extrication and need for additional manpower, RE33 was started by command to assist after being told the next closest Squad was from 20. Squad 8 and RE33 worked together removing the doors and cutting the B post and then making several small cuts and cribbing up. Then crews used the rams and pushed up on the vehicle to remove the weight from him. The extrication took about 30 minutes. The patient was flown to a trauma center by MSP Trooper 2 and 2 other patients were transported to local hospitals by A238 and PA5. The rest of the day consisted of many medic locals, 3 box alarms, and another accident on Central Ave that closed west bound lanes for awhile which messed up traffic even more. Gotta love game day traffic in the area !!!

Central & Sultan in Company 5's area

I/L Capitol Beltway & Central Ave

December 3rd - Reason #137 why not to do drugs - Around 0345 hours Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to MLK Hwy & 65th Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived with PD to find a bloody naked male with tazer prongs in him courtesy of local police. See, the male was never struck by a car. He was actually driving, stopped his car, got out in the street and stripped down. He then proceeded to rip out his center console and run and start fighting a defenseless trash can and bus shelter. When police arrived, he jumped in the police car momentarily and then got out and started beating on the car screaming " Taze me, I know you want to". Obviously under the influence of CDS, the police obliged and got him with the tazer to control him. After several attempts to remove the prongs himself and being told not too several times, he had to endure a few more shocks. He was taken to a local hospital by Ambulance 88 and Police. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 did not return home for about an hour. Dont do drugs kids.
November 30th - Extrication, major gas leak, and new 88 arrives - At 1030 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Branch Ave & Interstate 495, in Company 29's area, for a dump truck overturned with a person trapped. Apparently the dump truck had left an adjacent construction site with its bed up and hit the overpass flipping the truck on its side and trapping the driver. Due to the distance Squad 8 had to travel, Squad 74 was alerted and upon arrival began stabilization. Squad 8 arrived and using the cutters and roof ladders to get up on the truck, began removing the roof. Crews worked together to free the victim who was then transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in just over an hour. While returning home from the tool job, Squad 8 was alerted to Rochelle Ave & District Heights Pkwy, in Company 26's area, for a large gas leak. E261 was on the scene and requested additional units due to a massive gas leak. Squad 8 stood by as the gas company tried to stop the high pressure leak and the Hazmat company monitored air readings in the area. Squad 8 remained on the scene for 3 1/2 hours until the situation was deemed safe and under control. Later in the evening, the crew picked up our new Ambulance and placed it in service. Its a brand spanking new 2006 Freightliner/American Lafrance with all the bells and whistles including LED light package, back up camera, and a power cot. But most of all, it doesnt dump a quart of oil a day on the engine room floor.

November 29th - Squad & Ambulance on bailout then engine on fire - Just before 0230 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to MLK Hwy & Foote St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find a mini van that had apparently been travelling at a high rate of speed, went airborn, and hit a church bouncing off of it landing back in the street. The van however was empty with the whole sliding door ripped off but surveying the damage, the occupant couldn't have gone far. Ambulance 88 made their way a little further down MLK toward DC and caught up with a subject wandering in the middle of the road. This was determined to be the occupant and the police were called to the DC line at Eastern Ave to assist. Police handled the patient as he was apparently on some sort of CDS and units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes. On a side note, one of the homeless residents remained asleep through the entire thing just feet away as he slept under the ATM at Nations Bank, must have been a long day for him. Later in the morning around 0815, Engine 81 was alerted to the 3000 Blk of St Clair Dr, in Company 29's area, for fire coming from the roof of a building. E291 arrived to find an end of the row house which was converted to a beauty salon with smoke showing from the second floor. Their crew advanced a line to the first floor and soon after it was discovered that their was heavy fire conditions in the basement. Engine 81 arrived and ran their 400 to the rear and made entry through the cellar stairs and extinguished the main body of fire while E291 and E171 held the fire at the steps and extinguished a room and hallway there. A task force was called but not utilized as crews handled the fire quickly. Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 3 hours before returning to service. A career firefighter from Company 8 received minor 2nd degree burns and was treated and released from Medstar. We wish him a speedy recovery.
November 21st - Squad 8 extricates 1 patient in 26's area - Just after 1900 hours, Squad 8 was specialed to Silver Hill Rd & Marlboro Pk, in District Heights, for an accident. Units from 26 were on the scene with a T-bone accident with the driver trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and proceeded to remove the rear and driver door as well as the B post to allow the driver to be freed. The Squad crew then helped package the patient for the Medic unit who transported the patient to a local trauma center. Squad 8 picked up and returned home in about 30 minutes.

November 14th - Squad 8 removes two trapped from flying car - Just after 0130 hours, units were dispatched to Presidential Pkwy & Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 23's area, for an accident with people trapped. Squad 8 was originally placed on it then put in service as Squad 74 ( Andrews ) was responding. As units began working it was realized additional help would be needed so Squad 8 was alerted again to the call. Squad 8 arrived and went to work with Squad 74 to release two trapped patients from the vehicle that was now sitting in a field. The car had apparently been travelling down the access road at well over 100 mph when it hit the dirt hill which sent the vehicle over 100 feet through the air before it finally hit the ground on its side and slid. Squads 8 and 74 removed the doors, roof and dash freeing the trapped victims who were then transported by MSP trooper and USPP Eagle to area trauma centers. Two other patients were transported by ground to area hospitals. As the car was way out in a field, Squad 8 ended up getting stuck in the mud and had to be towed out finally returning home around 0400 hours.
November 12th - Altercation leads to homicide in Seat Pleasant - Around 1600 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 600 Blk of 64th Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person from an assault. Soon after, Medic 30 was added to the call as it was upgraded to an ALS response. Units arrived to find a male on the floor unconscious and not breathing. Squad 8 was called to the scene to assist units with CPR and patient removal. Apparently the father and son had gotten into an altercation which ended up with the son striking the father with an unknown object and then fleeing the scene. Crews performed CPR in an attempt to revive the man who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The son later turned himself in to police as they had issued a warrant for his arrest for the homicide of his father. Squad 8 returned to service in about 15 minutes while Ambulance 88 did not return to service until 1830 hours after clean up.
November 11th - 30 runs for Company 8 includes fires; door pop - Around 1345 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 9400 Blk of Castle Dr, in Company 23's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived to find a single family house and a working fire within it. Squad 8 arrived and was assigned the RIC duties. Companies extinguished the fire and units were held for overhaul. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour. While enroute back home from the fire, Squad 8 was called to Central Ave & Westhampton Dr at the 37/8 split where A389 was on the scene of an accident with 1 trapped. Squad 8 arrived and popped the door so that EMS crews could remove the patient. After assisting EMS units, Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes. Then after a later in the night around 2318 hours and many, many calls later, Engine 83 responded to the 6600 Blk of District Heights Pkwy, in Company 26's area, for a bedroom on fire in an apartment. Units arrived to find a small fire which was extinguished quickly. Engine 83 remained on the scene here for over 30 minutes before returning home.
November 10th - Engine 83 on set fire at Central HS - Just before 1400 hours as school was getting ready to be dismissed, Engine 83 was sent to 200 Cabin Branch Rd at Central High School for a bathroom on fire. Engine 83 arrived and went to the second floor as the school was being evacuated where they found moderate smoke conditions and a fire in the mens bathroom. The fire had been kept in check by security guards with several extinguishers until the crew got there who then hit hot spots using the can and checked for extension in the ceiling as it had burned up the wall, most of the ceiling tiles, and spaulded the tile wall. The assignment was scaled back soon after and investigations was contacted. Engine 83 returned to service in just over 30 minutes. The fire was of course labeled suspicious.
November 9th - Squad 8 pops doors, Ambulance 88 transports 1 - Just after 1900 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Largo Rd & Campus Way S, in front of Company 46's house, for an accident. Units arrived to find a 4 vehicle accident with several walking wounded and two people trapped. Squad 8 arrived and split their crew stabilizing two vehicles and popping a door on each vehicle while Ambulance 88 treated several patients. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned home after transporting in just over an hour.

November 8th - 2 extrications and a fire for our Wednesday - Just after 0900 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2900 Blk of Brightseat Rd, in Company 33's area, for an accident with children trapped. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle T bone collision with people trapped. Squad 8 arrived and worked on extrication as well as EMS care as there was a total of 8 patients including 5 children. Many additional EMS units were called to the scene including 3 medic units. Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over 30 minutes before returning home. Then at 1543 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Ritchie Rd & Forest Park Dr, in Company 37's area, for an accident. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and extricated a patient from there. Several patients were again transported to local hospitals. Squad 8 cleared that call in about 40 minutes. Then around 1740 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for fire coming from the building. E261 arrived to find fire and smoke showing from the second floor. Engine 83 arrived 3rd after letting E371 slide through the entrance and ran our 400 foot line to the building. E261 and E371 handled the fire which involved a room in the apartment. Engine 83's officer had operations and the rest of the crew stood by with their line and assisted with checking the roof. Engine 83 remained on the scene for just over an hour before picking up and returning home.

Brightseat Rd pics courtesy of PGFD PIO Mark Brady

November 7th - Another shooting, Squad assists PD with extrication - Just before 0330 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5700 Blk of MLK Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for a female bleeding. Units arrived to find a patient shot in the upper body. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center by PA5. This shooting was just a block from the last shooting on the 5th. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Later in the day around noon, Squad 8 was called to assist Police in the 700 Blk of Ritchie Rd at a local tow company to retrieve two data modules from two vehicles that were severely damaged. Squad 8 worked for about an hour cutting through metal in two vehicles to retrieve them. On a side note, our new Ambulance came in last friday ( the last batch of them ). After placing it in service and responding to 31 runs over the weekend.......it broke. Our previous one assigned to us finally died about a month ago with well over 150,000 miles and several accidents and we were assigned a reserve until our new one came in. If all it takes is 3 days of running calls to break, the new 88 is in for a rough life. As soon as we get it back, I am sure some pics will be posted for those that are interested. If you live in Bowie, Oxon Hill, or Largo and anywhere in between, we are sure you will be seeing it in person sometime soon.
November 5th - Late night shooting in Seat Pleasant - Just before midnight, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6300 Blk of Foote St, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of one shot. Units arrived to find a patient shot twice in the lower extremities. Crews from 8 treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 with the Medics onboard. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour while Ambulance 88 returned to service just after 0100 hours.
November 2nd - Continues with fatal accident in Ritchie - Just after 2300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 8000 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 37's area, for a reported head on collision. Units arrived to find two vehicles heavily damaged with people trapped and 1 DOA. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and began extrication of the pinned driver that was still alive. Assisted by RE33, crews extricated the patient by cutting apart the vehicle. Several patients were flown out as well as transported by land. Squad 8 remained on the scene until almost 0130 hours assisting with lighting as PGPD conducted their investigation. Later in the morning on 11/3, Squad 8 returned to the scene to extricate the priority 4 driver after police were done with their work.
November 2nd - Door pop, stabbing and 2 alarm fire...in that order - Around 0700 hours, Squad 8 was placed out of service as personnel went for RIC training for the day. Shortly after, other units arrived on the scene of an accident at 100 Addison Rd S in Seat Pleasant. Units decided they needed a door removed and with all the Squads out of service, the closest one was Squad 13 from Riverdale Heights. PSC politely rang down the station and asked if Squad 8 could run across the street real quick and remove the door prior to going. Of course they obliged and then were quickly on their way. While the Squad and its personnel were training, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded around 1100 hours to the 6700 Blk of Blacklog St, in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for one stabbed in the back and hand. Units arrived to find a patient with a cut to the hand and her back with a very large 3 inch laceration to the back. Apparently, her boyfriend had stabbed her during the night and then kept her hostage in the house until about 10am when he had to leave for court on something unrelated to this. The patient was taken to a local hospital by Ambulance 88 where PGPD met them. Engine 83 returned to service a short time later. Then around 1730 hours, minutes after the Squad returned from training, Engine 83 was alerted to the 5000 Blk of Silver Hill Ct, in Company 26's area, for an apartment on fire. The original caller stated that his cabinets were burning.....from the fire coming from the apartment next door. E261 arrived with smoke showing from the 3rd floor and found fire involving a few units on the second floor. Engine 83 advanced a line to the floor above and found the fire had extended up to that floor and also into the cockloft. A task force was called as units opened up the walls and ceilings and extinguished the fire while truck companies opened the roof allowing the fire in the cockloft to vent. An additional engine and tower were called to the scene to assist. Engine 83 worked for over an hour before returning to Seat Pleasant. This ended our drought of fires we've had for the past few weeks.
Halloween - Squad 8 on trauma and other mischief - Another Halloween has come, and as it usually brings a busy night, this year was almost void of anything noteworthy. The station maintained an Engine, Squad, and Ambulance crew throughout the day and night. The engine remained motionless throughout the night ( which kept it from getting pelted with eggs ), however the Squad and Ambulance, especially the ambulance, were kept busy. Late in the evening, Squad 8 responded to Suitland Pkwy & Naylor Rd, in Company 29's area, for an accident. Units arrived and requested a medic unit and additional EMS units. Apparently, a pickup truck and another car became entangled which sent the pickup rolling down Suitland Parkway several times. During the many rolls, the patient became partially ejected and was suffering from severe head injuries. Squad 8 assisted with patient care as he was removed and taken to the landing site where he was transported by MSP Trooper to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned a short time later. Upon return, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were sent to Seat Pleasant Dr & Jadeleaf Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. While enroute, PSC advised units responding to a call in Landover to use caution as there were reports of people throwing rocks and bricks and then advised Squad 8 to use caution as they were receiving additional calls for gunshots in the area of their call. Units arrived to find two kids that had been shot....with BB guns and refusals were obtained. Other than that, personnel responded to 24 runs during the day and evening and enjoyed temperatures in the 70's by watching buses and police cars covered in eggs drive up and down Addison Rd as well as a 1 on 1 basketball game between the Chief and one of the Career Personnel. Got to work on that "D" a little Chief !!!
October 23rd - Squad 8 extricates 1 at Hampton Mall - Just before 1100 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Hampton Park Bl & Hampton Mall Dr, in Company 46's area, for a an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle that was T-Boned with enough force to flip it on its side trapping the occupant. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle, removed the windshield, and then the roof of the SUV. The patient was carefully removed and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 packed up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.
October 20th - Trauma and tool job make up busy day - Just after 0330 hours, after returning from the shooting, Ambulance 88 responded to the I/L of the Beltway at Arena Dr, in Company 33's area, for a tanker truck off the road and into some trees. Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted Medic 46 with patient care as the victim was treated, packaged and placed in Medic 46 for transport to a trauma center. Ambulance 88 picked up and returned to service in about 25 minutes. Then later around 1630 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to Central Ave & Addison Rd, in front of Company 8, for an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle on its side with one trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle using the rescue struts and removed 1 patient who was taken to a local hospital by Ambulance 88. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 didn't return until just after 1800 hours. In all, 27 runs were answered during the 24 hours that were Friday.

October 19th - Ambulance 88 on shooting in District Heights - At 2239 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1900 Blk of Rochelle Ave, in Company 26's area, for a report of one shot in the hallway. Units arrived to find a male patient shot several times. The patient was treated for his gunshot wounds, packaged, and placed into Ambulance 88 who then met up with Medic 30 where the two units transported him to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service after cleanup around 0115 hours the next morning.
October 18th - Squad 8 on another kitchen fire - Around 2015 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 6800 Blk of Atwood St, in Company 26's area, for a fire in the kitchen of an apartment. Squad 8 arrived along with Engine 261 to find a fire in a second floor apartment. The fire was quickly knocked down and Squad 8 assisted with ventilation and overhaul as the assignment was scaled back. Squad 8 returned to service in just over 30 minutes.
October 16th - Squad 8 on gas fed kitchen fire - Around 1645 hours, just after personnel returned from the LODD funeral in Baltimore, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2500 Blk of Iverson St, in Company 29's area, for a fire in the kitchen. The engine from 29 arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen that was being fed by natural gas. Squad 8 arrived soon after and went to work to shut down the gas and then checked for extension as the fire had gotten into the cabinets. Once the gas was off, the fire was quickly knocked down. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 30 minutes to assist with overhaul.
October 13th - Ambulance 88 on fatal shooting in Lake Arbor - Around 0230 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 600 Blk of Still Water Pl, in Company 46's area, for one shot. County Police arrived to find the victim in the 11000 Blk of Southlake Dr. Apparently the victim had seen a tow truck taking his vehicle and began to follow them. A short distance later, an altercation occurred and the tow truck driver shot the victim once. Ambulance 88 and the Medic unit worked the victim and took him to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Ambulance 88 didn't return to service until almost 3 hours later after cleanup and restocking.
October 10th - Day starts with door pop, ends with stabbing - Just before 0230 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the I/L of the Beltway @ Pennsylvania Ave for an accident. Units arrived to find an accident with several vehicles and one trapped. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle, and quickly removed the door. The patient was removed by EMS personnel and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Then later in the night, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5900 Blk of Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for one that had come into the business covered in blood. Crews arrived to find a teenage male stabbed once in the back, arm, and side. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center by Medic unit. Units from 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.
October 9th - Burned child arrives at firehouse door - Just before 2100 hours, parents arrived at Company 8 looking for assistance as their child had been burned. Crews from Company 8 took the child and began treating burns to the lower extremities. After initial treatment, the Ambulance crew loaded the patient and took them to a local pediatric burn center with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The ambulance returned home in just over an hour.
October 7th - Company 8 has busy day including trauma & stabbing - Another day of 20 + runs ( 23 to be exact ) started off in the early morning around 0500 hours when Squad 8 ( BIS since 10/3 ) and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Kettering Dr, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Units from 46 arrived to find no one trapped and the squad was returned however there were several patients as one of the cars was suffering significant damage. The crew from Ambulance 88 treated several patients and transported one to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour. As the day was coming to a close, Squad 8 responded around 2330 hours to the 400 Blk of 70th Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. Squad 8 arrived and assisted EMS units with a stabbing victim who was transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 returend to service in about 20 minutes.
October 6th - Engine 81 on first due trailer fire - After being out of service for a majority of the day due to RIT training, the crew arrived back and went to work. Several box alarms and house assignments were answered in the early evening by crews. Around 1920 hours, the box was struck for East Capitol St & Yost Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a building on fire. Engine 81 arrived to find a structure in the unit block of Yost Pl well involved. The crews advanced a line and extinguished the large make shift trailer/storage shed which was chock full of different items including tires. Due to limited exposures and a quick knockdown, the assignement was reduced and Engine 81 remained on the scene for just over an hour. Although being out of service for 8 hours during the day, the company still responded to 20 runs for the day.
October 1st - Ambulance 88 on trauma in Largo - Just before 1730 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to Prince Pl & Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for a pedestrian struck. The crew arrived and assisted Medic 46 with treatment of the patient as they were suffering from numerous injuries. The crew loaded the patient into Medic 46 who then took them to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 20 minutes.
October 1st - Ambulance 88 starts off October with fatal shooting - Just after midnight, units were dispatched to the 7500 Blk of Greenleaf Rd, in the Palmer Park section of Kentland, for a shooting. Ambulance 88 was added to the call as they were in the area returning from the hospital. Ambulance 88 arrived with MP33 to find a male shot and not breathing. Units declared him a trauma code and began working him as Medic 30 arrived. The patient was quickly loaded in Ambulance 88 with Medic 30 onboard and trasnported to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over 90 minutes. This was the 41st shooting of the year for Company 8 and although crime is apparently down overall throughout the county, we are one away from last years total of 42.
September 30th - Engine 81 and Chief 8 on first due duplex fire - Just a few minutes after midnight, Engine 81 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 7200 Blk of Joplin St, in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for smoke in a duplex. Original reports had stated that something had been thrown through a window and now the house was filling with smoke. Additional reports stated a possible person trapped in the residence. Engine 81 arrived to find heavy fire from the top floor of the duplex and advanced a line inside. Battalion Chief 1 established command as Engine 81 made their way through the heavy fire upstairs and was joined by E384 and Tower 33 who performed a search which turned up negative. Chief 8 had the interior while other crews were deployed to the exposure to check for extension. The fire was extinguished a short time later and units worked for awhile to open up and check for extension. Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 3 1/2 hours with the investigators before returning home.

 

September 28th - Engine 81 on Addison Rd house fire - At 2200 hours, Engine 81 was alerted 2nd due to the 5400 Blk of Addison Rd, in Company 38's area, for a house fire. E384 arrived to find fire showing from the house and ran a line to the first floor. Engine 81 arrived simultaneously with E384 and picked up their line and ran an additional line inside to back them up. Crews extinguished the fire and worked to overhaul and hit hot spots. Engine 81 operated for about an hour before returning to service. Two dogs did succumb to injuries sustained in the fire.

September 27th - Engine 81 on Pennsylvania Ave trauma - Just after 2000 hours as Engine 81 was clearing a medic local on Marlboro Pk, a pedestrian struck was dispatched at Pennsylvania Ave & Silver Hill Rd in Company 26's area. Being in close proximity, Engine 81 added themselves to the call and arrived first to find a male laying face down in the fast lane of Pennsylvania Ave south of Silver Hill Rd. Engine 81, with a paramedic onboard, and the EMS officer stabilized the victim who had been thrown from his shoes after being hit and began treating injuries. MSP Trooper was called to the scene as A238 and Medic 20 arrived. The semi conscious patient was transported to a trauma center. Engine 81 returned to service in just under 30 minutes.
September 24th - Engine 81 on basement fire in District Heights - Just after 2130 hours, Engine 81 was dispatched to the 2300 Blk of Ramblewood Dr, in Company 26's area, for a house fire. Police advised Communications that they were on the scene with smoke showing. Units arrived to find smoke showing and a small working fire in the basement. Engine 81 arrived and ran a back up line to the first floor while E261 and E371 worked the fire in the basement. The fire was extinguished and there was no extension to the floor above. The incident was scaled back and Engine 81 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
September 23rd - Ambulance 88 on shooting in Chapel Oaks - Around 0245 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1300 Blk of Oates St, in Company 38's area, for a report of one shot. Units arrived with PGPD to find a male shot twice from a drive by shooting. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was shot once in the upper body and once in the lower body. In addition to this run, Engine 81 responded while units were on the scene of the shooting to Farmingdale Ave & Nome St, just around the corner, for a hit and run accident. Apparently the Police had spotted a possible suspect vehicle in the shooting which took off when they tried to stop it, striking another vehicle. The shooting victim was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and PA5 and the patient in the accident was also taken to a local hospital for a check up. Engine 81 returned a short time later and Ambulance 88 returned to service in just under 2 hours.
September 19th - Engine 81 on vacant house in Ritchie - Just before 1500 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 2200 Blk of Sansbury Rd, in Company 37's area, for a house fire. Originally, E371 was dispatched for an outside fire, however upon arrival found heavy smoke from a vacant house. Engine 81 arrived and made their way to the house as the crew from E371 began extinguishing the fire that had extended to the first floor from the heavy fire conditions in the basement. The crew deployed a back up line and assisted with extinguishment as several holes had burned through the floor. Crews worked for awhile to extinguish the fire and hit hot spots as additional units were called to assist with the extensive overhaul. Engine 81 cleared in just over an hour.
September 17th - Engine 81 on kitchen fire, Ambulance on stabbing - Just after 1700 hours, units were dispatched to the 6900 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for an apartment fire. Engine 81 was dispatched as first due because Truck 26 was on the air. The only problem with this was that the Squad was on the air also. So instead of running the Squad on the call, Squad 8 was told to return for the engine. So they did and this obviously was going to make E371 first due now. Truck 26 and E371 arrived with smoke showing from the building. Engine 81 arrived and ran a line to the floor above and checked for extension. Units found a fire in the kitchen and was extinguished quickly. Engine 81 also worked to ventilate the apartments above due to several residents fleeing the building and leaving their apartment doors wide open. Engine 81 operated for just under an hour before returning to service. Later on at 2345 hours, as the Redskins game against Dallas was ending, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to Fed Ex Field for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a patient that had been stabbed 3 times in the abdomen. Ambulance 88 treated the patient and packaged him then loaded him into the unit where he was transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared the call in about 90 minutes.
September 15th - Squad 8 extricates a few in Silver Hill - Around 1600 hours, units from Company 29 were dispatched to Branch Ave & Colebrooke Dr for an accident. Upon arrival it was determined that the occupants were trapped after striking a pole and Squad 8 and additional EMS units were alerted to the call. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and went to work removing the sliding door as well as the passenger door. Both were removed quickly and the patients were removed by EMS personnel and transported to local hospitals. Squad 8 cleared the scene after picking up in bout 40 minutes.

September 14th - Squad 8 on industrial fire in Forestville - Around 1545 hours, units were dispatched for an outside fire in the 8700 Blk of Westphalia Rd in Company 23's area. While enroute, additional information was received that a paver was on fire in a garage and the box was filled. Squad 8 responded and arrived as the first special service. Crews worked to extingusih the fire as Squad 8 attempted to vent the structure. The Hazmat Team was called due to possible run off from the garage. After the fire was out and ventilations efforts were in full swing, the squad crew worked on the product run off and the hazmat assignment was turned around. Squad 8 operated for about 40 minutes before returning to service.
September 13th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on Oxon Hill house fire - Just before 0930 hours, Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 responded to the 1400 Blk of Colony Rd, in Company 42's area, for a house fire. E422 arrived to report heavy fire showing from the front of the house. The crew advanced a line inside to find a kitchen well off that had extended down the hallway and consumed the living room as well. As Squad 8 made its way down south, the crew was given the RIC assignment. After finally arriving, the crew took its assignment and stood by. Crews operating extinguished the fire rather quickly and worked to check for extension and hit hot spots. Squad 8 assisted crews on the scene for about an hour before returning home.
September 10th - Intoxicated male turns into trauma - Around 0230 hours, Metro Transit Police advised Communications that they needed an ambulance for an intoxicated male across the street at the Addison Road Metro. Now Company 8 responds probably to 3 or 4 of these calls a day which end up with a quick evaluation and then police handle the individual. This was not the case this morning. Ambulance 88 arrived to find a male who had fallen due to knocking back 1 too many 40's and struck his head hard on the cement. A large wound and bleeding was visible and with an altered level of consciousness, the patient was treated and transported to a local trauma center with medics. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 2 hours.
September 9th - Squad & Ambulance on child dragged by trailer - Just before 2130 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Brightseat Rd, in Company 46's area, for a child struck and trapped under a vehicle. Units arrived to find a child that had been struck by a trailer that was being towed by a vehicle and then dragged for an undetermined length. The child was not trapped underneath, however was suffering from traumatic wounds. Crews worked to treat and package the patient as MSP Trooper 2 was called to the scene for transport. During treatment, a large crowd had gathered and was becoming unruly so additional county police were requested and handled the situation. Squad 8 returned to service due to no entrapment however Ambulance 88 transported the child with medics to the landing zone where the child was flown to a burn / trauma center due to the severity of the road rash he had received as well as injuries. Ambulance 88 returned to service just after 2200 hours.
September 4th - Labor day weekend ends with shooting & fire - The last day of the 4 day holiday weekend was the same as the rest, busy ! Just before 0745 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 1900 Blk of Brooks Dr, in Company 26's area, for a shooting. PG Police had been looking for a suspect who displayed a weapon at a local grocery store and threatened to kill store employees. The subject was located a short time later on Walker Mill Rd and when police tried to stop him, a foot chase ensued. As police closed in on him, he drew a loaded .40 caliber semi automatic weapon and thats when two officers opened fire on the suspect, striking him several times. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene. Squad 8 returned to service in just under 30 minutes. This was the second police involved shooting of the morning. Earlier an officer shot a suspect in Clinton and as always you can keep up with news for PGPD by clicking on our PGPD news link. Later in the afternoon, Squad 8 responded to the 3700 Blk of Keystone Manor Pl, also in Company 26's area, for a kitchen fire. Units arrived to find a working fire and Squad 8 went to work ventng and checking for extension. The Squad operated for about an hour before returning to service. During the 4 day weekend, Seat Pleasant responded to an average of just over 1 run an hour for 4 days straight as the company resonded to about 100 calls.
September 3rd - Squad 8 extricates 2 from fatal accident in DC - Just after 0400 , Squad 8 was alerted to Southern Ave & Suitland Rd, in Company 17's area, for an accident with 1 overturned, 1 ejected, and 3 trapped. E174 and Chief 17 arrived to find just that plus a power pole that was taken out with live wires down. Also, the accident was actually located in DC in the 3800 Blk of Suitland Rd SE. Two additional Medic units and a helicopter were called to the scene. Apparently the car crashed as it was being chased by PGPD after an attempted routine traffic stop. Prior to the crash, the occupants were seen throwing drugs from the car. Crews began to work on the ejected victim who had severe trauma to both legs and the loss of both feet. Squad 8 stabilized the overturned vehicle and removed two traumas from the vehicle. The fourth occupant was pronounced dead and left in the vehicle as police started their investigation. Squad 8 returned to service in about 45 minutes. Chief 17 had the command.

Photos courtesy of NBC4

September 2nd - Fatal triple shooting and back to back tool jobs - Just after 0130 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5300 Blk of Sherriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for a report of 3 people shot. Units arrived with County Police to find 3 people suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a church parking lot. Two were pronounced dead on the scene as they had been shot more than 10 times and crews performed CPR on the 3rd victim as Police had reported he had been breathing upon arrival. Ambulance 88 transported the patient with the medic unit to a local trauma center suffering from at least 3 gunshot wounds. Despite efforts, that patient died at the hospital. Ambulance 88 returned to service around 0330 hours. While the Ambulance was at the hospital, Squad 8 returned to the scene to assist PGPD with lights as they worked to gather evidence. Later in the evening after several runs, Squad 8 responded to 69th St & Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find 1 trapped and Squad 8 went to work extricating the victim. The patient was transported to a local trauma center by EMS units. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour. About 30 minutes after returning to service from MLK Hwy, Squad 8 was alerted to assist units on the scene of an accident at Marlboro Pk & Brooks Dr in District Heights. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the car and popped the door. EMS units removed the patient and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes. Well over 30 calls for service were handled today by Company 8.
August 27th - Busy morning for Company 8 - Sunday continued where yesterday left off. After 28 runs on Saturday, Company 8 responded to an additional 9 runs between 0100 and 0500 hours. The fun began when the Squad was dispatched for an accident way south on the beltway followed by a call for Engine 81 for a house fire on Pacific Ave in Boulevard Heights. It was quickly realized that the fire was actually on Pacific Ct in Bowie, over 12 miles away, and units were placed in service. Ambulance 88 was then alerted to the fire in Bowie as calls started reporting people trapped. E431 arrived to find heavy fire showing. Crews removed 1 patient who was flown out for burns and smoke inhalation by a MSP Trooper. Ambulance 88 arrived and treated another injured civillian while crews worked to extinguish the fire. Then the night continued with several back to back runs including a woman who was thrown from a car, a hit and run, a few assaults, and an accident involving a woman high on drugs. The morning culminated with the Squad running the 2000 Blk of Brooks Dr for a fire in the high rise. Squad 8 reported to the 8th floor with E261 and forced entry to an apartment with heavy smoke conditions. Crews found a pan of dust ( it used to be chicken ) and began ventilation. Squad 8 returned to service in just over 30 minutes as crews returned home to grab an hour or two of shut eye before beginning the rest of the day.

Pacific Ct photo courtesy of Glenn Dale Fire Association

August 26th - Ambulance 88 on EMS task force in Oxon Hill - As a busy Saturday was coming to a close around 2300 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 5600 Blk of Livingston Terr, in Company 42's area, on an EMS Task Force. Units were on the scene of multiple pedestrians struck at an apartment complex. Apparently, a SUV had run amuck and slammed into a group of 6 individuals, mostly children, injuring them all. Ambulance 88 arrived and transported a patient to a local hospital returning to service after midnight. This was the 27th run for the day for Company 8. While the ambulance was on this call, Squad 8 responded to the 28th and final run for the day which was a stabbing in the 300 Blk of Shady Glen Dr in Seat Pleasant. Crews were placed in service by PGPD on this one.
August 26th - Engine 81 extinguishes house fire in Capitol Heights - Around 0300 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 1000 Blk of Glacier Ave, in Company 5's area, for a report of fire coming from the windows of a house. E51 arrived shortly after and confirmed this report with heavy fire throughout the house and through the roof. Engine 81 arrived and with E51 having their own hydrant, layed a line into the scene. The crew then ran a backup line through the front door passing E51, who was in the room to the right, and proceeded to extinguish the fire in the rear rooms and then the attic area. The fire was under control in a short amount of time and Engine 81 remained on the scene for almost 3 hours hitting hot spots and assisting with overhaul as units waited for an arson dog from Montgomery County to arrive. After getting a few hits on a flammable substance and the presence of many matches and lighters on the street in front, it was declared suspicious. After some interviews by investigators, one occupant of the house was arrested on the scene for arson. The motive for the crime is not known. While units were on this fire, transfer companies responded about a half mile from Company 8 for a man down at Addison Rd S & Wilburn Dr. Units arrived with police to find a male on Wilburn Dr who had been shot in the upper body and pronounced dead on the scene. More information can be obtained from our PGPD News link.

August 24th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on door pop - Just before 1600 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to Central Ave & Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for an accident. E371 arrived and placed the Squad in service but continued the EMS units. A few minutes later after further evaluation, it was decided the door would need to come off and Squad 8 was realerted to the call. The Squad arrived and after having to remind the engine crew that they were just that, the engine crew, the Squad crew stabilized the vehicle and removed the door allowing the patient to be freed for EMS personnel. Squad 8 returned to service a short time later while Ambulance 88 transported 1 to a local hospital before retunring to service.
August 22nd - Squad 8 on bedroom fire in District Heights - Around 0045 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 3700 Blk of Keystone Manor Pl, in Company 26's area, for a fire in a bedroom. E261 arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor. Now usually Squad 8 would be given the RIC assignment, however due to all of the trucks and Squads being out of service southside, Squad 8 arrived first and was sent to work. Crews searched and opened up as E261 quickly knocked the fire that was contained to the room of origin. Command scaled back the assignment soon after, holding Squad 8 for just under an hour before releasing them. While enroute back, Squad 8 was sent to 46's area where they operated also for just under an hour as units had an electrical fire in a house in the unit block of Herrington Dr.
August 21st - Squad 8 extricates 2 of 4 traumas in the early morning - Around 0300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Marlboro Pk & Pacific Ave, in Company 17's area, for an accident with a car into a pole. This area of Marlboro Pk is well known for its accidents and many fatalities. Units arrived to find a car occupied by 4 people into a pole with two of them pinned. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle, removed two doors and the roof, and finished the operation with a dash roll. All 4 patients were removed from the vehicle with the 2 pinned being flown to a local trauma center and the other two taken by ground to a trauma center as well. Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour.
August 19th - Day has shooting, overturned vehicle, then trauma - In the early morning hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded to the unit blk of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. Units arrived to find a teenage female that claimed she had been grazed in the chest by a stray bullet. Units found some redness on her chest and treated her on the scene. The victim was indeed lucky. Then around 1200 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to Hill Rd & Mary Scott Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an suv overturned and people trapped. Chief 8 arrived first and found a vehicle off the road on its roof. No one was trapped, however, additional EMS units were called to the scene. Units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Then later in the day, Ambulance 88 responded to Sheriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for a motorcycle accident. Units arrived to find a male laying in the roadway. Apparently the rider flew off of his bike for some reason at about 30 mph and skidded across the roadway. Ambulance 88 treated the patient for road rash and other injuries before transporting to a local trauma center.. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.

August 17th - Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 on hotel fire - At 1817 hours, after clearing a female that had been choked by her boyfriend in East Seat Pleasant, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to 75 Hampton Park Bl, in Company 37's area, for smoke coming from the 3rd floor. Chief 8 ( McGill ) also responded on the call. Squad 8 arrived along with E371 to find smoke showing from the top floor and was told by PSC that they were the 3rd due special service. This obviously was not correct, and Squad 8 went to work with E371 making entry to several rooms on the 3rd floor to conduct searches and locate the fire. The fire was found in the common wall between the front and rear rooms and was discovered running the cockloft. Chief 8 was given Division 3 and Squad 8 worked at opening up walls and ceilings as truck crews worked the roof making a trench cut and opening up. A task force was called as a precaution. The fire was extinguished after alot of hard work by crews on the scene. Units from 8 returned to Seat Pleasant in just over 2 1/2 hours.

August 16th - Squad 8 on cement truck overturned and then Hazmat - Around 1142 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the ramp from the I/L of the Beltway to Southbound Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 23's area, for an accident with a cement truck overturned. Units arrived to find a cement truck on its side, partially resting on the guardrail, crushing the cab. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the truck and removed the roof of the cab and lifted the steering column off the driver. The driver was removed and taken to MSP Trooper 2 who landed on Pennsylvania Ave and transported the victim to a local trauma center. Hazmat 30 was also called to the scene due to leaking saddle tanks. Units from 8 returned to service in about 45 minutes. Later in the day around 1730 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 4300 Blk of Byers St, in Company 17's area, for a car into a house. Units arrived to find a car that had run into the front porch of a house after a student driver inadvertently hit the gas while in reverse. Luckily there were no injuries however one of the posts was pushed in and under the porch into a full 220 gallon heating oil tank which then started to leak bringing the Hazmat company to the scene. Squad 8 used rescue struts and cribbing to stabilize the porch while crews attempted to stop the leak. Once it was determined the leak couldn't be stopped, it was decided they would have to pump off all the product. Additional barrels were called for and Squad 8 assisted the Hazmat team until about 1900 hours before returning to service.
August 14th - Busy morning includes vacant house fire - Just after 0100 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 1400 Blk of Doewood La, in Company 38's area, for smoke coming from the building. Engine 81 arrived and picked up 38's line and assisted units inside as a moderate haze of smoke filled the cafeteria. Units searched for the origin as the odor of the smoke was electrical in nature. After awhile with no luck in finding the source, Command held 2 and 1 which obviously included us ( we guess E384 and Q22 needed moral support for looking for a malfunctioning motor ). About 45 minutes later, while units were racking up, a house fire was dispatched in the 6600 Blk of Clinglog St in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant. Engine 81 quickly got their crew together and headed south on Addison Rd. After getting stuck behind the quint, Engine 81 arrived and completed E52's split lay as crews began running lines to the vacant house that had an obvious working fire. After making good time despite coming from the far end of 38's first due, Engine 81 was just a tad too late for initial lines and assisted with ventilation and opening up the crawl space and ceiling in the porch area. The fire was contained to part of the basement and first floor. The fire is currently under investigation and suspicious. Last week, Engine 83 responded to a car well involved at this same location. Engine 81 returned to service in about an hour. Then around 0400 hours, Engine 81 was on the road again, this time for an auto fire at Central High School in the 200 Blk of Cabin Branch Rd in Seat Pleasant. Engine 81 arrived to find a newer model vehicle well involved. We appreciate the people that stole it, trashed it, and then burned it for nicely parking it in the parking lot this time instead of driving it across the football field and into the woods, it makes our job somewhat easier. Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 30 minutes before picking up and returning home. The day before about the same time, Engine 81 also responded for a suspicious fire at Central Ave & Addison Rd. Crew members found a fire back in the woods and discovered a sleeping male in the grass as well as a couch on fire. Engine 81 worked delicately to extinguish the fire without disturbing the resident's sleep.

August 13th - Squad 8 on extrication and flyout in Seat Pleasant - Just after 1900 hours, Squad 8 responded to MLK Hwy & Greig St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with a car into a tree and "smashed real bad" as it said in the printout. Squad 8 arrived to find 1 trapped and requested additional EMS units. Due to trauma centers being on reroute, MSP Trooper 2 was added to the call also. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and worked for just under 20 minutes to remove the trapped patient who was then transferred to the waiting hands of EMS personnel. He was packaged and loaded and flown to a trauma center. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 45 minutes.
August 12th - Company 8 on shooting on East Nalley Rd - After a day of medic locals, brush fires, and 1 helicopter standby in our first due after a trauma in 5's area, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded with Medic 46 to the intersection of Nalley Rd & East Nalley Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for 1 shot in a vehicle. While enroute, PSC advised units they had reports that the patient had been shot at least 10 times. As the units from 8 approached the scene, they stopped and talked with police in the area that advised that the patient and vehicle(s) had left the scene. Seeing the obvious skid marks and the downed light pole, they had no doubt left in a hurry. In addition to the obvious indications that something in fact did happen, PGPD officers noticed quite a few shell casings in the road and at about the same time units were advised that the patient had shown up PG Hospital. Squad 8 stood by as police roped off the area and preserved evidence within the crime scene. Once everything was secure, Squad 8 left the scene by riding through a field as the road was closed off due to the evidence. Ambulance 88 returned to service also as well as Engine 81 who made an appearance after clearing another medic local in the first due.

PGPD marking shell casings by the skid marks in front of Squad 8

August 9th - PG's busiest Heavy Rescue returns to service - Today Squad 8 returned to the station all fixed and patched up for now and was placed back into service after being out for just over 3 weeks. In that time period, its true we did miss a few extrications and about a handful of fires, but its good to have her back none the less. During her absence, we also learned that we were given the title of the busiest heavy rescue in the county by Firehouse Magazine, a title we held for years on end before the arrival of Ambulance 88 six years ago. It was good to have the title back if only for a year. As our ambulance continues to have split personalities thinking in addition to being from Seat Pleasant it is also 379,339,468, 268, and on occasion 388 and 298, we may continue to keep the title once again. Those medic locals do add up in addition to the fires and Beltway runs !!

August 7th - Improvements in and around the station continue - By order of County Executive Jack Johnson, the "Addison Rd Improvements" have begun. This entails redoing all the sidewalks and hopefully repaving the road which in most parts is like driving over a bunch of boulders. Last week, they began digging up the area around the firehouse which caused us to be displaced for about 10 hours at Company 5. In doing so, we now have new concrete over by the city hall, along the street, and then over by the corner where the mangled guard rail was removed and a nice handicap accessible curb was put in minus a replacemnet guradrail (no way anyone will park there now in fear of their car being hit). Also, its a little late reporting, but both our upstairs bathroom and exhaust system was finalized a few months ago. We continue to upgrade the basement for a more warm, firehouse look as well as some exterior upgrades in the works. Look for reports on that and other items coming soon.

August 5th - Cutting, vacant apartments on fire, and then stabbing - Today was not too busy but some decent calls were had by all. Just after 1430 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1000 Blk of Capitol Center Bl, in Company 46's area, for one stabbed. Units arrived to find a male who had been sliced with a box cutter. The victim wa streated and transported to a local hospital. Later in the day around 1820 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 1400 Blk of Nova Ave, in Company 17's area, for a building on fire. This complex which includes buildings on Nova Ave and Boundary Ave has been vacant for years and has been the scene of many spectacular fires since its been vacated. Although officially vacated, it still remains the home to many less fortunate than us that take up residence inside. Units arrived with heavy fire from several windows on both the second and third floors. Command requested a task force alarm as units worked to gain control of the fire and search for any occupants. Engine 83 operated for about 2 hours before picking up and returning. Upon clearing, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched along with Medic 46 to the 7400 Blk of Shady Glen Terr, in Seat Pleasant, for man out front yelling for help and bleeding. Engine 83 just leaving Nova Ave, relinquished the call to Tower 7 who was in the area on a transfer. Units arrived with police to find a male stabbed once in the upper chest. Crews treated the patient and then Medic 46 transported the patient to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

August 4th - Friday ends same way it started, with a shooting - Just before midnight, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 800 Blk of Clovis Ave, in Company 5's area, for one shot. Units arrived on the scene, just 2 blocks from the earlier double shooting, to find a teenage male shot once in the lower body. Units treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service about 0130. Thsi was the 3rd shooting victim of the day and the 7th this week for Ambulance 88.
August 4th - Friday starts with double shooting and then house fire - Around 0140 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 900 Blk of Abel Ave, in Company 5's area, for a shooting. While units from 5 were enroute for one shot, information was obtained that two were shot bringing A88. Units staged for police until the scene was secure and discovered two people shot multiple times. MSP Trooper 2 and Trooper 8 were called to the scene which also brought Engine 83 to set up the LZ at 63rd St SE & Southern Ave SE on the ball field. Trooper 8 was placed in service as Ambulance 88 transported 1 by land to a local trauma center with 4 gunshot wounds to the upper body and paralysis. The other patient was flown to another trauma center, not so local, with the same type injuries (multiple gunshot wounds and paralysis). Engine 83 returned to service in about 45 minutes while Ambulance 88 did not return to service for almost 2 hours due to clean up and restock. These were the 5th and 6th shooting victims this week encountered by units from 8. Later in the morning just prior to 1000 hours, Engine 83 responded 4th due for a house fire in the 4300 Blk of Urn St in Company 17's area once again. E171 arrived with smoke showing and a working fire on the 1st floor. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E291's line and then as their crew was approaching the house, an injured party from the fire flagged them down and the crew began patient care until the arrival of EMS units. The bulk of the fire involved a room downstairs but crews worked to open up as fire had extended upstairs. During patient care, the patient decided they didnt want to be a patient anymore and left the scene. Engine 83 remained on the scene for about 45 minutes before returning to service.
August 3rd - Engine 83 and Chief 8 on late evening house fire - Just before 1945 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 4700 Blk of Bennet Ave, in Company 17's area, for a bedroom on fire on the second floor. E171 arrived to find smoke and fire showing from a second floor window. Engine 83 arrived and picked up 27's line and then was ordered by command to advance a line upstairs to assist E171. The crew arrived upstairs and began opening up and checking for extension while Chief 8 was assigned accountability. The fire was quickly knocked down and the crew from Engine 83 operated for about 90 minutes before returning to Seat Pleasant.

August 3rd - Man robbed, beaten, and stabbed next to the firehouse - Just after 0300 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded right next door to the Shell gas station in the 6300 Blk of Central Ave for a stabbing. Units staged for PD at the station and when it was safe to come outside, found a male who had been beaten and robbed as well as cut with a bottle. Crews bandaged his wounds which included several lacerations to the head from the bottle. Ambulance 88 transported the victim to a local hospital and crews returned to service in about an hour. In keeping with the alternating pattern between the Exxon and the Shell stations on the corner, later in the day a female was maced at the Exxon station. Its back to the Shell Stations turn now, who knows whats next.
August 2nd - Engine 83 & Ambulance 88 on child struck on MLK Hwy - Around 2000 hours, just after clearing a vehicle overturned in a field with no patient on Cindy La, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 repsonded to Martin Luther King Hwy & 69th Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a child struck. Units arrived to find a 12 yo child struck by a vehicle. The vehicle was traveling at about 30 mph but luckily it just side swiped the child, sparing the patient serious injuries. Crews treated and transported the victim to a local pediatric trauma center as a precaution. Engine 83 returned to service in about 15 minutes while the ambulance returned home in just over an hour.
August 1st - Engine 83 and Chief 8 on high rise fire - Around 2300 hours, as temperatures still hovered around 90 degrees after being over 100 during the day, Engine 83 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 3900 Blk of Suitland Rd, in Company 17's area, for a fire in a high rise. Chief 8 arrived and initially established command while Engine 83 took the hydrant in DC at Southern Ave SE & Alabama Ave SE and completed 27's split lay. As usual, smoke was found in the building and a fire was discovered in the basement dumpster ( see July 16th's call ). Engine 83 took its crew and searched and checked floors 4-9 and spot checked the ones the rest of the way up. Units remained on the scene for almost an hour as they performed overhaul in the trash room and attempted to remove smoke. Earlier in the day around 0600, Ambulance 88 made the WFD in the 13100 Blk of Keverton Dr in Company 46's area. Units arrived to find fire involving the kitchen and some adjoining rooms. Usually we may have made this run with the Squad, but because its out of service we had to settle for The Bus going. We hope to have the Squad back by Friday as J & T waits for a part. ( No we most certainly will not hold our breath )
July 30th - 3 calls, 4 people shot all in 1 hour - Just after 2100 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 1400 Blk of Nalley Terr, in Company 33's area, for a shooting. Units arrived to find two victims that were shot during a game of football with a shotgun. Crews treated the patients, one of which was transported to a local trauma center and the other refused after having several pellets lodged in the skin. Right as Ambulance 88 was getting a refusal AMA, County Police found another victim who had shotgun pellets sprayed across his back. Ambulance 88 responded to the Sherriff Rd side and treated that patient. This patient also refused transport AMA and 88 got the refusal. Right as they received that one, another shooting was reported in Glenarden in the 3600 Blk of Tyrol Ave, also in 33's first due. A young male had knocked on a door and said he had been shot. Units arrived to find the male shot once in the back. Crews treated the patient, who did not refuse, and was transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to quarters a short time later.
July 28th - Company 8 on mid morning shooting - Just before 0830 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 1000 Blk of Fairford Way, in the London Woods section of Seat Pleasant, for one shot in the chest. Units arrived to find a male subject shot once in the upper body. The patient was treated and transported to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 29. Engine 83 returned to service in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service right around 1000 hours. Just to show that there are no boundaries for our EMS services, during the course of the day Engine 83 was responding to medic locals in 26 and 17's area while Ambulance 88 was kept busy northside with calls in the 7500 Blk of Riverdale Rd and Rt 50 and Church Rd. No need for additional BLS transport units in the county ? We beg to differ !!
July 27th - Shooting and ped struck with entrapment make up morning - Just before midnight on the 26th, County Police were called to the 6800 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a man with a gun. When police arrived the subject matching the description of the perpetrator decided he was going to flee the scene. County Police followed and stopped the vehicle at Central Ave & Addison Rd, right by the firehouse. As the officers approached the vehicle, the subject reached for something. After several failed attempts to get the occupant to show his hands, the officer discharged his weapon striking the subject in the upper body. The subject then fleed again and drove to the 4900 Blk of Silver Hill Rd, where he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. He was transported to a local trauma center where he later died. A loaded handgun was recovered in a search of the vehicle. Just before 0445 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded for an accident at Central Ave & Hill Rd in Seat Pleasant. Upon arrival, crews found a car with one trapped but also a worker who had been struck by the vehicle. Due to Squad 8 being out of service since 7/17, a special call was made for a squad and and two medic units along with a MSP Trooper. Squad 33 arrived and removed the driver as crews treated both patients. Both were flown to a local trauma center. The pedestrian struck ended up losing both of his legs and was listed in critical condition. Units from 8 cleared in just over an hour. Later just before 0900, Engine 83 returned to the scene for about an hour to assist County PD with cleanup.
July 22nd - Ambulance 88 & Engine 81 on stabbing in District Heights - Just after 1800 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 6900 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a few people stabbed and additional units were brought to the scene including Engine 81. The Engine's job was to secure a LZ for a helicopter at the adjacent Elementary School. Ambulance 88 transported 1 to a local hospital with a deep laceration to the hand and cleared in about 90 minutes while Engine 81 cleared in about 30 minutes after the MSP Trooper took off.
July 20th - Engine 81 on well involved house in Lake Arbor - Around 2330 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the area of Terrapin Hills Dr & Golf Course Dr, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire. E461 arrived in the area to report a working fire. They arrived in the 1600 Blk of Golf Course Dr to find a 2 story house with heavy fire involving the garage, 2nd floor and through the roof, and part of the first floor. Crews began an aggressive interior attack to perform a primary search. Engine 81 was ordered to stretch a line to the rear of the structure so the crew, after taking their own hydrant up the street, made up a leader line along with the 400 ft line off the rear and took a position on side C. About that time, safety requested the structure be evacuated due to possible collapse. Air horns were sounded and crews evacuated the house. Engine 81 with their line in place in the rear, took care of all the fire on both floors on side C. Once knocked down, crews were ordered to re-enter and finish with hot spots and overhaul. Engine 81 returned to service in about 2 hours.
July 16th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 operate at trash fire in high rise - Around 2200 hours, E174 responded for an alarm at 3901 Suitland Rd. Upon arrival, the Engine from 17 found a dumpster on fire in the building and requested the box bringing Squad 8 along with other units from the 1st and 3rd Battalions. Squad 8 arrived as the first special service and was directed to split its crew. Team 1 went to the 16th floor and worked its way down checking smoke conditions while Team 2 assisted E174 with ventialtion as they knocked the fire in the trash room. Crews worked for almost an hour clearing smoke conditions and overhauling the dumpster and subsequent room it occupied before returning to service.
July 15th - Where's Seat Pleasant ? - Ah yes, this questioned rang out from citizens abroad as Engine 83 arrived at its parade destination....in Commack, NY. For several years Seat Pleasant has gained members as well as several ride alongs from the Long Island area and because of this, received an invitation to Commack's 100th Anniversary parade. A crew was assembled and it was decided that they would join Commack in celebrating its Centennial. The crew left on Engine 83 around 0900 hours and made the journey to Long Island. After a 4 hour trip, Seat Pleasant was warmly welcomed by the firefighters and citizens at our destination. There was plenty of food and drink before and during the parade as well as a fireworks display afterward. The crew then stayed at Station 3 for the night and hung out with our fellow brothers and sisters and shared stories and good times before returning early the next morning. A special thanks to the Commissioners of Commack as well as the Chief of Department Mike Hertz and 3rd Assistant Chief, and former ride along, Kieran Keane along with the officers of Station 3: Captain Pete Paccione, 1st Lieutenant Steven Sloane, and 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Napoli Jr. We dont know when we'll be back up but if you feel like it, we have Seat Pleasant Day and a MLK Day parade you can come to. Stay safe up on The Island and we'll see you soon. Everyone can visit Commack here.

Engine 83 hanging at Station 3 / Nassau County Firefighters prepare

Engine 3 - " Workin' the South Side "

July 14th - "Flip your vehicle over day" brings Squad 8 more work - I bet you didnt know, but today was the locally recognized flip your vehicle over day. Starting Early this morning and running all day, Company 8 responded to no less than 4 accidents with vehicles overturned. Around 1430 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 1600 Blk of Ritchie Marlboro Rd, in Company 37's area, for a trash truck overturned, leaking fuel, with people trapped. The Engine from 37 arrived and found just that. Squad 8 arrived and began the extrication, removing the roof of the upside down trash truck allowing the victims to be freed. Both patients were removed within 20 minutes and transported to a local trauma center by awaiting EMS personnel. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service within the hour. Other accidents during the day included, but not limited to, a vehicle that flipped over the guardrail on the Beltway, a car that rolled a few times into some houses on Hill Rd, a car that hit a deer (thats right) on Addison Rd South, and then right around midnight a loud crash was heard by the station. As crews looked toward Addison & Central, a heavily damaged car making alot of noise was seen trying to speed away from an accident closely followed by a police car. The local holiday had been a complete success here in the 1st Battalion.

July 13th - House explosion and 2 tool jobs, all in a days work - Just after 0830 hours, Engine 83 responded to the rear of the 900 Blk of Mentor Ave, in Company 5's area, for a house that "blew up". While responding, the corrected address was given as 911 ( kind of ironic ) Nova Ave. Engine 83 arrived with E51 to find a house that had done just that, blew up. Crews made their way through debris in the street including window frames, roof shingles, walls, etc to check what was left of the structure to make sure no one was inside. A small amount of fire was still present and was easily extinguished. Crews remained on the scene for awhile as investigators and Washington Gas looked into the cause. Apparently, the house was being fixed up and had been sold (note sign in front yard) however someone had altered the gas lines and investigators believe this fine piece of craftmanship caused the explosion. Later in the day just after 1500 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched with units from the 3rd Battalion to Pennsylvania Ave & Silver Hill Rd, in Company 26's area, for an accident with people trapped. Units arrived to find an accident involving two dump trucks and a mini van with 5 people trapped inside. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle as the crew went to work removing both doors as well as the sliding rear door. An EMS task force was called as 7 patients, most of them traumas, were in need of transport. After extricating the 5 patients, the Squad crew assisted with patient care. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour before returning to Seat Pleasant. Then just before midnight, while returning from an accident in 46's area, Squad 8 was alerted to Central Ave & Shady Glen Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with injuries. Squad 8 arrived on the scene to find 2 vehicles with people trapped in one. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed both front and rear passenger doors and provided patient care for the 3 passengers (we didnt need to provide for the driver because, well, the driver wasnt there) until the arrival of PA5 and PA26 who transported the patients to area hospitals. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

Whats left of 911 Nova Ave

Pennsylvania Ave & Silver Hill Rd

July 12th - Squad 8 on early evening apartment fire in Forestville - Just after 1700 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 5600 Blk of South Marwood Bl, in Company 23;s area, for a fire in a senior citizens apartment building. Units arrived with nothing evident but as they initially investigated, found a fire on the first floor. PSC started receiving additional reports of people trapped and experiencing medical problems. A238 initially went to the 4th floor for a patient and found several in need of medical attention and an EMS task force was called. E231 and other engine companies stretched lines to the first floor apartment where fire was consuming the kitchen area and dining room as heavy smoke conditions filled the building. Squad 8 was told to check the partments on the first floor that had originally reported people trapped. As Squad 8's search came up negative, crews had the fire under control. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour before returning to service.
July 11th - Squad 8 on early morning fire in Silver Hill - Just before 0600 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2900 Blk of Colebrook Dr, in Company 29's area, for a house fire. E291 arrived to find smoke showing and a working fire. Squad 8 was assigned the RIC as first in units ran lines and opened up as the small fire was extinguished quickly. After insuring there was no extension the assignment was scaled back. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.
July 10th - Discard pool chemicals in your trash pick up ? Nooooooo ! - Just before 1630 hours, Engine 83 responded to Company 37's firehouse for a Hazmat local. A trash truck had been cruising along when a "haze" was noticed coming from the back along with a strong odor of chlorine. The Engine from 37 took a hydrant and stood by as Decon as the Hazmat Company investigated the compactor area of the truck searching for the source as its contents had to be emptied into the street. Nearby buildings and homes were evacuated as a precaution. Engine 83 remained on the scene for an hour assisting units. Improperly discarded pool chemicals was the culprit.
July 8th - Squad 8 ends week with noontime fire in District Heights - Just after 1130 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 6000 Blk of Surrey Square La, in Company 26's area, for an apartment on fire. E261 arrived to find fire involving part of a terrace level apartment and quickly stretched a line. Although the first arriving special service had 2 and the second truck was coming from the northside of the county, Squad 8 was given the RIC assignment as usual as first in companies worked hard to gain control of the fire. Squad 8 stood fast until the fire was knocked and at that time were used to check for extension in the upper floors. Squad 8 cleared the scene in just under an hour. This was rounded out a busy week for Seat Pleasant with a total of 166 runs and 8 fires.
July 7th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on early morning trauma - Just after 0500 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & Garret A Morgan Blvd, in Company 37's area, for an accident with a vehicle overturned. Units from Company 8 arrived first to find a 2 vehicle accident with one that had rolled and ejected the occupant. Units began EMS care on the patient while Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle still on its side with rescue struts as the ejected patient was laying next to the unstable car. The patient was packaged and transported to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 with Medic 46 on board. Squad 8 remained on the scene for awhile to clean up and throw down absorbent for all the fluids in the road. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour while the Ambulance didn't return home until almost 0700.
July 4th - Fourth of July fireworks in Seat Pleasant, the best there is - The yearly fireworks display in and around the station was again a pleasant treat this year. The border of Seat Pleasant and DC was lined literally with hundreds of people lighting their own personal displays for everyone to see. So as usual, with professional displays nowhere near us, we took part in this show between runs. This show is much longer than a regular show starting around 2000 hours and running well past midnight. Along with the people along the border, several streets throughout Seat Pleasant were temporarily blocked by citizens lighting off different kinds of fireworks and some displays could be seen from the rear of the station looking toward DC as the sounds of explosions and the smell of smoke continued into the late night. In addition to our local display, several could be seen down along Southern Ave with one display thats always good every year at Southern Ave SE & Benning Rd SE. We hope everyone had a great Holiday, we know we did.

Some pictures of the local display

July 4th - 4th brings trauma, stabbing, fire, and trips northside - The Fourth began fast with the normal medical calls and accidents along with the recent abundance of box alarms and house assignemnts. Around 1330 hours, Squad 8 responded to Central Ave & Kettering Dr, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Units from 46 arrived to find a SUV that had rolled over and ejected a small child. Squad 8 arrived and with no one trapped started patient care as additional EMS units were called. Apparently, the SUV didn't want to wait for the red light, took the shoulder, and was hit by a car with the green light causing it to roll several times. The child was transported to a local pediatric trauma center via MSP Trooper while the driver of the SUV and other car were taken to local trauma centers by land. Squad 8 cleared in about 45 minutes. Then after a few more calls, severe storms ripped through the area with Hyattsville and Chillum being hardest hit. While crews were busy in the 4th Battalion answering storm calls, Engine 81 was dispatched as the second due engine on a box in the 3700 Blk of Shepherd St, in Company 55's area followed by a house assignment on Cheverly Ave in Company 22's area and then a house assignment in the 3000 Blk of Lancer Pl in Company 1's area. While this was going on, Ambulance 88 found themselves on an accident at Peace Cross in the 4500 Blk of Annapolis Rd in Company 9's area. While returning to "our side " of the county, Engine 81 was sent to the 1400 Blk of Early Oaks La, in Company 38's area, for a male out front bleeding. Engine 81 arrived to find a male that had been stabbed 3 times ( leg, abdomen, and back ) and was bleeding profusely. Engine 81 treated the patient and awaited EMS personnel who took him to a local trauma center. Engine 81 cleared in about 25 minutes. Then about an hour later, Engine 81 responded to the 2900 Blk of Kaverton Rd, in Company 23's area, for a building fire. E235 had responded for an alarm but arrived with smoke showing. Engine 81 arrived at the commercial structure and stood by in the rear with a secondary water supply. The bulk of the fire was held by the sprinkler system and is still under investigation. Ambulance 88 also responded on the call as part of the working fire dispatch. Both units returned to Seat Pleasant in about 20 minutes. The day continued with more medical calls, accidents, and assaults keeping the company busy with 36 runs for the 24 hour period on July 4th.

Squad 8 at Central & Kettering / 88 at Peace Cross in 9's area

July 3rd - Day continues with 2 more afternoon fires - As the temperature soared into the 90's again today and after watching PG's finest make a traffic stop in the parking lot next to the firehouse that ended up in a foot pursuit and the recovering of some weapons and other contraband and Ambulance 88 running a call for a person hanging out a window of a house yelling he had been stabbed, Squad 8 was sent to the rear of Ritchies firehouse again as the house from yesterday was pretty well involved. This time just E261 and Squad 8 responded. E261 secured a water supply as their crew and Squad 8 assisted E372 with handlines and a master stream. E372 had the bulk of the fire knocked down prior to the arrival of everyone else. Squad 8 remained on the scene for just over 30 minutes before returning to service. Then around 1630 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 6500 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 26's area, for a house fire. E261 arrived with fire showing and passed command. Engine 81 arrived shortly after and split layed a line which E372 picked up. The crew reported to the house on side Charlie and secured utilities. E261 knocked the fire which was confined to a bedroom and units were held for overhaul and ventilation. One civilian that was in the room was burned and transported to a hospital by Medic 46. Engine 81 returned to service in about 40 minutes. This was the 6th fire for Seat Pleasant in less than 24 hours.
July 3rd - Holiday weekend continues with 2 more fires before 0700 - After clearing Suitland Rd, crews made it back and got some rest until just after 0430 hours when Squad 8 was sent to the 6500 Blk of Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 26's area, for smoke in the building. E261 arrived and reported heavy smoke throughout the stairwell. Squad 8 arrived soon after and command put them to work searching for victims and the fire. Squad 8 forced doors and vented as units searched for the fire. A set fire was found on a lower floor and was extinguished quickly. Squad 8 remained on the scene for almost two hours for extensive overhaul as the pipe chases had to be opened up. While clearing the call at 0617 hours, Squad 8 was sent from the fire to an accident on the Beltway. After clearing that call just after 0630, Squad 8 was sent to the 11100 Blk of Crain Hwy, in Company 40's area ( thats right, Brandywine ), for a house on fire. units arrived with smoke showing and a working fire. First arriving units ran lines and extinguished the fire in about 15 minutes. Squad 8 was given the RIC initially but then was told to go inside and assisted with overhaul as fire had dropped down into the walls. Squad 8 remained on the scene here until around 0800 before finally returning to Seat Pleasant.
July 2nd - Busy Sunday yields a ton of box alarms and 2 fires - Sunday brought a steady day of runs including an enormous amount of box and house assignments not only in our area but throughout the county. Most were food on the stove or small fires but late in the evening, Engine 81 was dispatched to the rear of Company 37, in Ritchie, for a house on fire. The engine from 37 arrived immediately and reported a vacant house well involved. The house was up a very narrow driveway which made access difficult. Crews began exterior operations on the house soon after arrival. Due to the number of fires and box alarms in the county, the assignement was quickly scaled back and held with the necessary units for exterior operations. Engine 81 cleared and was sent to the next box alarm on Atwood St in Company 26's area which turned out to be nothing. Later in the night, about a minute before midnight, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 4100 Blk of Suitland Rd, in Company 17's area, for a building on fire. Battalion Chief 3 arrived with nothing evident and told units excepts for E174 and T26 to stage. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a fire on the top floor of a townhouse had gotten into the attic and was now venting through the roof. Squad 8 was of course assigned the RIC and Chief 8 was given interior who worked with units inside to open up the ceiling and extinguish the fire rather quickly. Additional units checked the exposure townhouses for extension. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while Chief 8 returned much later.
June 30th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on tool job in Chapel Oaks - Just before 0800 hours, Ambulance 88 responded with E384 to Sheriff Rd & Addison Rd, in Company 38's area, for an accident. E384 arrived and reported 1 trapped which brought Squad 8 to the scene as well as additional EMS units and Battalion Chief 1. The squad crew arrived moments later to stabilized the vehicle and extricate the victim in about 5 minutes. The patient was packaged and transported to a local trauma center by Medic 46. Battalion Chief 1 had the command. Units from Seat Pleasant returned to service a short time later.
June 28th - It finally stopped raining...oh, and we ran a fire - Well the rain finally stopped in the early morning, which we were all glad to see. The sun came back out and the temperature climbed up into the mid 80's again. Late in the evening, Squad 8 responded to the 6500 Blk of Crickett Pl, in Company 26's area, for a kitchen fire. First arriving units found a working fire on the first floor of the house. Squad 8 arrived as the first arriving special service and for some unknown cosmic reason ( we think it was the joy everyone had from the sun being back ) we were not assigned the RIT in the 3rd Battalion. The Squad crew joined E261 as they were knocking the fire and began opening up. The fire was quickly extinguished and Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour for overhaul and cleanup.
June 27th - Rain and flooding no deterrent for Seat Pleasant shooting - As day 5 of the rain and flood watches/warnings continued, Ambulance 88 was alerted around 0500 hours to the 6100 Blk of Drylog St, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of a person shot. The usual shooting task force for the area consisting of Ambulance 88, Paramedic Ambulance 5 (PA5) and Paramedic Engine 51 (PE51) arrived with PGPD to find a person with multiple gunshot wounds. Units treated the patient and packaged him as PA5 and PE51 took care of the transporting to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared the scene in about 40 minutes. In other news, its still raining.<