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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.
June 26th - Monsoon continues and keeps Company 8 busy - The rain continued to fall as it had since Friday except much harder and much more than before. Between midnight and 0200 hours, fire companies throughout the county were kept busy responding to over 200 runs." *Beeeep* Local alarm (insert address) the flooding condition (insert any engine/special service) respond" and if it wasnt for a flooding condition it was for a water rescue. This sound echoed throughout the night as some parts of the county received over 10 inches of rain. Company 8 responded to 4 water rescues during the night as people were stranded and trapped in their vehicles as water was rapidly rising over roads and bridges as well as 2 flooding conditions . As dawn approached they were even alerted for a water rescue involving a county ambulance who, and we quote, "tried to pretend they were a submarine". As the sun rose, well actually as it got lighter because it was still raining and there was no sun, Seat Pleasant continued running multiple accidents as well as the daily medical calls.
June 25th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on back to back tool jobs in the rain - Late in the afternoon as rain began to fall, the accidents began to occur. After running a few accidents southside including one for an overturned state police car, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to Ritchie Rd & Edgeworth Dr, in Company 37's area, for an accident with one trapped. Units arrived to find a head on collision with a pedestrian struck as well. Squad 8 and Chief 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and went to work extricating the driver pinned in the car. The crew worked for short time to free the victim while other crews treated the pedestrian struck. Units from 8 returned to service in about 45 minutes. As the rain began to fall heavier, Squad 8 stayed on the road, this time to the northside as they responded to several accidents one after the other on both the BW Parkway and on Rt 50 eventually making it to Company 9's area, Bladensburg, where Ambulance 98 had been involved in an accident responding to one of the previous mentioned accidents and had one trapped. Squad 8 arrived at Landover Rd & Cheverly Ave and stabilized the vehicle and extricated the driver. All patients were transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. We here the members from Company 9 as well as the people extricated were released a soon after arrival. Squad 8 and The Chief made it back to Seat Pleasant a short time later.

Ritchie Rd & Edgeworth Dr photos courtesy Ritchie Volunteers

June 24th - Ambulance 88 on another fatal shooting in Seat Pleasant - Around 0500 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 5700 Blk of Eagle St, in Seat Pleasant a few blocks from the DC line, for a possible shooting as there was a report of male laying on the ground in a pool of blood. Ambulance 88 arrived with PGPD and PE5 & PA5 to find a male laying next to a vehicle. Upon further evaluation it was discovered that the subject had been shot twice in the head and was pronounced dead on the scene. Ambulance 88 cleared a short time later as police started their investigation. Later on around 0900 hours, Engine 83 returned to the scene for a wash down as police had wrapped up the crime scene.
June 21st - Squad on fatal double shooting down on the leaf streets - Around 1830 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 500 Blk of Birchleaf Ave, in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. Squad 8 arrived with PD and found two people shot. One patient was shot several times and pronounced dead on the scene, the other patient was shot once in the arm. Units treated and packaged that patient who was then transported to a local trauma center by EMS units. PGPD are still investigating this latest incident. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.
June 19th - Two and a half fires and a tool job mark Monday - Well the first day people were away to the beach proved to be a busy one. Just after 1200 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6800 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an apartment fire. Engine 83 arrived to find brush in the rear of the building. This is an area we have been running quite a bit for set fires in the past week or two. Engine 83 operated for almost two hours in the heat extinguishing the fire before returning to service.Then at 1700 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 2800 Blk of Walters La, in Company 26's area, for a house fire. Units arrived with heavy fire and smoke conditions mainly on the upper floor. Engine 83 arrived and operated for almost 2 hours as units opened up and extinguished the large body of fire upstairs and performed extensive overhaul. Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 cleared the call at 1839 hours. At 1846 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to the 600 Blk of Pearse La, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing. Engine 83 arrived and went to work extingusihing fire as it had extended through the kitchen to different parts of the house. Engine 83 worked with the E461 and E332 to extinguish the fire and hit hot spots. Engine 83 operated for two hours on this fire before returning home. Ambulance 88 did transport one injured person to a local hospital. Upon returning home, Squad 8 responded to Hill Rd & Hill Oaks Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with a vehicle off the road. Squad 8 arrived to find a vehicle in the trees with one trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the car best they could and removed the drivers side of the vehicle. The patient was removed and transported to a local trauma center in Medic 29. Squad 8 returned to service a short time later.
June 16th - Squad 8 on early morning double stabbing - Around 0230 hours while Ambulance 88 was parading around District Heights running calls, Squad 8 was alerted to the 7900 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for two people stabbed. Squad 8 arrived at the " Le Pearl " nightclub with PGPD and EMS units to find multiple victims. Some of you may recognize the "Le Pearl" as the nightclub formerly known as " The Mad Chef Cafe ". Squad 8 assisted EMS units who transported the victims to local hospitals. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 40 minutes.
June 14th - Ambulance 88 on stabbing at Community College - Around 1930 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 300 Blk of Largo Rd, in Company 46's area, at PG Community College for one stabbed multiple times. Ambulance 88 arrived with E461, Medic 46 and PGPD to find an adult male stabbed in the arms and left side. Apparently, things got a little heated at the local fashion show at the college when a ruckus broke out ending with the stabbing. Ambulance 88 and Medic 46 treated and packaged the patient who was transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 90 minutes.
June 13th - Company 8 busy with accidents and car into building - As the early morning rain moved through the area, the usual myriad of accidents occurred. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were kept busy running accidents most of the morning. Around 1030 hours, Squad 8 responded to Central Ave & Ritchie Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident with a car into the building. Units arrived to find a multi vehicle accident with a car that had been sandwhiched and run up over the median, through the grass ending up into the building by the exit for the drive thru. Units assessed patients as Squad 8 checked out the structure damage. All patients were treated and transported while the building was officially checked out by building inspectors. Squad 8 returned to service a short time later.
June 11th - Engine 83 first arriving on porch fire in Chapel Oaks - Around 0240 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 700 Blk of 61st Ave, in Company 38's area, for the neighbors house on fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a 2 story house with fire in the large crawl space under the front porch with some extension. The company pulled a line and began extinguishing the fire as other units opened up the area around and checked for extension. The fire was quickly extinguished and Engine 83 remained on the scene for just over an hour to wait for investigations and wet things down.
June 10th - 10 runs in 3 hours includes shooting and several bail outs - As Ambulance 88 headed to Bowie on a medic local, Squad 8 was alerted just after midnight to the 6500 Blk of Joplin St, in the Carmody Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. Units arrived to find a male shot in the lower body. Squad 8 assisted PA5 with treatment of the wound and packaging. PA5 transported the victim to a local trauma center and Squad 8 returned to service in about 35 minutes. Then at 0119 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Nalley Rd & Willow Hills Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find a mashed up car with no one in it. Units awaited for the police and returned to service. Then just minutes later, the Squad and Ambulance responded to the 500 Blk of Hill Rd, just around the corner from the previous call, for an accident with a car into someones yard. Units arrived and found the car but again no occupants. Units returned after the arrival of PD. Then about an hour later, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Valley Park Rd & Goldleaf Ave, in Carmody Hills, to stand by with PD as they had an ongoing barricade situation. Squad 8 remained on the call for about 20 minutes however Ambulance 88 remained with PD for almost 3 hours. As Ambulance 88 staged in Carmody Hills with PGPD, Squad 8 continued to calls in the area. Around 0315 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 7000 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for a car into a house. Squad 8 arrived and found the same. This time there were still occupants however they refused transport. Squad 8 returned home a short time later.
June 9th - Engine 83 on fire after line of storms pass through the area - As a line of thunderstorms moved through the area, Company 8 was kept busy with many calls including wires and accidents as well as the ever prevalent medical calls. Around 2130 hours, Engine 83 was sent to the 4700 Blk of Homer Ave, in Company 17's area, for wires down on a building and the building on fire. Units arrived with nothing evident however upon investigation found the corrected address to be on Chelsea Way and smoke coming from the walls and in the attic. As units checked for the source in the fire building, Engine 83 pulled a line and along with Tower 21 checked the exposure building for smoke and fire. Units in the original building found the source in an electrical room in the basement. The area was secured as units waited for PEPCO and command scaled back the assignment. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour.
June 4th - Escaped prisoner in jail for murder captured in Seat Pleasant - One of the two inmates who escaped Friday from a DC jail was captured in Seat Pleasant just after 2300 hours. Police were given information from a citizen who was sure that a male seen on Seat Pleasant Dr by a shed was the second inmate still on the loose. Police investigated this report and found the subject who then led them on a foot chase for a few blocks where he was eventually caught at 71st St & Drylog St ending the 3 day manhunt for both subjects. An interesting tie in to this story, that initial 911 call from the citizen reporting the sighting somehow bounced off of different cell towers and ended up at Arlington County, Va ECC where Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) works and was present at the time of the call. Although he didnt answer the call because he was dispatching police in Arlington to calls , his coworker did and proceeded to ask him where Seat Pleasant was and the caller was quickly transferred to PG PSC where they obviously took the call and investigated it. Small world.
June 4th - Squad 8 on double fatal accident on the Beltway - Around 1800 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the O/L of the Capitol Beltway at Central Ave for an accident with one overturned and one trapped. E371 quickly located the accident and corrected the location as being on the I/L at Ritchie Marlboro Rd. Units arrived to find a mangled pickup on its roof as well as two SUV's, one with severe damage, involved. Squad 8 arrived and went to work with crews from 37 and 33 trying to pry through the twsted metal to gain access to the victims. Upon gaining access, the driver of the pickup as well as the driver of one of the SUV's was pronounced dead on the scene. Apparently the pick up truck had been on the outer loop when it hit a guard rail and went airborne, flipping over, and landing on one of the suv's traveling on the Inner Loop head on. This accident was the same scenario we had about 5 years ago, almost in the same spot, at the Beltway and Central Ave where 5 people were killed in an accident. On a side note, some guy dressed in a security uniform decided he was a big man and became belligerent during rescue operations and at one point reached for a gun. Maryland State Police quickly resolved that situation by subduing the subject and arresting him in the middle of the beltway and FD operations resumed. The beltway remained closed for over 4 hours while MSP investigated the accident.

Thanks again to the guys at Ritchie for the pics..we swear we are getting another camera !!

June 3rd - Ambulance 88 on trauma, Squad treats stabbing victim - Just after 2000 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 8000 Blk of Sheriff Rd, in Company 33's area, for a spinal injury at the PG Sports and Learning Complex. Units arrived to find a patient on the 50 yard line of the football field with a serious spinal injury. The crews carefully treated and transferred the patient to Ambulance 88 who then transported to a trauma center. Then around 2100 hours, while Ambulance 88 was enroute to the trauma center, Squad 8 along with PA5 and PE5 responded to the 5700 Blk of Eagle St, in Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. Units arrived with county police to find a male stabbed 7 times in the upper body. The patient was treated onscene by units and transported to the same trauma center that Ambulance 88 was enroute to in DC. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned in over an hour.
June 2nd - Ambulance 88 on triple shooting in Largo - At 1715 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 10600 Blk of Campus Way South, in Company 46's area, for an unconscious female. At about the same time, County Police were receiving calls for shots fired in the same area. Units arrived to find a grisly discovery as 3 people, including a two year old child, were found shot to death. After investigating, County Police determined that the male had shot and killed the female and child before killing himself. The bodies were found by the couple's 5 year old and twin 2 year old who reported it to a neighbor. Our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the victims in this tragic incident.
June 1st - Day begins with two working fires and tanker fire - After being returned from a box alarm in 26's area on Surrey Square La, Engine 83 was alerted to the 4900 Blk of Gunther St, in Company 5's area, for a house on fire. Engine 83 responded and arrived first to find a house with heavy fire and smoke showing. The engine crew quickly ran a line through the thick brush to the house where they found the front entrance impassable due to large amounts of trash and debris. The crew quickly regrouped and made entry through a side door and knocked the fire. While the heavy body of fire was quckly knocked down by Engine 83, other companies worked on gaining entry through the front and removing trash. The fire was extinguished and units were held for almost 3 hours for extensive overhaul. Then just before 0700 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 1400 Blk of Nye St, in Company 38's area, for fire in a school. Units arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke showing. Upon investigating, a room or two was found to be on fire with heavy smoke conditions on the 4th floor. Engine 83 arrived and took a line to the roof with Truck 22 and popped skylights and checked for extension. The fire was extinguished and Engine 83 returned to service in about 90 minutes. While units were still operating on Nye St, a tanker truck hit a tractor trailer less than a mile away on I295 at Eastern Ave which caused the truck cab to burst into flames. Engine 83 responded on this call also as units from PG and DC worked together to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading to the tanker which was carrying fuel. A coordinated attack extinguished the fire safely and Engine 83 returned to service around 1000 hours.

Afterwards on Gunther St

May 30th - Squad on double shooting, Amb 88 goes to Anne Arundel - The day began just before 0100 hours as Squad 8 was alerted to the 1300 Blk of Oates St, in Company 38's area, for a double shooting. Units arrived to find 2 patients shot out front. Squad 8 arrived and assisted EMS units who transported two patients to local trauma centers with multiple gunshot wounds. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Later in the day around 2045 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 12600 Blk of Cambleton Dr, in Company 46's area, for a woman who was essentially struck by a truck......while sitting...in the second floor of her house. Apparently a truck had launched itself somehow and went through the second floor window of the house. As crews attended to the injured, including the driver of the truck who was trapped, Ambulance 88 tended to the homeowner who was hit by flying bricks and debris. Ambulance 88 transported her to Anne Arundel Medical Center for a check up. Crews onscene had to shore up the house before extricating the driver who was taken to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over 2 hours.
May 27th - Company 8 on another trauma involving 4 wheeler - At 2142 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to East Capitol St & Coolidge St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident involving an ATV. These types of calls are becoming more frequent as the area sees many kids and young adults riding them through the streets and on sidewalks. Company 8 arrived to find a patient suffering from multiple injuries. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was then taken to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared shortly after and Ambulance 88 returned home in just over an hour.
May 24th - House fire and trauma make up slow day - At 0155 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 3100 Blk of Newkirk Ave, in Company 23's area, for a house fire. Units arrived to find a two story house with smoke showing. Squad 8 arrived with units from the 3rd battalion and worked at bringing the fire under control and opening up. Squad 8 packed up and returned to service in just over an hour. Then later in the day around 2100 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 along with PA5 responded to the intersection of Hill Rd & Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident involving an ATV. Units arrived to find a male laying in the road after being struck by a car on his 4 wheeler. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center with Ambulance 88 and PA5. Units returned to service in about an hour. These two incident compiled a slow day of only 13 runs for Company 8.
May 19th - Store front fire and tool job mark busy Friday - As the evening rush hour was in full swing, Squad 8 was alerted to the 9400 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 23's area, for smoke in the building. Units arrived to find a commercial building in the Mellwood Mall with moderate smoke conditions. After searching the structure, a room was found to be off in the basement. E371 took a line and extinguished the fire as other units vented and checked for extension. Squad 8 arrived and was given the usual RIC assignment and operated for almost 2 hours before returning to service. Then a few hours later, Squad 8 and A389 were alerted to Addison Rd & Central Ave, right by the firehouse, for an accident. Squad 8 arrived and found 1 trapped. The squad stabilized and removed a door and the patient was extricated and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.
May 17th - Ambulance 88 on Forestville Trauma then first due shooting - Just before 2030 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to Pennsylvania Ave & Westphalia Rd, in Company 23's area, to assist units on the scene of an accident. Units arrived to find a SUV and a tractor trailer involved in an accident with 3 people trapped and requested additional EMS units which brought Ambulance 88 to the scene. Upon arrival, they assisted Medic 25 with treatment and transport of one of the victims to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in about 90 minutes just prior to 2200 hours. Then just minutes before midnight, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the unit blk of Daimler Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot out front. The previous 2 days had seen calls for shootings in Seat Pleasant with no victim found, but not this time. One victim shot in the upper body was found in front. Ambulance 88 treated the victim and prepared him for transport by PA5 who took him to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes. Ambulance 88 returned to the scene on a service call around 0330 hours on the 18th to clean up.
May 14th - Ambulance 88 treats second victim of fatal DC shooting - Just before 2100 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the Capitol Heights Metro Station in the 100 Blk of Capitol Heights Blvd, in Company 5's area, for 1 shot. Ambulance 88 arrived with DC Engine 30, and PD followed by PE51 to find 1 shot in the shoulder. This victim was the second of two victims as there was a double shooting in the 4800 Blk of Benning Rd SE in DC. Police arrived there to find one victim with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead. Ambulance 88's victim apparently fled into the Benning Rd Metro, got on a train, and emerged at Capitol Heights reporting he had been shot. Ambulance 88 along with PG Medic 30 transported the subject to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service around 2200 hours.
May 14th - Engine 81 on high rise apartment fire in District Heights - After a busy morning of 5 calls before 0400 hours, Engine 81 was alerted just before 0700 to the 2000 Blk of Brooks Dr, in Company 26's area, for smoke on the 2nd floor of a high rise. E261 had originally run the call for bells and discovered moderate smoke in the hallway and requested the box to be filled. Engine 81 arrived and took a position on the 2nd floor with E261 as units continued popping doors to locate the source. After a few minutes, Engine 81 located a small kitchen fire which had for all intents and purposes burned itself out. Units began to overhaul the kicthen and ventilate the apartment and building. Engine 81 operated for about an hour before returning to service.
May 11th - Morning trauma then evening extrication, both in Ritchie - Just before 0830 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 9200 Blk of East Hampton Dr, in Company 37's area, for an injured person from a fall. Units arrived to find a patient who had fallen at least 20 feet onto the concrete and lost consciousness. The patient was treated and immobilized and transported to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 46. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour. then around 1730 hours, as Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were busy running multiple calls, an accident was dispatched for the 8000 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 37's area, reporting one unconscious. Squad 8 originally responded on the call and found along with E371 a vehicle accident with 1 trapped. The crews stabilized the vehicle and removed the doors on the drivers side and the B post allowing access to the patient. The driver was removed and taken to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 was called to the scene as a 2nd BLS unit after clearing a prior run and transported 1 to a local hopsital. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 cleared much later.

Thanks again to Ritchie for the photo

May 10th - Wednesday starts off with trauma for Company 8 - Around 0116 hours, less than an hour after returning from the 26 box, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 100 Blk of Maryland Park Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with 1 ejected. Crews treated and packaged the patient for transport in Ambulance 88. Due to the severe damage to the cars and the patient being ejected, they were transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned home just before 0230 hours.
May 9th - Tuesday includes multiple traumas and accidents - Just a few minutes after midnight, the day began for Company 8 as Engine 81 responded to assist EMS units in Company 46's area with a suicide. Engine 81 assisted units for just under 30 minutes before returning to service. Then at 1540 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 1700 Blk of Ritchie Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident involving a school bus. No one was trapped so Squad 8 was returned however due to numerous injuries, Ambulance 88 was called to the scene and ended up transporting 3 patients to a local hospital. Ambulance 88 cleard the hospital in about an hour. Later just before 2100 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to Harry S Truman Dr and Largo Rd, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted Medic 55 with a trauma. Both units transported the patient to a local trauma center and cleared in about 90 minutes. The day closed around 2345 hours with Engine 81 responding to the 2000 Blk of Brooks Dr, in Company 26's area, for an apartment fire in a high rise. Units arrived to find a small fire in the kitchen of an apartment. Engine 81 operated here until a little after 0030 hours on Wednesday making it an even 20 runs for the day.
May 8th - Engine 81 on task force in Largo - Around 0830 hours, units responded to the 600 Blk of Falls Lake Dr, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire. As units exited their stations, a column of smoke could be seen in the distance. Although due on the initial assignment, Squad 8 was tied up on a medic local in Carmody Hills and was unable to respond. However, the medical call was quickly cleard and as units arrived with heavy fire throughout the second floor, a task force was called as Squad 8 was backing in to quarters. Engine 81 responded as the 1st due engine on the task force and upon arrival was ordered to take another line upstairs and assist with extinguishment. The crew advanced a line from E332 and worked upstairs to finish extinguishing the fire. The fire was doused shortly after, and the crew remained upstairs for overhaul for quite some time. Engine 81 returned to service in about 90 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Ritchie

May 7th - After slow night, Company 8 responds to car into a house - Around 0400 hours after a relatively slow night, Engine 81, Squad 8, and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6000 Blk of Addison Rd, a few blocks from the station, for a car into a house. Units arrived to find a car that had gone off the road at Drylog St and struck a house. The driver of the vehicle was able to remove himself from the vehicle and refuse transport. Crews from Seat Pleasant investigated further and evaluated the structure after impact. Units returned to service in about 20 minutes.

May 6th - SPVFC attends annual Seat Pleasant Day - Today marked Seat Pleasant Day 2006. It is a day for the community to get out and meet and greet each other as well as its public officals. As usual, units from Company 8 attended this function to answer questions from the public and to allow them to see what we do. The day was filled with food, fun, and activities as we and the rest of the community celebrate our neighbors and neighborhood. The day was a huge success as usual and we look forward to Seat Pleasant Day 2007. Thank you to Mayor Eugene Grant and the rest of the city council for making this day a enjoyable for all.

1) FF Brendan Lindsey shows local children our apparatus

2) Chief Dave McGill, PG Sheriff Michael Jackson, & Seat Pleasant Volunteers stop for a picture in front of Engine 83

May 3rd - Average day brings morning trauma and evening fire - Just before 0800 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 9000 Blk of Hampton Overlook Dr, in Company 37's area, for a motorcycle accident. Units arrived to find the same and a patient with multiple injuries. Ambulance 88 treated and packaged the patient who was then transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service just after 0900 hours. About 12 hours later just after 2100 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the 3400 Blk of Parkway Terrace Dr, in Company 29's area, for a fire in an apartment. Units arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC as others made quick work of the fire. Squad 8 returned to service in about 40 minutes. In all, 20 runs were handled by crews today.
May 2nd - The City of Excellence comes through again for SPVFC - Today, the City of Seat Pleasant, a City of Excellence, came through again for the volunteers of Seat Pleasant. In attendance at the 9 am press conference on the front ramp was Mayor Eugene W. Grant, Mayor of the City of Seat Pleasant, along with several councilmembers, citizens, and other volunteer companies showing their support for us. After several speeches including one by Chief David McGill and a very supportive and inspiring speech by Mayor Grant himself, a check was presented to the company in the amount of $15,000. The Mayor and the City itself is dedicated in preserving and assisting the fire company as we are a vital role in the protection of citizens in Seat Pleasant and surrounding communities. This money will be put toward making a final payment on Engine 83, allowing us to own outright both of our engines as well as purchase a new engine along with needed equipment and supplies. We are excited about the partnership we have with the city and look forward to a long oustanding relationship with them as we will need their continued support for years to come as the county tries to close the firehouse and move us. Thank you City of Seat Pleasant and the citizens who support us, you really are a City of Excellence !! Special thanks to the volunteers from Companies 9 (TS9 & T9), 18 (E183), 33 (TW33), 37 (E371), and 42 (E422) for making their way to our corner of the world and supporting us. This act is much appreciated and shows us the support between volunteers no matter what the nay sayers out there have to say. Thank you all for showing up and for your unconditional support.

April 29th - Squad 8 ends busy morning with Landover apartment fire - Around 0530 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 3000 Blk of Brightseat Rd, in Company 33's area, for an apartment fire. E332 arrived with fire showing from the second floor. Squad 8 made their way to the other side of Landover and assumed the RIC assignment. The fire was contained to a bedroom and quickly knocked down. Command scaled back the incident in under 30 minutes to 33 and 28 returning Squad 8 to Seat Pleasant. Between midnight and 0700, Company 8 responded to this fire, house assignments in 5 and 23's area, two assaults, an accident on the beltway, and a fire alarm on Central Ave.

Photo courtesy of Kentland

April 25th - Engine 83 and Chief 8 on Capitol Heights house fire - Just after 1500 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) as Battalion Chief 1 responded to the 900 Blk of Balboa Ave, in Company 5's area, for a house on fire with people trapped. Engine 51 and Truck 17 arrived with smoke showing from side B. The crews went to work as a fire was found in the attic area. Engine 83 arrived and picked up Engine 51's line at the hydrant. Crews inside found a small fire in the attic which was quickly extinguished. EMS units on the scene checked out one occupant of the house as command scaled back the incident in about 15 minutes and held E51, 83 and Truck 17 to check for extension and perform overhaul. Units from 8 returned to service in about an hour.
April 23rd - Squad 8 extricates 1 on fatal accident - Just before 2230 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Pennsylvania Ave & Alton St, in Company 17's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle wrapped around a pole in the median with the driver trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and removed both drivers side doors. Upon removal of the doors it was discovered the patient was not breathing and was a trauma code. Squad 8 removed the patient quickly to a backboard and moved them to an awaiting transport unit. The crew then assisted A179 and PA5 with CPR and resuscitation efforts. The patient was worked for awhile but eventually succumbed to their injuries. Squad 8 returned to service in just over 30 minutes
April 23rd - Station receives more improvements - Well as we encountered a slow week, contractors were not as lucky. They began work on Monday in our bunkroom bathroom. They completely gutted the entire thing and realigned the doorway and are replacing everything with new features. We hope this job to be done by the first of May. In addition to the bathroom, crews began working on installing our exhaust system in the station for the apparatus. Hopefully by May 1st this will be done too reducing the exhaust soot on our walls. All of this plus our new kitchen and downstairs in the last year makes this almost a new station. We dont understand why the county wants to move us out of the City of Seat Pleasant now.

April 18th - Squad 8 goes to Suitlland for well involved gas station - Just after midnight after returning from a 29 box, Squad 8 was sent to the area of Silver Hill Rd & Suitland Rd, in Company 29's area, for a building on fire. Battalion Chief 3 immediately reported it was going to be a working fire. Units arrived to find the service bays of a gas station well involved with fire through the roof. Exterior operations were ordered as Truck 17 arrived to open up and Squad 8 assumed their normal role on fires in the 3rd battalion. Units worked for about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire with handlines and elevated streams after having to relocate a few times due to live downed power lines. Units remained on the scene for some time as extensive overhaul was needed and Hazmat teams checked the run off from the building. Squad 8 returned to service in about 2 hours.

Photo courtesy of Morningside

April 14th - Engine 83 on District Heights apartment fire - Just before 1130 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched second due to the 5000 Blk of Leejay Dr, in Company 26's area, for smoke coming from the building. E261 arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen of an upstairs apartment. Engine 83 arrived and picked up 261's line out on Marlboro Pike as the hydrants in the complex were no good. Due to this and understaffed units, Battalion Chief 3 requested a water supply company and a fire task force. The officer from Engine 83 assumed the command as the fire was quickly knocked down. Units performed searches and checked for extension to the cockloft. The incident was scaled back as the fire was out and Engine 83 remained on the scene for about an hour. During this incident, the county was also busy with a Hazmat incident in Bowie as well as a cell phone tower on fire in Company 29's area.
April 12th - Squad 8 on Cheverly house followed by man cut with saw - Just before 1100 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 2800 Blk of Crest Ave, in Company 22's area, for a roof of a house on fire. Quint 22 arrived to find a working fire on the second floor of a house. Units arriving ran lines to the upstairs and began opening up. Squad 8 arrived after its long journey and was given the RIC assignment. The fire was knocked down and the incident was scaled back to the first few companies. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour. Then just a little while after returning, a male came to the door of the station reporting he had cut himself. Apparently, the male had cut his thigh with a circular saw giving him an 8 inch laceration and deep but not quite reaching the bone. The crews treated and bandaged the patient who was then trasnported to a local hospital by Ambulance 88 who returned to service in about an hour.

Photo courtesy Bladensburg

April 11th - Engine 83 on 2 alarm fire in Silver Hill - Just after 1900 hours, Engien 83 was alerted as the 4th due engine for a report of a bedroom on fire in the 3400 Blk of Curtis Dr in Company 29's area. First arriving units encountered heavy fire from the 3rd floor of a high rise extending up multiple floors and requested a 2nd alarm. Engine 83 arrived and picked up 26's dual lines in the rear and went to the 4th floor with their standpipe pack along with E261 and T5. Units encountered heavy smoke conditions as they worked to check for extension in the unit above and perform a search. During operations a firefighter was unaccounted for and a RIT task force was sounded and the onscene RIT was deployed. The missing firefighter was quickly located and units went back to normal operations. The fire was knocked down and units remained on the scene for overhaul and checking for extension. During the course of the fire, 2 firefighters received burns and were treated and released from Medstar. Engine 83 returned to service in about 3 hours.

Photo courtesy Kentland

April 10th - Ambulance 88 on District Heights shooting - Just before midnight, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for one shot. Units arrived to find a patient shot out front. Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted the medic unit with treatment and transport to a local trauma center. The ambulance from 8 returned to service in about an hour.

April 8th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on 1st due trauma - At 1239 hours, units from Company 8 responded to Central Ave & East Capitol St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with one that appeared trapped however after further size up it was discovered that they were not. The squad and the ambulance worked at treating multiple patients as the driver was removed and transported to a local trauma center due to an altered level of consciousness. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned home in about an hour.
April 7th - Busy Friday brings 2 tool jobs, shooting, and stabbing - Around 0845 hours. Squad 8 was alerted to the unit blk of Largo Rd, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a multi vehicle accident with one trapped in an overturned vehicle. Squad 8 arrived, stabilized the vehicle and then extricated the patient by removing the windshield. The patient was transported by awaiting EMS units to a local hospital. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. Later in the afternoon just before 1330 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Walker Mill Rd & Marlboro Pike, in Company 26's area, as units were on the scene of an accident with one trapped. Squad 8 again arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the door. The patient was extricated and transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes again. Then around 1520 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 1900 Blk of Rochelle Ave, in Company 26's area, for one shot on the first floor. Units arrived to find a patient shot in the lower body. Ambulance 88 provided patient care and transported the patient to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour. Then around 2230 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 6400 Blk of Hilmar Dr, also in Company 26's area, for a stabbing. Units arrived to find a male stabbed once in the face. The patient was treated and transported to a local hospital. Ambulance 88 cleared just after mnidnight. In all, 33 calls were answered during the day by units from Seat Pleasant.
April 3rd - Storms finish busy day bringing an end to recent drought - Finally some relief was had in the area. After over a month with no rain and daily brush fires, mother nature finally provided some relief. Late in the day around 1900 hours, severe thunderstorms approached and rolled through bringing high winds and heavy rain. Although the storms didnt produce many runs for the company as most do, Seat Pleasant still responded to over 30 runs for the day bringing a 4 day ( fri - mon ) total to over 110 calls for service.

The "daytime" sky as the storms approach Seat Pleasant

April 2nd - Busy day includes fire and trauma - Sunday proved to be a busy day for the company. Seat Pleasant responded to 29 runs for the day including a large rubbish fire and a kitchen fire as well as a first due trauma. At 1348 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 1900 Blk of Ritchie Marlboro Rd, in Company 37's area, to assist units with a rubbish fire. Squad 8 responded as they viewed the large column of smoke from a distance and after arriving went to work cutting locks on gates so units could gain access to the landfill. Once entry was gained, several engine companies and tankers worked for hours attempting to douse the fire. Squad 8 though, being fortunate enough not to carry water, returned to service in about 30 minutes. Then later on, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 6800 Blk of Greig St, in Seat Pleasant, for a female who " fell out " a second floor window. Units arrived to find an adult female with injuries, including a broken leg, after falling out the window. Interestingly enough there was a report of some kind of domestic dispute prior to the fall. The patient was transported to a local trauma center. Then later on Squad 8 responded to the 5500 Blk of Hill Way, in Company 29's area, for a house on fire. E292 arrived to find smoke showing and a working fire involving the kitchen area. The fire was quickly knocked down and Squad 8 remained on the scene for almost an hour before returning to service.

Photos courtesy of Ritchie and Trafficland

April 1st - Month begins with storage unit fire in 26's area - Just before 1300 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 6300 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a storage unit on fire. E261 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a 1 story storage facility. Engine 81 arrived next and picked up E261's line and pulled a back up line. The crew then forced open several storage units to check for extension and hit hot spots. The fire was contained to the original units and Engine 81 remained on the scene for over an hour to assist with overhaul and pick up.

Photo courtesy of Ritchie

March 30th - Ambulance 88 on Largo trauma - Around 1945 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 300 Blk of Watkins Park Dr, in Company 46's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a multi vehicle accident with one patient that was ejected through the rear window. Ambulance 88 arrived and began care on that patient while others were attended to by FD units. The patient was immobilized and surprisingly enough never lost consciousness and was alert and oriented. Ambulance 88 transported the patient to a local trauma center and returned to service in just over an hour.
March 29th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on Morningside fire - Around 1415 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 6700 Blk of Woodland Rd, in Company 27's area, for a house on fire. E272 arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of a 2 story house. Crews went to work making entry and running lines inside. The working fire dispatch brought Ambulance 88 to the scene also. As units were working inside, Squad 8 was given the RIC duties ( like we didnt know that, 3rd battalion = Squad 8 RIC ) and arrived and assumed those responsibilities. Ambulance 88 arrived soon after and also stood by. The fire was knocked down and units checked for extension for short time before units were returned to service. Units from Seat Pleasant packed up and returned home in about an hour.

Photo courtesy of Morningside / Seat Pleasant original

March 26th - Squad 8 extricates 1 on Pennsylvania Ave - Just minutes before midnight and shortly after the ambulance cleared the double shooting, Squad 8 was alerted to Pennsylvania Ave & Alton St, in Company 17's area, for an accident with a vehicle off the road. Units arrived to find a vehicle in a ditch and into a tree with one trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and then removed the drivers door. The patient was removed and taken up the hill to awaiting EMS units who transported the patient to a local trauma center. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in under 30 minutes.
March 26th - Ambulance 88 on double shooting - For the second time in less than 24 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent for another shooting this time in the 5000 Blk of Marlboro Pike in Company 17's area. Units arrived to find two patients in a car shot in the lower extremities. Ambulance 88 along with PE51 treated the patients on the scene and then both were transported to a local trauma center with gunshot wounds to the legs. Ambulance 88 cleaned up and cleared the hospital in about 90 minutes.
March 25th - In addition to fires, Ambulance 88 on fatal shooting - Just prior to the fire on Omega Ct around 2300 hours, , Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 3200 Blk of Branch Ave, in Company 29's area, for one shot. Ambulance 88 arrived with FD units and PGPD to find a male shot several times including once in the head. The patient was pronounced dead on the scene and PGPD is investigating. Ambulance 88 returne dto service in about 30 minutes, just in time to run Omega Ct with the engine and Chief.
March 25th - Company 8 on back to back fires, 1 first due - Just after 1830 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) were alerted to Old Marlboro Pike & Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 23's area, for a house on fire. While units were responding, a corrected address was given of 9700 Old Marlboro Pike. First arriving units found heavy fire from the front of the house and began advancing lines. Squad 8, knowing that everyone committed to one way, decided to make their way around from the opposite side to get a good position. Chief 8 arrived and as Squad 8 arrived it was discovered that Squad 20 had also arrived after being advised several times they were not due on the call. Chief 8 was given Safety and Squad 20 the RIC ( after all it is the 3rd Battalion ) . Squad 8 gladly went in service and took a transfer to Company 23. Chief 8 operated for about an hour and Squad 8 remained at 23 for a bit longer. After returning home, Engine 81 and Chief 8 were dispatched to the 7800 Blk of Omega Ct, in Seat Pleasant, for a deck on fire. Units arrived to find a citizen flagging them down and smoke showing from under a porch. The crew ran an attack line and extinguished a small fire underneath. The crew from 33 checked the interior basement for extension which was negative. Engine 81 remained on the scene for about 30 minutes performing some overhaul and wetting down some burned boards. Chief 8 had the Seat Pleasant command.

March 24th - Squad 8 stabilizes vehicle on the Beltway - Around 1000 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the I/L of 495 at Ritchie Marlboro Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident. Initial reports advised people trapped and as units arrived found a car that had rode up on the guard rail and was unstable. Squad 8 arrived and cribbed up to the car to make sure it was secure enough to remove the patient. After stabilizing the car on the guardrail, EMS units removed the patient and everyone was transported to local hospitals. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 30 minutes.

Photos courtesy of Ritchie

March 21st - Squad 8 on mid morning tool job - Around 0900 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Central Ave & Brightseat Rd, in Company 46's area, for an accident with a report of one trapped. Units arrived to find a 3 vehicle accident with a car pinned by another against the guardrail. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and removed the roof. The patient was extricated and removed within 20 minutes of units being dispatched and taken to a local trauma center by PA5. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

Photo courtesy PGFD PIO / Seat Pleasant original

March 20th - Squad 8 on 3 alarm fire in Silver Hill - Around 1345 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the IHOP in the 4400 Blk of St Barnabas Rd, in Company 29's area, for fire in the ceiling of the restaurant. Units arrived with heavy smoke from the roof and heavy fire conditions on the second floor. Although being the second arriving special service with fire now through the roof, the 3rd Battalion SOP was initiated and Squad 8 was assigned RIC duties as the fire burned on. Squad 8 remained stationary throughout the entire incident while a 2nd and 3rd alarm were called. Squad 8 stood fast for over 2 hours as units on the scene tried to prevent the building from burning before finally returning to Seat Pleasant.

March 18th - Busy day ends with double homicide in Seat Pleasant - At 2230 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to MLK Hwy and Addison Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of 2 people shot. Initial reports indicated 1 shot at the Shell station and 1 shot at the BP station, which are at different intersections of MLK and Addison. As units initially staged, PGPD confirmed 2 shot and scene secure. Units from 8 arrived with PE51 and PA5 to find 2 patients about 200 feet apart on opposite sides of the street. After further evaluation, both were suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and were deemed trauma codes. As units started CPR on both patients, Chief 5A (Weaver) called for an additional medic unit bringing Medic 30 to the scene. Both patients were given CPR and transported to a local trauma center where they both were pronounced dead. County Police believe they may have been involved in an altercation with their assailants. There is no description or look out. More info can be seen on the PGPD news link. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes while Ambulance 88 returned to service just prior to midnight.
March 18th - Engine 83 on first due townhouse fire - Just after 1600 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 7400 Blk of Crane Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a kitchen fire. Minutes later, Engine 83 arrived and reported a working fire. The crew ran an attack line inside to find a kitchen well off with some extension to the adjacent room. The crew worked to knock the fire while additional units checked above and adjacent exposures. Quint 22 assisted in opening up the kitchen and checking for extension as well as overhaul and lights. The assignment was scaled back in about 20 minutes and Engine 83 returned to the station in just under an hour.
March 14th - Ambulance 88 on District Heights shooting - At 0026 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to the 5400 Blk of Silver Hill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a shooting. A person from the business had called 911 when a male subject came into the store, covered in blood, and advised he had been shot. Units arrived to find the male had indeed been shot and started treatment. Ambulance 88 arrived and assisted Medic 29 with treatment and transport to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleaned up and came home in just over an hour.
March 13th - Squad 8 on 2 alarm fire in Camp Springs - Just after 1800 hours, units were dispatched to the 7000 Blk of Allentown Rd, in Company 32's area, for a commercial building fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the building and requested a task force bringing Squad 8. While Squad 8 made its way, command requested to have the second alarm filled and have the units stage at a nearby shopping center. Shortly after the second alarm was filled, command requested to have the building evacuated as fire continued to take control and collapse was possible. Upon request, PSC sounded the evacuation tones and units went to an exterior attack. Squad 8 arrived in staging and was immediately sent to the rear of the building where the bulk of the fire was to force entry into the exposure as it was obvious that fire was involving the rear of that building as well. The crew worked for awhile opening up as engines from 27, 29, and 26 continued to use handlines and a deck gun to knock the fire. During the operation, Squad 8 also assisted with another fire, this time brush up against a building further away. All fire was knocked down about 25 minutes into the incident and Squad 8 was held along with the first few engine companies and Truck 25 for awhile to finish opening up and overhaul. The squad returned to Seat Pleasant in about 90 minutes.
March 12th - Engine 83 on first due basement fire - After a day of close to 30 runs and many box alarms, Engine 83 was dispatched just before 2100 hours to the 500 Blk of 71st St, in Seat Pleasant, for a basement fire with a person trapped. As Engine 83 was arriving, PSC advised they had a received an update that the trapped person had been removed. The crew quickly ran a line inside where they found moderate to heavy smoke conditions and a fire in the laundry room area of the basement. The crew extinguished the fire and worked with Truck 5 to open up and extinguish some minor extension. The assignment was scaled back to 2 and 1 as units continued to vent and check for extension. Engine 83 returned to service in just over 30 minutes.
March 12th - Company 8 on motorcycle accident with trauma - Just after 1100 hours, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8A ( Mehaffey ) responded with PA5 to Central Ave & Rollins Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident involving a motorcycle. With the Squad returning from another call on MLK Hwy, PA5 and Chief 8A arrived first to find the accident in the 600 Blk of Rollins Ave and a male walking around, clothes torn and bleeding. The male walking around was the rider of the motorcycle who stated, along with other witnesses, that a green vehicle passed another car illegally and was coming at him head on. The rider quickly moved to avoid being hit head on by the speeding vehicle but in turn lost it, fell off his bike, and flipped end over end, sliding part of the way on his head, down the street. The patient was packaged and treated for moderate road rash and some deep lacerations to the arms. Luckily for him he was wearing a helmet which took alot of the impact of him hitting the street. Ambulance 88 transported the victim to a local trauma center before returning to service while the Squad and Chief 8A came home in about 10 minutes.
March 11th - Ambulance 88 on trauma in Largo - After clearing a previous accident, Ambulance 88 was alerted to Landover Rd & Central Ave, in Company 46's area, for an accident with one overturned and trapped. First arriving crews found a vehicle that had been involved in an accident and rolled several times before coming to a stop and trapping the occupant. The vehicle was stabilized and the patient extricated in about 15 minutes before Ambulance 88 assisted with patient care. The patient was transported to a local trauma center and 88 returned to service a short time later.
March 10th - Day ends with 2 alarm fire in high rise for Engine & Chief 8 - Just before 2000 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 3900 Blk of Suitland Rd, in Company 17's area, for an apartment on fire. E171 arrived with nothing evident from the front but additional units reported heavy smoke from the rear coming from the 12th floor. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E261's line and then took their standpipe pack to the floor above to search and check for extension. Chief 8 was assigned division 12 as units found a working fire with heavy smoke conditions throughout. E171, E292, and Truck 5 worked with Chief 8 in the fire apartment while E83, E261, and Q22 worked on the floor above. While these units were operating, a 2nd alarm was called by command as a precaution. These additional units were used to assist with searches and ventilation. The fire was quickly knocked down and the crew from Engine 83 was reassigned to the fire apartment to assist with opening up and hydrualic ventilation. The fire was contained to the apartment of origin and the crews from Seat Pleasant worked for 2 hours before returning to service.
March 10th - Day begins with car into a building with door pop - At 0141 hours, Squad 8 was alerted with units from the 3rd battalion to Marlboro Pike & Glacier Ave, in Company 17's area, for a car into a building. Units arrived to find just that with a person trapped inside. Squad 8 arrived and using caution due to the buildings condition, stabilized the vehicle. The crew removed the door quickly and the patient was removed. After being evaluated by EMS units, the patient was transported to a local trauma center and a building inspector was called to the scene. Squad 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
March 9th - Engine 83 on Largo townhouse fire - Just after 2030 hours, Engine 83 responded as the 4th due engine to the 10700 Blk of Campus Way South, in Company 46's area, for a townhouse on fire. E461 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the upper floors. The crew from 8 arrived in the rear and pulled a back up line from 33's piece and ran it up a ladder already in place to the upper floors. The crew searched, checked for extension and controlled utilities to the residence. The fire was found to be confined to the upstairs and was quickly extinguished. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour.
March 9th - Second amputation in 24 hours for Company 8 - Around midday, Ambulance 88 was sent to the 6600 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured child. The crew arrived to find a child, just over a year old, had gotten their finger crushed in a door, partially amputating it. The crew quickly evaluated the injury and wrapped it and began transport to a local childrens trauma center. The ambulance returned to service over an hour later.
March 8th - Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 on Trauma at the firehouse - Just after noon, a male covered in blood approached the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company asking for help. After a quick size up it was noticed his hand was wrapped up in a towel and the crew quickly evaluated his injury. Apparently, his hand had been crushed in the tailgate of a dump truck and after discovering the other station down the street was "closed" ( actually they were open, just out on the air ), the gentleman drove to our station looking for help. The crushing injury had partially amputated some digits from his hand and a helicopter was called to fly the patient to a hand center. Engine 81 handled the landing site for the MSP Trooper who took over patient care from Ambulance 88 and transported the patient. Units from Seat Pleasant returned to service in just over 30 minutes.
March 7th - Barricade situation turns deadly in Seat Pleasant - Just before 1000 hours, PGPD were sent to the park at Dateleaf Ave & Blacklog St, in Seat Pleasant, for a man threatening to kill himself with a gun. Police arrived and found a male in a van with a weapon and attempted to negotiate with the man for awhile and called Ambulance 88 to the scene to stand by. Awhile later, the man exited the van and began walking around the park, waving the gun around. After further attempts to reason with the subject, he began to approach the officers with the gun and was shot by an officer from the Special Operations Division once in the chest. After the scene was quickly secured, Ambulance 88 and Medic 30 rushed in and began resuscitation efforts. The patient was transported to a nearby trauma center where he was pronounced dead. The person shot in this incident was noted as a "person of interest" in the murder Sunday that Battalion Chief 1 ( Chief 8A Mehaffey ) responded to in the 4400 Blk of 68th Pl in Landover Hills. Ambulance 88 returned to service quite awhile later after extensive decon. The official PGPD press release can be seen to the right under our PGPD news link along with all other incidents.
March 6th - Squad 8 and Chief 8B on Capitol Heights house fire - Around 1515 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8B ( Dennis ) responded to the 5700-Blk of Southern Ave, in Company 5's area along the DC/MD border, for a report of a fire in the house. Squad 8 arrived along with Engine 51 to find a working fire in the attic. While E51 ran the line and extinguished the fire, the squad crew opened up and checked for extension. The fire was contained to the attic area and the assignment was scaled back and held with E51 and Squad 8. The cause of the fire was faulty wiring. The units from Seat Pleasant returned to the city in just over 30 minutes.
March 5th - Busy morning for the 1st Battalion - Sunday proved to be no day for rest for units in the 1st Battalion. Just after midnight Chief 8A (Mehaffey) as Battalion Chief 1 responded to the 2400 Blk of Wayne Pl, in Cheverly, for a CO leak with an unconscious person. Units arrived to find a patient who was suffering from CO poisoning and subsequently flown out to attempt to have that situation rectified. Shortly after clearing that call, Squad 8 and Battalion Chief 1 responded to the 9200 Blk of Central Ave for a vehicle overturned with one trapped. Units from 46 arrived to find a vehicle on its roof but no one trapped and the assignment was scaled back. Then around 0200 hours as units in the 2nd Battalion ( as well as a few units from the 1st ) operated at a 2 alarm fire in Greenbelt, Battalion Chief 1 along with E93, E191, and Q22 responded to New Carrolton for a gas leak. Upon clearing that an accident was dispatched for EB 50 at Veterans Pkwy with 1 trapped and on fire. Battalion Chief 1 responded along with other units clearing various calls in the area. A309 arrived first, on Veterans Pkwy just south of Annapolis Rd NOT on Rt 50 as was originally dispatched, just before EMS1, Chief 7A (Carpio), and BC1 to find a car under a box truck, on fire, with the driver unconscious and pinned inside. A309 and first arriving units used extinguishers to try and hold the fire in check until an engine company could arrive and extinguish it. Engine 93 arrived first and extinguished the fire while Squad 33 and Tower 33 (returning from Hanover Pkwy) extricated the victim. Two other patients were found, one lying about 75 feet from the car and another running up and down the road obviously injured and covered in blood. All 3 patients were taken to local trauma centers. Then just after 0630, BC1 responded to the 4400 Blk of 68th Pl, in Company 30's area, for an apartment fire. Simultaneously another call was dispatched in the 2400 Blk of 57th Ave, in Company 22's area, for a house on fire bringing Engine 81 to that call. As BC1 was approaching 30's area, the smoke from 22's fire could be seen in the distance. E302 arrived on 68th place to find smoke showing and a working fire on the second floor. BC1 arrived and was given Division 3 by command (Chief 9) and worked with E551 on checking for extension and additional searches. One victim was found dead in the original fire apartment and has been determined to be a homicide. While this was going on, Engine 81 was busy laying a secondary supply line to the house on fire on 57th Ave in Cheverly. Both BC1 and Engine 81 operated for about an hour on their respective fires.

Veterans Pkwy / 4400 Blk 68th Pl

March 3rd - Engine 81 on Fairmount Heights house fire - At 2040 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 1000 Blk of 58th Ave, in Company 38's area, for a bedroom on fire in a house. Engine 81 met E384 at Addison & L St and followed them in picking up the hydrant at the corner of the house. The crew from Seat Pleasant quickly ran a line inside along with 38 to find a small fire in an upstairs bedroom. The fire was handled quicly and Engine 81 handled the overhaul checking for any hot spots or extension. Command held E384 and Engine 81 for just over 30 minutes before returning them to service.
March 2nd - Squad 8 on afternoon fire at Giant Food warehouse - Just after 1600 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 6300 Blk of Sheriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for a report of smoke in the warehouse. Units arrived to find smoke showing from several bays and went to work. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC as crews worked to extinguish building supplies which had caught fire inside. The fire was extinguished quickly and units were held for some time to ventilate the large structure. Luckily Squad 8 wasn't one of those units and was able to return to service in about 30 minutes to continue running calls in the 1st and 3rd battalions.

February 26th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on stabbing at Metro station - At 2240 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the Addison Rd Metro, caddy corner from the firehouse, for one stabbed with PD on the scene. Units arrived to find a male that had been beaten and then cut along his arm. Upon evaluating the patient, a very large 5 inch laceration was discovered along his wrist from the attack and the wound was bandaged and he was taken to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service in about 15 minutes while the ambulance stayed out for just under an hour.
February 23rd - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on first due trauma - Just before 0830 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were disptached to Maryland Park Dr & Crown St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find a vehicle that had run off the road and into a tree. With noone to extricate, Squad 8 assisted Ambulancee 88 in removing and packaging the victim who was then transported to a local trauma center for injuries sustained during the collision. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over 2 hours.
February 16th - Squad 8 on back to back southside fires - Just before 2100 hours, units were dispatched to the 3100 Blk of Brinkley Rd, in Company 21's area, for an apartment fire. First arriving units encountered heavy fire on the top floor and through the roof and requested a second alarm. Squad 8 responded on the second and arrived a short time later. As fire took control of both buildings, a 3rd alarm was sounded bringimg additional units. The fire was brought under control and units operated for several hours hitting hot spots and perforoming overhaul. The cause of the fire was unattended candles in a 3rd floor apartment. Squad 8 returned to service in under 3 hours. Then early in the morning on the 17th around 0330 hours, just hours after returning from Brinkley Rd, Squad 8 was on the street again this time to the 3200 Blk of 31st Ave, in Company 29's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived to find a working fire in the house. Squad arrived and was given the RIC ( shocker ! 3rd Battalion ) and stood by as units knocked the fire and took care of some overhaul. Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour.

Brinkley Rd photo courtesy of Morningside

February 15th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on first due stabbing - Just before 1900 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 along with PA5 responded to the 7400 Blk of Calder Dr, in the Shady Glen section of Seat Pleasant, for a stabbing. After stagng for PGPD, the scene was secure and units went in. A single patient was found to have a large stab wound to his thigh with almost all of his clothes missing. Apparently a group of juveniles pulled up in front and got into an argument with the patient, beating him and stabbing him once before taking off. The patient was treated and packaged before being transported to a local hospital. Squad 8 returned to service a short while later while Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over an hour.
February 14th - Valentines Day brings first due fire for Company 8 - Just after 0330 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 500 Blk of 68th Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a bedroom on fire in a house. Engine 81 arrived within minutes to find heavy fire from the second floor of a house. The crew ran an attack line inside to find a room well off with extesnion down the hallway. The fire was quickly knocked down and other units arriving assisted with ventilation and checking for extension. The assignment was scaled back a short time later and Engine 81 returned to service in just over 2 hours after racking up and assisting investigators.

February 12th - Foot of snow brings house fire for Engine 81 - Well the first winter storm of 2006 dumped about a foot of wet, heavy snow across the area that kept crews busy. After a long night of running wires and trees down along with a few accidents, Engine 81 was dispatched just before 1300 hours to the 2900 Blk of Norman Dr, in Company 26's area, for a house on fire. E263 arrived to find a 1 1/2 story house with heavy smoke showing. Upon further investigation it was discovered that there was heavy fire from the rear and throughout the attic. Engine 81 arrived and was instructed by command to bring a two inch line with a stack tip to the front and run it off the leader line from E263. Upon doing so, it was determined the house was vacant and due to the amount of fire and the fact that the house was packed with combustible items, an exterior attack was ordered. Crews worked for awhile to open up the house and extinguish the fire using several handlines. Engine 81 returned to service a few hours later just to continue running calls. Most companies were kept busy as the county responded to over 800 runs in a 24 hour period.

Photos courtesy of Morningside

February 13th - Engine 81 on mid morning first due duplex fire - Just before 1000 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 7200 Blk of Joplin St, in Seat Pleasant, for a fire in a duplex. Engine 81 arrived to find a fire in the laundry room with some extension and quickly knocked the fire. The crew worked with the special service to open up and vent as the assignment was quickly scaled back. Engine 81 remained on the scene for just under an hour before packing up and returning to service.
February 10th - Engine 81 on Fairmount Heights house fire - Just before midnight, Engine 81 was alerted to the 1300 Blk of Nome St, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire. Initial reports stated flames in the attic, however as units arrived, it was obvious there was heavy fire in the basement. Crews advanced lines to the interior to attempt to control the fire in the basement, first floor, and attic. While the engines worked to extinguish the fire, trucks began opening up and venting as command called for a task force alarm to establish a RIC as all units were at work. The fire was knocked a short time later and crews worked on the extensive overhaul. Engine 81 operated for about an hour before returning to Seat Pleasant.

February 6th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on house fire with rescue - Just after midnight, Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) responded to the 4200 Blk of Melwood Rd, in Company 23's area, for a house fire with a report of a person trapped. E231 was responding from out of position and E372 arrived first to the 2 story farmhouse 1200 feet off the road. The crew arrived and found smoke showing and advanced a line inside. E372's driver immediately took a ladder to the rear and removed the trapped occupant and her dog while the crew extinguished the fire on the 1st floor. The victim was treated by members of E231 and transported by Medic 46 to a local hospital for smoke inhalation and the assignment was scaled back. The crew from 37 did a great job in attacking the small fire, caused by a faulty refrigerator motor, and removing the trapped occupant, however, in all of these stories floating around, 2 people have been forgotten and gone without mention. The calltaker and Channel 3 dispatcher proved an essential link to this entire operation. While units were responding, the calltaker at PSC remained on the phone with the trapped woman, reassuring her that the FD was coming and would get to her and keeping her as calm as can be expected while relaying the information via CAD to the Channel 3 dispatcher. The Channel 3 dispatcher immediately notified responding units of her location in the house and kept them updated until she was removed and the calltaker remained on the line until she heard the driver from 37 removing her. So many times people congratulate the ones out there doing the job, which is warranted and should be done, but just as many times the people on the other side of the radio are forgotten and without them our jobs would be much harder. So a fine job by Company 37 AND the people involved in the little ol' house down the street from us on Jonquil Ave. Units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
February 4th - Day ends with back to back fires for Company 8 - At 2000 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 7700 Blk of Vineyard Dr, in Company 23's area, for a kicthen fire. First in units arrived to find smoke showing and a kitchen well off with moderate extension down the hallway and to the attic. As units worked to gain control of the fire, Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC assignment as is customary when running to the 3rd battalion. Squad 8 stood by as fire continued to vent from the top floor and units inside scrambled to open up. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned to service in just under an hour. Then just after 2230 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 2000 Blk of Marbury Dr, in Company 26's area, for a bedroom on fire. Engine 83 arrived first to find smoke showing and advanced a line. The crew found a fire in a rear bedroom and quickly knocked it down. Engine 83 along with the engine from 37 and Tower 33 worked to open up and check for extension. The balance of the assignment was returned and Engine 83 returned to the city in just under an hour.

Vineyard (Photo courtesy Ritchie) / Marbury (Photo courtesy Kentland)

February 2nd - Ambulance 88 on first due shooting - Just before midnight as Ambulance 88 was returning from a stabbing in the 1600 Blk of Shady Glen Dr, they were alerted to the 100 Blk of West Mill Dr, in the Peppermill section of Seat Pleasant, for 1 shot in front. The initial report was for multiple gunshots heard and a male laying on the ground. Ambulance 88 arrived with police and was soon joined by PA5 and PE51. One male was found to be shot in the lower half of the body and was treated and transported to a local trauma center by PA5. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes.
January 29th - First shooting of the year for Company 8 is a homicide - Just before 0230 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 3200 Blk of Naylor Rd, in Company 29's area, for one shot. While enroute, multiple calls were being received by PSC and a new address in the 3100 Blk of Good Hope Ave was given. Ambulance 88 arrived with units from 29 to find a male in the parking lot shot several times including once in the head. The patient was pronounced dead on the scene. PGPD have issued a warrant for a persons arrest in connection with this incident and more can be read in our PGPD link. This was the 10th homicide of the year.
January 26th - Engine 83 on back to back fires - Just after 0800 hours, Engine 83 was sent to the unit block of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an apartment on fire. Engine 83 arrived just moments later with their own hydrant to find a 3 story apartment building with smoke showing from the top floor and roof. The crew quickly advanced a line upstairs and found a kitchen well off with extension and heavy smoke conditions. The crew knocked the fire and did a quick search as additional units were beginning to arrive. As the first truck began opening up for Engine 83, other crews checked exposures and the cockloft for extension. The assignemnt was scaled back in about 20 minutes to 1 and 1 and Engine 83 returned to service in about 90 minutes after the investigators were done. Then less than an hour later just before 1030 hours, Engine 83 responded 4th due to the 7300 Blk of Mason St, in Company 26's area, for a fire in the basement of a house/day care center. E263 arrived to find a working fire in the basement. As crews began attacking the fire, Engine 83 arrived and picked up E231's secondary water supply. A small but smokey fire was found in the basement and extinguished with moderate overhaul to be done. All searches were negative as all the children were evacuated prior to arrival. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour.
January 25th - Engine 83 and Squad 8 on 3 alarm high rise fire - At 0400 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched 4th due to 3001 Branch Ave, in Company 29's area, for an apartment on fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and fire visible from the second floor with people jumping and some lowering themselves with bed sheets from their balconies from the #2 and #3 floors and a second alarm was requested. The second alarm brought Squad 8, who along with other units on the 2nd, were told to stage at Company 29. As Squad 8 arrived at Silver Hill, due to the number of rescues being made and people trapped on upper floors, the second alarm was requested to the scene and an EMS Task force was requested along with a 3rd alarm. Engine 83 picked up E272's line in the rear and then went to the apartment above with their standpipe pack and crews from E272 and T26. The fire did leapfrog up to that apartment as units extinguished the fire and did an aggressive search as reports kept coming in of people trapped. Squad 8 arrived and was told to start on the 9th floor and work their way down. Squad 8 ascended the smoke filled stairwell to the top floor and advised anyone out on the upper floors to shelter in place. The fire was knocked down and during the course of the incident both Engine 83 and Squad 8 assisted many victims out of the building with part of Squad 8's crew rendering aid to some of the injured. The fire started in an electrical outlet in a bedroom and after it started, the occupant vacated the apartment leaving the door open so when crews arrived the hallway on the second floor was well involved along with the original apartment. Along the way the crew from Engine 52 had to drop their line to remove a female in a wheelchair trapped in the fire hallway. In all, 10 people were transported to the hospital including 3 firefighters on the first in engine who received burns from the intense heat, one of which was hospitalized originally in critical condition but was later upgraded to good. Units from Seat Pleasant returned to the city in 3 hours.

Photo courtesy of Morningside VFD

January 24th - Engine 83 on Ritchie house fire - At 1815 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched 4th due to the 2300-blk of Timbercrest Dr, in Company 37's area, for a house on fire. The engines from 37 arrived to find smoke showing. Engine 83 arrived and completed E231's split lay as units inside found a fire in the kitchen. Engine 83 was directed by command to assume the RIC assignment and stood by. The fire was extinguished quickly with minimal extension and Engine 83 picked up and returned to Seat Pleasant in just over 30 minutes.
January 17th - Engine 83 hindered by acccident on first due fire - Around 1945 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 700 Blk of Avanti Pl, in East Nalley section of Seat Pleasant, for the upstairs of a duplex on fire. Engine 83 responded, but due to Central Ave still being closed for accident reconstruction, had to adjust their running route allowing E332 to be first arriving. E332 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor and roof area. Engine 83 arrived and picked up 33's line and was directed to check the exposure duplex for extension as heavy smoke was emitting from the eaves of both residences. A room was found to be off in the upstairs and handled by 33 while extension was checked and held to a minimum in the exposure. Engine 83 returned to service in just over 30 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Kentland

January 17th - Engine 83 on fatal accident a block from the firehouse - Well early in the morning, Squad 8 went out of service for the onboard generator ( again ) which left Company 8 with the engine company to run. Just after 1600 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 6600 Blk of Central Ave for an accident with a report of people trapped and a car on fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a car on fire with a patient laying on the ground near the vehicle. After a quick size up, it was determined that no one was trapped and the lineman extinguished the car with the bumper line. While doing so, the wagon driver began treating the patient who was pulled out of the vehicle by alert bystanders as it was burning just prior to our arrival. While awaiting EMS units, Engine 83's officer found another victim off in the woods who was determined to be a trauma code. Personnel from Engine 83 independently worked until the arrival of PA5 and Medic 46 who then assisted with the traumas. Eyewitness accounts indicate that 2 cars may have been racing westbound on Central Ave when they sideswiped a 3rd car, sending that car off the road, into a pedestrian as they were walking down the street, and then the car and the person about 50 feet into the woods. One of the cars alleged to be racing rear ended another vehicle and then went onto the median where they hit a tree and burst into flames. The other car " racing " was not found and supposedly left the scene. The pedestrian died from their injuries and the driver of the burning car was taken to a local trauma center with severe head and neck injuries. Engine 83 returned to service awhile later as Central Ave remained closed during the height of rush hour for accident reconstruction. PGPD are currently investigating the cause.
January 16th - Day starts with dumpster, ends with vacant building - As the sun began to rise, so did the smoke in our dumpster. At 0600 hours, it was noticed that once again our dumpster to the rear of the firehouse was ablaze. The crew brought Engine 83 out back and extinguished the blaze. The day dragged on as calls were few and far between until 2330 hours when Engine 83, Squad 8, and Chief 8 ( McGill ) were dispatched to Walker Mill Rd & Karen Bl, in Company 26's area, for 2 apartment buildings on fire. Now as all stations in the 1st and 3rd Battalions know, these buildings are vacant and have been expected to burn like all the past vacant apartment complexes in the county. However, up until today they have just been the site of numerous trash fires and stolen autos. Tonight, Engine 83 arrived first to find heavy fire from the 2nd and 3rd floors of a vacant building in the 1300 Blk of Karen Bl. As Engine 83 was laying supply line, Squad 8 began forcing entry to the complex as it is surrounded by gates and locks. As soon as entry was made, Engine 83, Squad 8 and E372 manned attack lines along with Engine 83's wagon pipe and began a defensive operation as they waited for truck companies to arrive and set up ladder pipes. Truck 5 and Quint 22 arrived and assisted with their ladder pipes. When the bulk of the fire was knocked down, Engine 83, Squad 8 and Chief 8 made their way to the 3rd floor to extinguish the fire and hot spots along with extensive orverhaul. Units from Seat Pleasant were the last to leave almost 4 hours later.

Seat Pleasant original / Jim Davis photo

These photos courtesy of Jim Davis

January 15th - Sunday brings 3 fires for Seat Pleasant - After a slow start of only 3 fires in the first two weeks of the month, Company 8 matched that total in 10 hours with 3 more fires. The first one was just after 1000 hours as Squad 8 was dispatched to 14100 Blk of Spring Branch Dr, in Company 20's area, for a house fire. The assignment was altered due to units already being used on another fire in 20's first due also. The engine from 37 arrived to find a deck on fire with extension to the basement and first floor of the house. As Squad 8 continued on its 10 minute responding journey, the two other units that arrived before them assisted E372 with extinguishing and opening up the walls and ceilings as the fire was now in them. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC as units continued to arrive and open up. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour. Then just before 1500 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 6600 Blk of Juneau St, in Company 26's area, for a house on fire. E261 arrived to find smoke showing and a working fire involving the basement with extension to the 1st floor and attic. Engine 83 arrived and ran a back up line to the first floor as units worked to open up and knock the fire. A task force was called but was staged and not used. Engine 83 returned to service in just over an hour. Then just before 2030 hours, Squad 8 was sent to the 4100 Blk of 23rd Pl, in Company 29's area, for a house on fire. E292 arrived to find smoke showing from a 2 story duplex. Upon further investigation, the kitchen was found to be well involved with extension to the upstairs and cockloft including the exposure. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC and just like the previous fire, a task force was called. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour.
January 12th - Company 8 on morning and evening extrications - Just before 0630 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 6100 Blk of East Capitol St, in Seat Pleasant, for a car aaccident. Units arrived to find a vehicle down a small embankment with an unconcious driver. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and then removed the door and roof to free the victim. It is believed that the driver possibly suffered a medical emergency and that is what caused the accident. He was freed and taken via EMS unit to a local hospital for a checkup. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes. Later on in the evening just before 1900 hours, Squad 8 and Engine 83 responded to the 5900 Blk of Central Ave, just a block from the previous call, for another accident. Units arrived to find several patients with 1 trapped. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and popped the door allowing the patient to be extricated. In all, 3 patients were transported to an area trauma center. Units from Seat Pleasant returned to service again in about 30 minutes.

January 9th - Stolen car + police chase x stationary pole = flaming car - Just after 0300 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded with E371 to Central Ave & Ritchie Rd, in Company 37's area, for a car into a pole and on fire. Units arrived to find two heavily damaged vehicles with one on fire. Apparently, a group of individuals decided to steal a car in Bowie and upon being discovered by PGPD, took off. While police pursued the car down Central Ave from Bowie, police terminated the pursuit due to the car in question turning off its headlights while flying down the road, putting citizens in danger. Even though PD was no longer pursuing the vehicle, they continued at a high rate of speed striking a vehicle and then going airborne, striking a utility pole in mid air and splitting it in half. As the car finally came down and to a rest, it became fully involved. Miraculously, all occupants were able to get out, however, all the bad guys fled on foot prior to the police arriving. Squad 8 arrived and assisted E371 with handjacking some supply line so they could extinguish the fire while Ambulance 88 evaluated the other vehicle. Units returned to service a short time later.
January 8th - Ambulance on Oxon Hill fire, Engine transfers to 29 - For the second time in two days, Company 8 goes to Oxon Hill on a fire. Just before 1300 hours, units were dispatched to the 6000 Blk of Livingston Rd, in Company 42's area, for a townhouse on fire. Just blocks from 42's firehouse, units quickly arrived with a working fire. Communications sounded the working fire dispatch bringing Ambulance 88 to the scene. While Ambulance 88 was on the fire, Engine 83 was alerted to transfer to Company 29 where they ran a few calls. Eventually the ambulance cleared and joined Engine 83 at 29 for a few hours before returning home.
January 7th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on 2 alarm fire in Oxon Hill - Early in the afternoon, units were dispatched to the 1500 Blk of Southview Dr, in Company 42's area, for an apartment fire. Units arrived to find a working fire from the top floor of a 5 story mid-rise. Upon this transmission, Squad 8 was alerted to transfer to Company 21. While the Squad was getting ready to head south, units were encountering heavy fire conditions and people trapped on the top floor. Command requested a 2nd alarm bringing Squad 8 and Chief 8 ( McGill ) to the scene. Upon arrival, Squad 8 was directed to assume the RIC as all 1st alarm units were working attempting to locate victims and control the fire. Squad 8 stood by as units worked the top floor where the fire was contained to the unit of origin. The second alarm units were released a short time later with the exception of Squad 8 who remained on the scene for well over an hour before returning to Seat Pleasant.
January 2nd - Day 2 brings first fire for Company 8 - Just after 0930, Squad 8 was dispatched to the Coin Laundry in the 5000 Blk of Marlboro Pike, in Company 17's area, for a building fire. E171 arrived to find smoke showing from the 1 story commercial building. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88, who was clearing a call, arrived and were assigned the RIC . E171 found a dryer on fire with moderate extension to the duct work. In addition the RIC, the crew controlled utilities as units inside peformed the tedious job of opening up all the duct work. The fire was extinguished and the units from 8 returned to Seat Pleasant in about an hour.
January 1st - Day 1 of 2006 ends with extrication and traumas - Just before midnight, Squad 8 was dispatched to the Outer Loop of 495 near Pennsylvania Ave for an accident with a vehicle off the road. E371 arrived to find an SUV on its side, against a tree with 8 ( thats right ! 8 ) people trapped. Chief 37A arrived and called for an additional squad bringing Squad 27 as they were clearing a previous call and an EMS task force. Squad 8 arrived soon after and stabilized the vehicle and removed the windshield which was the main obstruction as 6 of the 8 people were children. Squad 8 along with everyone else on the call systematically removed the patients one by one and all were sent to local trauma centers by EMS units. Squad 8 cleared the call in about 45 minutes.

Photos courtesy of Ritchie

January 1st - New Years starts slow for Seat Pleasant - New Years started off slow for Company 8. As the constant local gunfire tapered off around 0100 hours, Company 8 still had not run its first call. Actually the first call didnt come until 0230 hours when Ambulance 88 went for an injured person from an assault. Minutes later the Squad was off to the unit block of Cindy La for a male laying in a pool of blood with a brick next to his head. Units along with the County Police found a large pool of blood, a brick, but no body and Squad 8 returned home around 0300 to find our dumpster on fire....again. So Engine 83 came around to the rear and extinguished the fire and then went to check the rest of the dumpsters in the shopping center because usually they are soon to follow. While doing that, Ambulance 88 was sent for someone who had drank too much and wasnt feeling well ( 4 calls in 30 minutes ). The night continued, and as crews layed in bed listening to the sporadic gunfire throughout the night, squeeling wheels, and the occasional police sirens as County Police had there hands full with the first two police involved shootings ( a group fired at police striking the cruisers and PGPD returned fire and in another incident a male was seen beating a female with a gun and refused to drop it ) and the county's first homicide ( all 3 incidents just a few miles from the firehouse ), we realized that even though the calendar had changed, it was really just the same ol' thing, different day, in the city.

Our month old dumpster New years Eve / Our dumpster New Years Day

January 1st, 2006 - Well another year has come to a close and it wa sjust about the same as last year with us only running about 300 additional calls. Fires were about the same while shootings and extrications were slightly up. Below you will find the yearly breakdown of calls. We look forward to another year but better, safer, and more productive. As usual, anyone wishing to join and participate in this upcoming years activities, please contact us. Have a safe and Happy 2006 everyone !!!!

Fires : 121 Shootings : 42 Extrications : 44

Engine : 1269 Squad : 1951 Ambulance : 3704

Busest month : December with 634 runs ( four months with 600 + runs )

Busiest month for fires : December with 21 fires

Busiest month for shootings : June with 9 shootings

Busiest month for extications : September with 7 extrications





Copyright © 2001 Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
6305 Addison Road
Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743
(301) 336 - 2331