Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company

2009 Past Incidents

November 10th - Squad 8 on first due shooting - Around 2250 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Pepper Mill Dr & Pepper St, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of one shot. Squad 8 arrived with police to find a male shot in the back and on the ground after a robbery attempt. After a quick evaluation it was discovered that the patient could not feel or move his legs and a helicopter was called for a neuro trauma. The patient was treated and packaged and flown to Baltimore for treatment. The Squad returned to service in about 40 minutes.

November 9th - Small first due fire followed by rollover with trauma - Just before 2100 hours, Engine 82 responded to the 6700 Blk of James Farmer Way, in Seat Pleasant, for smoke coming from a house. Engine 82 arrived to find a small fire in the roof line and and ran a line. The fire was extinguished and TW33 worked to open up and check for extension. The extension was minimal and the assignment was scaled back. The fire was believed to have been started by contractors earlier in the day which smoldered until night. Engine 82 picked up and returned in about 30 minutes. Then around 2330 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 7100 Blk of Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units from 8 arrived to find a vehicle that had rolled several times, was on fire, and had taken out a fence at Central Ave & Gentry La. Squad 8 called for a medic unit and helicopter due to the patient not being able to feel his legs and an engine company due to the fire. Ambulance 88 and part of Squad 8's crew worked on carefully removing the patient while the other part of Squad 8's crew worked on extinguishing the fire with water cans. E37 was redirected from the fire to handle the LZ and Ambulance 88 and Medic 46 transported the patient to their location where Trooper 2 took the patient to Shock Trauma as a neuro trauma. The units from 8 returned in about 30 minutes.

November 7th - Squad 8 on apartment fire, Ambulance runs trauma - At 1552 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 4300 Blk of 23rd Pkwy, in Company 29's area, for smoke on the 7th floor of a high rise. Units arrived with smoke and found a working kitchen fire in a 7th floor apartment. Squad 8 arrived and reported to the apartment above to check for extension. After the check was negative, the Squad crew reported to the fire apartment to assist with overhaul. The fire was extinguished with minimal extension and Squad 8 returned in about 45 minutes. Later in the evening, just after 2200 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted for an accident in the unit block of Capitol Heights Blvd in Company 5's area. Units arrived to find a vehicle that had crashed and rolled several times but there was no patient. Units checked around and cleared however just a few minutes later police came across a male at Clovis Ave & Doppler St suffering from numerous injuries. The Ambulance crew returned to the new location and transported a male to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned in about 90 minutes.

November 3rd - Squad 8 on early morning house fire in Upper Marlboro - Around 0140 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 13200 Blk of Ailesbury Ct, in Company 20's area, for a house fire. E20 arrived with a house well involved and exterior operations were started. Squad 8 arrived and assisted with extinguishing fire throughout the house and after being knocked down worked on extensive overhaul. The house was a loss and Squad 8 eventually picked up and returned at 0500 hours.

November 1st - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on noon time door pop - Just around 1200 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) was alerted to Ritchie Marlboro Rd and White House Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident with 1 trapped. E37 arrived to find a 2 vehicle T-bone accident with the one trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and removed a door to allow the patient to be removed. The patient was taken to a local trauma center with internal injuries and Chief 8 had the command.

October 31st - Ambulance 88 runs early morning shooting in District Heights - Around 0230 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 5700 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in District Heights, for a report of a shooting. Units arrived with police to find a single victim shot several times in the upper body. Crews worked on treating the patient and loaded him into Ambulance 88 who then took him to a local trauma center with the Medic unit. Ambulance 88 cleaned up and returned in about 90 minutes.

October 30th - Engine 83 & Ambulance 88 on first due vacant house fire - Just before 1400 hours, units were dispatched to the 5800 Blk of Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. E38 arrived first due to Company 8 being out of position at Station 26 and found heavy fire showing from both floors of a vacant house. Engine 83 picked up 38's line and after a report by witnesses onscene that people were possibly trapped made an interior attack. E38 advanced their line to the second floor while Engine 83 took care of the fire on the first floor. The fire was quickly knocked down and searches were negative. The units from 8 remained for overhaul and hotspots clearing in about 2 hours. This particular house has been the scene of a few previous fires, a homicide, and several cars who have failed to turn from Addison Rd and gone straight into the house. The residence still stands, so who knows what will happen next.

October 27th - A day with traumas finishes up with a door pop - Just before 0100 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 300 Blk of Garrett A Morgan Bl, in Company 37's area, for an accident. Ambulance 88 arrived after E37 and found the same and treated a patient who was taken to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour. Then later just after 12 noon, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to Central Ave & Addison Rd, near the station, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a patient hit by a car and suffering from traumatic injuries. Once again, Ambulance 88 transported a patient to a local trauma center and returned in just over an hour. Then later just after 2330 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 6300 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Crews from 8 arrived and found multiple vehicles with a female trapped in one. The crew from Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle and removed the drivers door. Ambulance 88 took the now free patient to a local hospital. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes and the ambulance returned in about 2 hours.

October 24th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on early morning shooting - Around 0313 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 6800 Blk of Atwood St, in Company 26's area, for one shot. Units arrived with police to find a male who had been approached and shot twice in the lower body as he tried to enter his building. Crews patched up the victim and he was taken to a local trauma center by Medic 29. Squad 8 assisted PGPD for a short time with lights as they looked for shell casings and evidence. The units from 8 returned in about 30 minutes.

October 21st - Engine 82 on early morning first due garage fire - Around 0230 hours, Engine 82 was alerted to the 100 Blk of Cabin Branch Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for a garage of a house on fire. Engine 82 arrived soon after to find a 20 x 30 garage full of items fully involved. The crew stretched a line and began knocking the fire in the garage and discovered that it was not actually attached to the house. Engine 82 continued extinguishing the fire while Truck 26 and Quint 22 assisted with opening up and overhaul. The assignment was held with units mentioned above and Engine 82 returned to service in about two hours.

Photos courtesy of Jim Davis

October 17th - Early morning trauma then afternoon extrication - Early morning, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 300 Blk of Quarry Ave, in the Wilburn Section of Seat Pleasant, for an assault. Ambulance 88 arrived with police to find a male who had been tied up during a home invasion and pistol whipped. Ambulance 88 treated the patient who was taken to a local trauma center. Later as the rain continued, so did the accidents. Just after 1330 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Suitland Pkwy & Forestville Rd, in Company 23's area, for an accident with a car into the woods. Units arrived to find a single vehicle off the road with 2 trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the rear of the car which was hanging over a drainage ditch and went to work removing both front doors freeing a female patient and her child. Both patients were taken to a local trauma center by EMS units. Squad 8 picked up and returned in about 45 minutes.

October 14th - Busy afternoon turns out accidents including an extrication - Around 1600 hours, the rain began to fall and the calls began to start rolling in for Company 8. Just after 1900 hours while returning from a transfer to Company 20, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to an accident at White House Rd & Kings Grant Ct, in Company 46's area, with a report of a vehicle overturned and people trapped. Ambulance 88 arrived first and found the same with an addition of wires down over the vehicle. The crew from 88 was given the EMS group and worked treating victims once the power was secured and the patients extricated. Ambulance 88 then went with M43 to a local trauma center with one of the patients and cleared in just over 90 minutes. While Ambulance 88 operated on this accident, Squad 8 was alerted to Kenilworth Ave & Eastern Ave, along the DC line, for an accident with people trapped. Units arrived to find a 5 vehicle accident with the driver trapped in one car. Squad 8 arrived and removed both driver side doors and the B post allowing the patient to be removed. All patients were treated and taken to area hospitals. Squad 8 cleared this call in about 45 minutes. In the 6 hours between 1630 hours and 2230 hours, Company 8 responded to 24 runs most of which were accidents due to the rain. The day produced a total of 37 runs.

October 13th - Squad 8 on fatal accident in Seat Pleasant - Just before 2030 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to Central Ave & Maryland Park Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Upon arrival, Squad 8 found two vehicles with numerous injuries and 1 trapped and called for an EMS task force. The Engine Captain on Squad 8 worked with a member from Station 5 performing CPR on a 13 year old who was found to be a trauma code while the Squad Lieutenant and the rest of the Squad crew worked on stabilizing the one vehicle and extricating the driver. In all there were 3 patients who were all taken to local trauma centers. Unfortunately the 13 year old did not survive his injuries. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour assisting police before returning to service.

October 6th - Trauma, another first due fire, and a tool job for Tuesday - Just before 0300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to East Capitol St & Yacht Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person. Squad 8 arrived to find a male who had just come out of the woods and was suffering from numerous head injuries and was semi responsive. The crew called for a medic unit and began to treat the patient. The patient was transferred to the EMS units and taken to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. About an hour later, Engine 82 was alerted to the intersection of Emo St & Larchmont Ave, in Company 5's area, for a house fire. Engine 82 and Chief 8 (McGill) arrived first to find smoke showing from a house on Emo St and possibly people trapped. The crew advanced a line and found a room off on the first floor which was knocked quickly. The rest of the units performed a search and helped with ventilation and checking for extension. The fire was extinguished and is suspicious in nature and under investigation. Engine 82 assisted the investigators and returned to service in just over 2 hours. Later in the afternoon just after 1830 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted for an accident at MLK Hwy & 69th Pl in Seat Pleasant. As the crews were leaving the station they were notified that they now had a report of people trapped and the assignment was upgraded. The units from 8 arrived to find a T-Bone accident with one trapped. Squad 8 went to work and removed the door allowing the passenger to be removed. Ambulance 88 transported 1 patient to a local hospital and Medic 30 transported another to a local trauma center. Squad 8 returned in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 much later.

Emo St

MLK Hwy & 69th Pl

October 4th - Engine 82 runs its first fire along with Ambulance 88 & Chief 8B - Just before 1430 hours Engine 82, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 7700 Blk of Swan Terr, in the Willow Hills section of Seat Pleasant, for fire in a townhouse. The units from 8 arrived to find an end of the row townhouse with smoke showing and advanced a line. Chief 8B arrived and established command as the crew from 82 worked on extinguishing the fire while TW33 assisted with opening up and performing a search. The fire was extinguished and command held 2 and 2 to check for extension and overhaul. The units from 8 picked up and returned in just over an hour.

October 2nd - Squad 8 on fatal accident in Kentland - Just before 2100 hours, police came across an accident with 1 overturned at MLK Hwy & Columbia Park Rd in Company 33's area and called for the assignment bringing Squad 8. Squad 8 arrived with the units from 33 to find a vehicle overturned with 1 trapped and went to work stabilizing the vehicle and providing lights while Company 33 began extrication. Both doors were removed and the patient extricated where unfortunately he was pronounced dead on the scene. A victim in the other car was taken to a local trauma center by A38 and M55. Squad 8 picked up and cleared in about 30 minutes.

October 1st - Ambulance 88 on fatal shooting in District Heights - Just after 2130 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a shooting. Units arrived with police to find a victim shot in the body laying on the sidewalk. The patient was treated, packaged and taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and M29 where they continued to work on him but unfortunately died from his injuries. Ambulance 88 returned in just under 3 hours after cleanup.

September 29th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on police involved shooting - Around 2145 hours, PGPD was dispatched for a suspicious vehicle at White Pearl Pl & Peppermill Dr in Seat Pleasant. Upon arrival of police, the vehicle took off and tried to hit one of the police officers while the other officer fired upon the subjects and a chase ensued. The vehicle ended up crashing a few blocks over at Jadeleaf Ave & Esslog St and the criminals bailed out. Two of the subjects were found by K9 and one of them was found to be struck by one of the officers bullets. Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were dispatched to the scene and treated a victim shot in the arm and was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88. A second EMS unit was called for the other subject who was suffering from numerous injuries inflicted by the K9. That subject was treated and taken to a local hospital by A38. The vehicle was found to be stolen as well as having stolen tags and a gun was found in the vehicle. Squad 8 returned in about 30 minutes and the Ambulance returned in about 2 hours.

September 29th - Engine 82 finally enters service after much preparation - After quite some time of getting things ready, Seat Pleasant's new engine, Engine 82, entered service today. Engine 82 is a 2009 Seagrave on a Marauder II chassis with a 500 gallon tank and 1500 gpm pump. It is equipped with a 525 hp Caterpillar motor, both front and rear intakes, 5 attack lines (no crosslays), a booster reel and painted in our black over red color scheme. The unit entered service this afternoon and soon after ran its first call in the 3200 Blk of Walters La, in Company 26's area, for alarm bells with Squad 27. We are sure this is only the first of many that this engine will respond to in its lifetime.

Photos courtesy Steve Skipton from Philly Fire News

September 27th - Squad 8 runs trauma in Fairmount Heights - Around 1815 hours, Squad 8 was alerted with A38 to the 5800 Blk of L St, in Company 38's area, for a pedestrian struck. Squad 8 arrived and found a small child that had been struck by a vehicle suffering from numerous fractures to the lower legs and was packaged and taken to a local trauma center by A38. Squad 8 cleared and returned to service in about 20 minutes.

September 22nd - Squad 8 on evening apartment fire in Forestville - Just before 1800 hours about an hour after the original Squad 8 returned from the shop after a month and a half....and broke again...they were dispatched to the 3100 Blk of Chester Grove Rd, in Company 23's area, for an apartment fire. E23 arrived first with nothing evident and soon after units reported smoke showing from the roof and a working fire on the second floor. Squad 8 arrived soon after and was given the RIC assignment by command. Units on the interior knocked the fire quickly and units were held for overhaul. Squad 8 picked up and returned in just over 30 minutes.

September 21st - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on fiery crash on Central Ave - Just before 0300 hours, E46 was alerted for a an auto fire at Central Ave & Hampton Park Bl. Soon after being dispatched, it was determined that there had been an accident with a car on fire and a person trapped inside bringing Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 along with M43 and a bunch of command officers. The units from 8 arrived just after E46 to find the same. The crew from E46 quickly pulled a line and went to work extinguishing the vehicle and protecting the trapped occupant from the fire. Squad 8 stabilized the vehicle worked on popping the door and pushing the dash just enough to quickly remove the critical patient. The patient was removed by Squad 8 and E46's crew and passed along to Ambulance 88 and Medic 43 who took the patient to a local trauma center with 2nd degree burns and multiple traumatic injuries. Squad 8 returned to service a short time later and Ambulance 88 returned in about 90 minutes.

September 20th - Another fire followed by a tool job makes for long night - While finishing picking up from the 25th & Gaither fire, another house fire was dispatched just down the street in the 3500 Blk of Orme Dr. The crew from Squad 8 quickly packed up and made themselves available and were put on the assignment. Units arrived here to find smoke showing and a working fire in the basement. Squad 8's crew made entry and conducted a search on the 1st and 2nd floors as well as ventilating. The fire was extinguished by the engine crews and Squad 8 worked on some overhaul before returning in just over an hour. This was the 4th fire in less than 2 days for Company 8. Then a few hours later around 0418 hours, Squad 8 was alerted for an accident at Marlboro Pk & Brooks Dr, in Company 26's area, with a car overturned and one trapped. Units arrived to find the same and Squad 8 went to work stabilizing the vehicle and then worked on opening up the doorway to allow the person to be removed for EMS personnel. The patient was removed and taken to a local trauma center. Squad 8 picked up and returned in just over 30 minutes.

September 19th - Squad 8 starts day with fatal fire, ends it with another fire - Just before 0230 hours while returning from an accident, Squad 8 was alerted to the 800 Blk of Kayak Ave, in Company 5's area, for smoke coming from a house. Squad 8 arrived just after E17 to find smoke showing from a vacant house and made entry. Crews found a relatively small fire which was extinguished quickly as well as the body of a male victim. Crews worked to check for extension as well as some overhaul and securing the scene for police and investigations. A preliminary report states the male was originally murdered and then the fire set to cover up the crime. Ambulance 88 arrived on the working fire dispatch and Chief 8B (Johnson) had command. Later in the day around 2230 hours and 20+ runs later, Squad 8 was alerted to the intersection of 25th Ave & Gaither St, in Company 29's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived to find a vacant house well involved and initiated an attack. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC assignment. As crews worked however, command decided it was too much and pulled them out. After knocking down the majority of fire from the exterior, crews were sent back in, including Squad 8, to get hot spots and overhaul. Squad 8 operated for just under two hours before being sent to the next fire.......

25th & Gaither St

September 18th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on District Heights apartment fire - Just after 1030 hours, Squad 8 was dispatched to the area of Walker Mill Rd & Karen Bl, in Company 26's area, for a building on fire. Units arrived to find a building in the 6900 Blk of Walker Mill Rd with smoke showing from the top floor. Squad 8 arrived and made their way to the upper floor searching, venting, and opening up. The fire was knocked down and kept to the apartment of origin. The units from 8 cleared in an hour.

September 17th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on precarious accident in Largo - Just after 1630 hours, Squad 8 was alerted with units for an accident with a vehicle down an embankment and in a pond in the area of Largo Center Dr and Central Ave in Company 46's area. Units arrived to find the same and went to work attempting to stabilize the vehicle to remove the victim. The TRT from Company 22 arrived and began to work rigging up a system to make their way down the embankment and bring the patient back up. The crew from Squad 8 assisted in the operation back up top and the patient was safely removed and taken to a local hospital by Ambulance 88. The crews from 8 returned to service a short time later.

September 14th - Squad 8 removes door from van in Largo - Around 1644 hours, Squad 8 was called to assist units on the scene of an accident in the 1800 Blk of McCormick Dr in Company 46's area. E46 had arrived to find a van that had been T-boned trapping the occupants inside. Squad 8 arrived and went to work removing both doors on the passenger side allowing the patient to be removed. Several other patients were also taken to area hospitals by numerous EMS units. Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 20 minutes.

September 10th - Engine 83 on late night hazmat box in Ritchie - Around 2300 hours, PGPD responded to the 9200 Blk of Hampton Overlook for an intrusion alarm. Police arrived and found several windows, a bay door, and a truck blown out by an obvious explosion with a vapor cloud. The hazmat box was alerted bringing Engine 83 to the scene who arrived second and picked up E37's line. Crews worked on determining what chemicals were involved as the Hazmat personnel began to suit up. Engine 83 was tasked with setting up the decon area for personnel exiting the hot zone. The crew stood by in this mode for about 3 hours before command began scaling back and returning units.

September 9th - Company 8 finally back in Squad business runs fatal accident - After being out of service for over a month waiting for a solenoid to be fabricated for our 100 year old onboard generator, the one and only reserve squad became available and Company 8 snatched it up. Less than 12 hours after going back in service, Squad 8 was alerted around 0200 hours for an accident with 1 trapped in the area of Whitehouse Rd & Ritchie Marlboro Rd in Company 37's area. Units arrived to find an SUV that had rolled several times landing in the woods ejecting 1 person and coming to rest on top of him. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the car and worked on lifting the vehicle off the victim in addition to having 3 other trauma patients in the vehicle. Additional EMS units were called as the 3 victims inside were removed and transported to an area trauma center. The patient underneath was removed however was pronounced dead on the scene. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 90 minutes before returning home.

September 6th - Engine 83 runs second alarm on Allentown Rd - Just after 0100 hours, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 4300 Blk of 23rd Pkwy, in Company 29's area, for a building fire. While enroute, another box was dispatched in the 7100 Blk of Allentown Rd, in Company 32's area, for a building on fire as well. Units arrived on 23rd Pkwy to find food on the stove while units arrived on Allentown Rd to find heavy smoke showing. As 23rd Pkwy was being cleared, units on Allentown Rd now had fire through the roof of a commercial building and requested a second alarm bringing Engine 83. Engine 83 arrived first on the second alarm and were directed to the rear as there were no engines on side C. The crew layed a line from E25 and went to the rear with Tower 33 where they pulled a line and began knocking fire along the roof line and some of the drop down stuff. Engine 83 operated for just over 90 minutes before picking up and returning to service.

August 30th - Stabbing, hungry dogs, and a shed fire for the Sunday crew - Just before 0300 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 7000 Blk of Giddings Dr, in the Peppermill section of Seat Pleasant, for one stabbed. Units arrived with police to find a male with a large laceration to the leg. Crews from 8 worked on the patient and he was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88. The engine cleared a short time later and the ambulance cleared in just over 2 hours after clean up. On a side note, while crews were working on the patient, police caught up with the subject just down the street in a cab and recovered the weapon as well. Kudos to G sector for their quick work. Then around 0800, Engine 83 was dispatched to Central Ave & East Capitol St, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person after being attacked by dogs. Engine 83 arrived to find two dogs, one of which was actively trying to eat the the tire of a motorized scooter with the rider still on it. Everytime the rider tried to get away, the dog would attack the tire again. In an effort to get the dogs away, the crew tried using the can to squirt the dogs however the only thing that did was quench the dogs thirst as he attempted to drink the water being thrown his way. The police showed up and used some heavy duty pepper spray for dogs that seemed to temporarily work. The rider attempted to ride away on his now flat tire with the dogs still in tow. Engine 83 cleared in about 20 minutes. Then while sitting down for dinner (lunch for some), Engine 83, Ambulance 88, Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 5400 Blk of Brenner St, in Company 5's area, for a house fire. Units from 8 arrived first and found a shed in the backyard of a vacant house well involved. The crew ran the front jump line and extinguished it rather quickly. Chief 8 had command and scaled back the assignment to the units from 8 and Q22. Investigators were called as the fire was suspicious and neighbors had suspect info. Units from 8 returned in about an hour and went back home and finished up dinner.

August 29th - Ambulance 88 on fatal accident just outside of the first due - Around 0142 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted for an accident with people trapped at Central Ave & Westhampton Dr in Company 37's area. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with people trapped and several injured. Since a few of the closest squads are out of service, the crew from E37 worked with hand tools to get the door opened to free the critically injured patient. Additional EMS units were called and all patients were removed and packaged. Ambulance 88 took 1 of 3 patients to a local trauma center. The most serious patient unfortunately died of their injuries at the hospital. Ambulance 88 returned in about 90 minutes.

August 23rd - Engine 83 and Chief 8B on first due vacant house - Just before 2300 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 6200 Blk of Addison Rd, just a block north of the firehouse, for a house fire. Units arrived in less than a minute to find smoke showing from a recently vacated house. The crew advanced a line to the sub basement and found a room off. The fire was quickly extinguished by the engine crew and other units vented and checked for extension above. Chief 8B had command and scaled back the incident holding 2 and 2. Units from 8 picked up and returned in just under 2 hours.

August 22nd - Storms keep crews busy, Engine and B Chief run 2 alarm fire - During the early morning hours, the area experienced numerous severe storms that kept the entire county busy. Just before 0500 hours, while clearing a street alarm on Tanow Pl in District Heights, Engine 83 was dispatched to the 1900 Blk of Rochelle Ave, in Company 26's area, for smoke in the building on a "reduced assignment". The complex is without hydrants so Engine 83 took their position on Alpine St per the SOP for these addresses. E17 arrived and reported smoke showing from the roof and the box was filled. Chief 8B (Johnson) arrived as well and was given Division 2 by command as Engine 83 advanced a line to the top floor. Crews found heavy fire conditions within the cockloft area and worked to open up and extinguish the fire. Command called for a task force and then a second alarm due to fire conditions through the roof however most of those units were just staged. Once the inside was opened up, the fire was quickly extinguished and the assignment was scaled back. Units from 8 remained onscene for about 3 hours hitting hot spots, overhaul, and picking up.

August 20th - Engine & Ambulance on child stabbed in first due - Just before 2200 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 5900 Blk of Burgundy St, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person. While enroute, it was determined someone had been stabbed and Engine 83 and a Medic unit were dispatched. Units arrived with police to find a 12 year old male that had been stabbed in the chest. The child was treated and packaged and taken to a local pediatric trauma center. Engine 83 cleared a short time later and Ambulance 88 cleared in just under 2 hours.

August 3rd - Engine, Squad, and 8B go to box alarm at Company 17 - Around 0200 hours, Company 17 called for assistance at their station as the engine they were using had caught fire while in the firehouse. This initial call brought Engine 83 and Chief 8B (Johnson) along with E26 and T29. As units arrived and saw heavy smoke coming from the station, the box was filled bringing Squad 8 as well. Engine 83 layed out and took a position on side D and advanced a line upstairs to check for extension on the second floor and attic as well as supplied the sprinkler system. Squad 8 arrived and went to work with a search of the second floor of the station and Chief 8B took Division 2. Engine 83 also ended up giving E26 water as the hydrant they had taken in front was found to be dead. The fire was extinguished and the building ventilated with the station taking some damage as well as the engine company. Units from 8 picked up with the Squad coming home in about 45 minutes and the engine coming home in just under 90 minutes.

August 2nd - Squad 8 runs shooting and Chief 8B on trauma code - Just after 0300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 1900 Blk of Rochelle Ave, in Company 26's area, for a shooting. This call was one of many shootings that occurred in the area as there was up to 5 victims spread throughout the neighborhood on different streets. Squad 8 arrived with PD to find a victim shot twice in the head along with several wounds peppered over his body. Crews treated and loaded the victim who was taken to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 30 minutes. Later in the evening around 2000 hours, units were alerted to MLK Hwy & Sheriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for a pedestrian struck and trapped under the vehicle. No chief officer marked up on the call so Chief 8B (Johnson), who was in the area, responded on the call. Units arrived to find a male who was struck and still pinned under the vehicle. SQ33 arrived and raised the vehicle with airbags and the patient was removed and taken as a trauma code to an area trauma center with multiple injuries and burns to the torso. Chief 8B had the command and cleared shortly after transport.

August 1st - Squad extricates one of two traumas on Central Ave - Just after 1400 hours, E37 was dispatched for an accident in the 8400 Blk of Central Ave. Upon arrival they found two trucks that had collided, trapping one of the drivers, and called for a squad and additional EMS units. Apparently a male in a rental truck, high on PCP, decided he should go westbound in the eastbound lanes and hit the vehicle head on. Squad 8 arrived and went to work extricating the driver of the SUV in about 10 minutes by removing the door and pushing the dash. Victims in both cars were taken to area trauma centers and Squad 8 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.

July 24th - Engine 83 on another night time fire in Hillside - Just before 0430 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 1200 Blk of Glacier Ave, in Company 17's area, for a house fire. E26 arrived to find a working fire involving the kitchen and advanced a line. Engine 83 arrived 3rd and ran a line to the rear and forced the rear and basement doors with the saw and checked for extension. The fire was knocked and Engine 83 assisted with overhaul before returning to service in just over an hour.

July 22nd - Engine 83 on late night house fire in Hillside - Around 2230 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 4800 Blk of Heath St, in Company 17's area, for a house fire. Heath St has been known for numerous house fires over the years and this one was no different as E17 arrived with heavy fire showing fron a house. Engine 83 arrived and ran the 2 inch and began knocking down the fire as they moved forward through the house. The fire was quickly knocked down as units began opening up to gain access to hot spots. The fire was extinguished and Engine 83 picked up and returned home around midnight.

July 19th - Engine and Ambulance on Chapel Oaks house fire - Just after 1130 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 6200 Blk of Lee Pl, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire. E38 arrived to find a working fire and advanced a line. Engine 83 arrived and along with E38 found a few rooms off in the rear. Engine 83's officer was assigned Division 1 and Ambulance 88 responded on the working fire dispatch. The fire was extinguished and units were held to check for extension and overhaul. The units from 8 returned in just over 30 minutes.

July 16th - Company 8 runs back to back shootings and transfer south - Around 0230 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the unit Blk of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for one shot out front. Units from 8 arrived with police to find a male by the entrance to the building shot in the head. Crews checked the patient and he was pronounced dead on the scene. PG Police took over the scene and the units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. After returning from the shooting, Squad 8 was sent south to Station 27 as units were on the scene of a house fire in Company 25's area (Chief 8 was there as well). While Squad 8 was at 27, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the unit Blk of Daimler Dr, also in Seat Pleasant and a block from Cindy La, for another shooting. Units arrived with police to find a female shot several times after an attempted carjacking. Units from 8 treated the patient who was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and PA5. Engine 83 cleared in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 in just over an hour.

July 15th - Engine 83 runs afternoon house fire in Ritchie - Around 1142 hours, Engine 83 responded to the 7600 Blk of Kipling Pkwy, in Company 37's area, for a house fire. E37 arrived to find smoke showing and a working fire on the first floor involving the kitchen and surrounding areas. Engine 83 arrived and picked up E26's line and ran a back up line to the first floor and assisted with some venting. The fire was extinguished and the assignment was scaled back. Engine 83 racked up and returned in about 45 minutes.

July 14th - Early morning fire followed by evening traumas - Around 0500 hours, E46 was sent on an investigation for smoke in the area in the unit Blk of Herrington Dr. After a short investigation, a house was found to be on fire and the assignment was called for bringing Engine 83 and Chief 8 (McGill). Engine 83 arrived in the block and layed a line to side A and ran a line to the basement. Chief 8 arrived and established command. Units found heavy fire conditions on the 1st and 2nd floors with the stairs burnt through. Crews worked to extinguish fire on both floors and open up. Engine 83 picked up and cleared in about 90 minutes. Later just before 1900 hours, Engine 83 and Ambulance 88 responded to Walker Mill Rd & Karen Bl, in Company 26's area, for an accident with people trapped and a car on fire. Chief 26A arrived with none of that but still a few injured people. Crews worked to treat and package patients who were taken to local trauma centers. Units cleared a short time later. Then around 2230 hours, Ambulance 88 was sent to Shady Glen Dr & Central Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person from an assault. Ambulance 88 arrived with police to find a male suffering a large stab wound to the head and several smaller stab wounds. The patient was taken to a local trauma center and Ambulance 88 returned just after midnight.

July 12th - Squad 8 on early morning garage fire in Ritchie - Around 0211 hours, Squad 8 was alerted for the house fire in the 7800 Blk of Putnam Dr in Company 37's area. Units arrived to find a large garage with smoke showing. Squad 8 arrived and made their way to the structure and forced entry for the engine crew and opened up the doors. Now with heavy fire showing, Squad 8 along with E27 made their way inside knocking the fire. After extinguishing about 50% of it, the decision was made by command to pull crews out and attack from a defensive mode. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 worked on overhaul for awhile before returning home in just under 2 hours.

July 11th - Busy day includes traumas, door pop, and baby girl - Just after 0030 hours, while returning from another run, Squad 8 was alerted to Suitland Rd & Suitland Pkwy, in Company 27's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find several patients needing medical attention. Squad 8 arrived and assisted with patient care for some time until all patients were treated and transported to area hospitals. Squad 8 cleared in just under an hour. Then just before 1100 hours, Squad 8 responded to Balsam Tree Dr & Sheriff Rd, in Company 38's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find two vehicles with 1 trapped. Squad 8 established command and went to work popping 1 door to free the patient. Squad 8 picked up and cleared this call in about 20 minutes. Later in the evening around 2110 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 800 Blk of English Chestnut Ct, in the Hill Oaks section of Seat Pleasant, for a sick person. Squad 8 arrived to find a woman in labor and birth imminent. The crew delivered a baby girl and mom and daughter were taken to a local hospital in good shape. Squad 8 cleared in about 25 minutes and ran a few more calls before midnight. In all, the company handled 32 runs on the day.

July 8th - Squad 8 goes to second fire in less than 24 hours - Right around noon, units were alerted to the 700 Blk of Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for a fire in the building. E37 arrived to find a 5 story building with smoke showing from the top floor. Squad 8 made their way to the top floor along with the engine and found a balcony on fire. The Squad crew went to work opening up the siding and other areas checking for extension. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour for overhaul before picking up.

July 7th - Squad 8, Chief 8 and 8B on townhouse fire in Marlboro - At 1730 hours, Squad 8, Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 14400 Blk of Governors Grove Rd, in Company 20's area, for a townhouse fire. The first arriving engine arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen area and stretched a line. Squad 8 arrived and was given the RIC assignment as the fire was extinguished and units opened up. Chief 8 had Operations and Chief 8B was given Division 3. The assignment was scaled back to 2 and 2 and the units from 8 returned in about 45 minutes.

July 6th - Squad 8 on first due shooting in Central Park - Around 0119 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 100 Blk of Daimler Dr, in the Central Park section of Seat Pleasant, for one shot. Units arrived with police to find several vehicles damaged from gunfire and one person shot in the lower body. Squad 8 assisted EMS personnel who packaged and transported the patient to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 25 minutes.

July 5th - Ambulance 88 on trauma in Forestville - Just before 1900 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted for an accident at Pennsylvania Ave & Suitland Pkwy, in Company 23's area, for an accident involving a motorcycle. Units arrived to find a rider who had fallen off his bike at a high rate of speed. Ambulance 88 arrived with other units and treated the patient and transported to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour.

July 3rd - Friday brings a little bit of everything for Company 8 - Just after 0300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to MLK Hwy & Hill Rd, in Company 38's area, for an accident. Units arrived and found multiple vehicles involved and 1 trapped. Squad 8 worked and extricated 1 rather quickly and EMS units took care of the transports. Squad 8 returned in about 20 minutes. Then later in the morning around 1100 hours, Engine 8, Squad 8, and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5900 Blk of Applegarth Pl, in the London Woods section of Seat Pleasant, for a townhouse fire with a report of a dog trapped. Units from 8 arrived and found smoke showing from an end of the row townhouse. The engine ran a line and found a kitchen well involved with some extension as the squad crew split and took care of searches and venting as well as ladders with Q22. The fire was extinguished and units from 8 were held for overhaul. Ambulance 88 treated one victim on scene and the dog, "Cupcake", was successfully removed by Squad 8 from an upstairs bedroom and is doing well. Units from 8 cleared in just over an hour. Later in the evening, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Central Ave & The Beltway, in Company 46's area, for a motorcycle accident. Units from 8 arrived to find a motorcyclist that had struck a broken down vehicle and threw him over the vehicle. Units treated and packaged the patient and he was taken to a local trauma center. While units from 8 were on this call, Engine 8 responded to the 6100 Blk of Central Ave for a shooting. Units arrived with police to find a victim shot in the chest and leg. The patient was treated, loaded, and taken to a local trauma center. Engine 8 cleared in about 10 minutes. Shortly after, Squad 8 returned to the shooting scene and stood by for an ambulance for a second victim who was struck with an object and briefly knocked out and possibly had a broken jaw. Then to end the day just before midnight, Ambulance 88 was alerted to Central Ave & Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for another motorcycle accident. Units arrived to find two motorcycles who had bumped into each other throwing all occupants from their bikes. Additional EMS units were called and Ambulance 88 transported one of the patients to a local trauma center returning in about 90 minutes.

July 1st - Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 on late night trauma - At 2349 hours, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 600 Blk of Ritchie Rd, in Company 37's area, for an accident with a person trapped. Normally Squad 8 would be due here but was out of service for repairs. Units arrived to find a single vehicle that had lost control at a high rate of speed, clipped a pole in half, and then slammed into a parked dump truck moving it about 5 feet. The occupant was indeed trapped and Chief 8 established command. Squad 33 arrived and extricated one while Ambulance 88 assisted Medic 46 with patient care. The victim was loaded and taken to a local trauma center. Units from 8 returned in about 40 minutes.

June 28th - Ambulance spends a few hours on Cindy La, Squad extricates one - Around 0200 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the unit block of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured person from an assault. Ambulance 88 arrived with police to find a female who had been punched by someone known to her and then her daughter taken by the same person and he ran off into the woods. Police set up a perimeter and called for the Seat Pleasant Pheasant (PGPD Air 1) to assist with the search. A while later the subject was found and arrested and the child was deemed fine by the Ambulance crew and mom. As the ambulance crew was wrapping this up, Squad 8 was alerted to assist units on an accident in the 700 Blk of Ritchie Rd, in Company 37's area, where they had 1 trapped. Squad 8 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and removed both passenger side doors and the B post. EMS personnel removed the patient and was taken to a local trauma center by Medic 46. Squad 8 returned in about 30 minutes.

June 27th - Crews respond to 38 runs including a trauma - Today was another day the County FD removed career staffing from Station 8 as a way to reduce overtime costs. Volunteers staffed the units for 24 hours and were steady taking in 38 runs. At 2013 hours, while returning with dinner, Squad 8 was alerted to East Capitol St & Coolidge St for a motorcycle accident. E51 arrived to find a motorcyclist that had struck the rear of a vehicle at a high rate of speed and was suffering from traumatic injuries. Squad 8 split their crew and checked occupants of the vehcile and the other half assisted E51 packaging the trauma patient. A389 took the patient and met up with M30 and both transported to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 15 minutes.

June 26th - A88 on morning shooting then evening accident with trauma - Just before 0630 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 1400 Blk of Dunbar Oaks Dr, in Company 38's area, for a report of one shot. Units arrived with police to find a male shot multiple times in the chest and face. Crews worked to treat and package the patient who was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and PA5. The ambulance crew returned in just over 90 minutes. Later in the day around 1920 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to East Capitol St & Maryland Park Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find several victims, one of which was unconscious. Additional EMS units were called to assist and Ambulance 88 took one to a local hospital while PA5 took the trauma patient to a local trauma center. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes and the ambulance returned in about 2 hours.

June 23rd - Engine and B Chief run another daytime fire in District Heights - For the second time in 24 hours, Engine 81 was alerted for a house fire in Company 26's area in the 6500 Blk of Insey St. E26 arrived to find smoke showing and advanced a line. Engine 81 arrived, layed a supply line and advanced a back up line to check the basement and eventually redeploying to check for extension in the attic. Units encountered heavy fire conditions in the kitchen with some extension. Chief 8B (Johnson) arrived and established command. The fire was knocked down and command scaled back the assignment. The units from 8 returned to service in an hour.

Photo Courtesy Paul Hawkins

June 22nd - Engine on daytime church fire in District Heights - At 1445 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 5200 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 26's area, for a house fire. Units arrived to find a one story house, converted into a church, with fire showing. Engine 81 arrived and layed a supply line and ran a line to the rear. The crew also took care of some ventilation issues by clearing and removing some windows. The fire was knocked down and units were held to wet down hot spots and overhaul. Engine 81 returned to service in about an hour.

Photo courtesy Morningside

June 20th - Squad 8 and Chief 8B assist Squad 27 with removing two - Just after 2030 hours, units were dispatched to St Barnabas Rd & South Barnaby Rd, in Company 29's area, for an accident with people trapped. Units arrived to find the same and went to work. Due to staffing and two people being trapped, command called for an additional Squad bringing Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson). Units from 8 arrived and worked with Squad 27 to remove the doors and roof as well as push the dash freeing both victims who were taken to a local trauma center. Units from 8 picked up and returned in about 45 minutes.

Photos Courtesy Paul Hawkins

June 18th - Highway worker killed in accident near Station 8 - As most people know who have traveled through the area in the past few months, there has been quite a bit of construction on Central Ave & East Capitol St as the county works at road improvements. At 2217 hours, Squad 8 was alerted with A46 and M29 to Central Ave & Addison Rd for a pedestrian struck. Squad 8 arrived to find a highway worker suffering from numerous traumatic injuries and not breathing after being accidentally backed over by a dump truck. Squad 8 began patient care and quickly loaded the patient for M29 who was close by. Ambulance 469 and Medic 29 transported the patient to a local trauma center as a trauma code where he succumbed to his injuries. Squad 8 cleared the call in about 15 minutes.

June 15th - Squad 8 takes in 2 alarm fire in District Heights - At 0945 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 6400 Blk of Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 26's area, for an apartment fire. While enroute, many calls were being received by PSC and a column of smoke could be seen in the distance. Units arrived with heavy fire from both floors of the apartment building with fire getting into the cockloft. Due to these conditions, a second alarm was called to assist. Squad 8 went to work with the engine companies performing normal squad duties including searches, venting, opening up, etc including some extinguishment of fire. Fire eventually broke through the roof but was confined pretty much to the building of origin. Squad 8 was held for over 3 hours checking for extension and overhaul before returning home.

June 14th - Day begins and ends with accidents containing multiple traumas - At 0018 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 400 Blk of Hill Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with a vehicle on fire. Units arrived to find 2 vehicles, a car on fire, and multiple patients. Engine 81 established command and called for additional EMS units. In all there were 3 trauma patients, one of which was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 with half of Medic 46 on board. The other 2 were taken by the other half of Medic 46 and A389 with Medic 30 on board. Engine 81 cleared in about 40 minutes and the Ambulance returned in about 2 hours. Then as the day was ending around 2351 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to White House Rd & Largo Rd, in Company 46's area, for an accident with a vehicle overturned and people trapped. Units arrived to find a 2 vehicle head on with a vehicle overturned but no one trapped. Squad 8 arrived and assisted with patient care as there were 5 patients, 3 of which were traumas. Ambulance 88 also responded on the call as the second BLS unit. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes and Ambulance transported to patients to a local hospital and returned to service in about 2 hours.

June 9th - Squad extricates from fatal accident, then car flips over and into house - Just before 0030 hours, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 (McGill) were called to assist units on the accident at Suitland Pkwy & Forestville Rd in Company 23's area. Units had been on the scene awhile with a vehicle flipped over and in the woods with 4 patients, 1 of which was a trauma code and later died and the driver who was still trapped. The units from 8 caught up with Squad 27 already on the scene and worked together to free the victim who was taken to a local trauma center by USPP Eagle 1. Units from 8 cleared and returned home in just under 2 hours. Later in the evening around 1800 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 5100 Blk of Gunther St, in Company 5's area, for a vehicle that flipped over, went down an embankment, and went into a house. Units arrived to find the same but no one trapped. Two patients were evaluated by A389 as the Squad crew surveyed the damage to the house and checked for any casualties inside. No additional patients were found and Squad 8 returned in about 40 minutes.

June 6th - Squad 8 runs fatal cutting in first due - At 2047 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 5800 Blk of Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for a cutting. Units arrived with police to find a male in an abandoned house bleeding and not breathing after being cut in his neck area with a box cutter. Units quickly packaged the patient who was taken to a local trauma center by PA5 as a trauma code but was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police continue to investigate and Squad 8 cleared in about 45 minutes.

June 5th - Ambulance 88 runs trauma on Martin Luther King Hwy - Just before 1730 hours, Ambulance 88 responded to MLK Hwy & Fiji Ave, in Company 38's area, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find an elderly male struck by a car and began treating the patient. The victim was packaged and loaded into Ambulance 88 and taken to a local trauma center with Medic 30 suffering from head injuries. Ambulance 88 returned in about an hour.

June 2nd - Child with impaled object followed by quadruple shooting - Around 2100 hours, Ambulance 88 was dispatched to the 100 Blk of East Mill Ave, in Seat Pleasant, for an injured child. Upon arrival, the child was found to have a keychain impaled in his head. Apparently the child was riding his bike when he fell off and impaled the keychain into his head. The crew stabilized the object and transported to a local childrens hospital. Ambulance 88 cleared and returned in just under 2 hours. Then just before midnight, units were dispatched to the 9000 Blk of Continental Pl, in Company 46's area, for a shooting. Units arrived with police to find 4 victims shot and additional units were called bringing Ambulance 88. Ambulance 88 arrived and worked with crews to treat various patients and ended up transporting 1 patient with a gunshot wound to the lower body. In all there were 4 patients, one of which died from their injuries. Police are still investigating and Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 2 hours.

May 30th - Volunteer staffing day keeps crews busy - Per the county staffing plan, Saturday May 30th Seat Pleasant had its career personnel removed and staffing left to the volunteers for the 24 hour period beginning at 0700 hours. Well, by 0700 hours, the company had already responded to 11 runs since midnight so bets were pretty good it was going to continue. It did. By midnight, the Company had responded to 47 runs (21 Squad runs, 20 Ambulance runs, and 6 engine runs). Between midnight and 0700 Sunday, Company 8 took in 5 more runs for a total of 41 runs handled by the volunteer crews in the 24 hour period. Most were just your run of the mill alarm calls, many medic locals, and of course accidents. The one incident worth mentioning was around 1618 hours, Engine 8, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to Central Ave & Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with 1 trapped. Units arrived to find 4 vehicles, including one up on a hill against a pole, with people scattered about on Cindy La requiring medical attention. Chief 8 established command and requested additional EMS units as the crews from Engine and Squad 8 performed patient care as no one was trapped. Several people were taken to area hospitals and units from 8 returned in about 20 minutes except for the Ambulance who transported one and returned in just under 2 hours.

May 27th - Busy day ends with shooting and fire for Company 8 - Around 2200 hours, while units from 8 were out on other runs, Chief 8B responded with other units for a report of a shooting in the 300 Blk of 70th Pl in Seat Pleasant. Chief 8B arrived with police as some citizens had gotten into an argument on the street and began shooting. Witnesses reported hearing about 20 shots being fired as a house was hit several times from stray bullets. One of said bullets went through a window as well as a bedroom wall and grazed a victim in the shoulder. Police blocked off the area and EMS units checked out the victim who was obviously very lucky as it was just a minor wound. Units returned shortly after and the scene was left to the police. Then about an hour later, Engine 8, Chief 8 (McGIll), and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 10600 Blk of Woodlawn Bl, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived to find heavy fire involving the first floor and through the roof. Engine 8 arrived and deployed a 2" line and went to work knocking the fire in the rear and then redeploying to the attic area extinguishing fire there as well. Chief 8 was given the interior division by command. After some good hard work, all fire was extinguished and the assignment was scaled back as units worked on overhaul and hot spots. Engine 8 picked up and returned to service in about 2 hours. In all, 27 runs were handled by the Company on Wednesday.

Picture not so good, but you get the idea, there was fire.

May 26th - Engine 8 on first due townhouse fire in London Woods - At 0022 hours, Engine 8 responded for a dwelling fire in the 1100 Blk of Castlehaven Ct in the London Woods section of Seat Pleasant. While enroute, PSC advised they were receiving several calls, some of which were reporting an outside fire. Engine 8 arrived shortly after and found an end of the row townhouse with fire from both floors in the rear and fire from the first floor in front. The crew advanced the 2" line and knocked the bulk of the first floor while E26 attempted to knock the fire in the rear. While crews were operating, a partial collapse of the roof prompted command to evacuate the structure as there was still some active fire on the second floor. Crews continued to knock the fire from the exterior and then entered for overhaul and to hit hot spots. Engine 8 worked and remained on the scene until just after 0300 hours.

Audio of incident here courtesy of dcfirefeeds.com

May 24th - Engine 8 and Ambulance 88 on multi victim crash in first due - Just before 2200 hours, Engine 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 5600 Blk of Martin Luther KIng Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. Units arrived to find several vehicles and multiple patients. Chief 8 established command and requested 3 additional EMS units to assist. Engine 8 assisted with EMS care until units arrived and Ambulance 88 treated and packaged 1 patient who was taken to a local trauma center. In all there were 7 patients (3 adults and 4 children) taken to area hospitals. Engine 8 cleared in about 25 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned in about an hour.

May 21st - Engine 81 placed out of service, reserve engine runs house fire - At 1532 hours, Engine 81 responded for a fire alarm in the first due at 6953 Aquamarine Ct. It ended up being a malfunction and the engine returned to quarters. Upon returning, it was placed out of service for good as there was finally a reserve engine available and our new engine gets ready to enter service. Engine 81 served the company and community well for 19 years and took us to countless fires and was the favorite among drivers to operate. She will spend the rest of her years in posession of a private owner who we know will take care of her. Of course with 83 having a frozen brake caliper and the county unable to pay to get it fixed, the company worked to put a reserve engine in service (E174) with equipment from 81. At 2246 hours, after the reserve engine was placed in service, they were alerted to the 2300 Blk of Edfeldt Dr, in Company 26's area, for a house on fire. Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8B (Johnson) also responded. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and fire from the rear of the house as well as possible explosions and went to work. Chief 8B took Division 1 and Engine 8 took a line to side C and found an addition well involved with extension to the first floor and a partial collapse of the roof. Due to the fire being gas fed and the gas turn off unable to be located, crews inside held the fire while Engine 8 knocked the bulk of the fire from the exterior. Once the gas was shut off, crews inside finished up the extinguishment. Units from Seat Pleasant returned in just over an hour.

Audio of incident here courtesy of dcfirefeeds.com

May 20th - Engine 81 & Ambulance 88 on apartment fire in Shadyside - Just after 1300 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 2600 Blk of Shadyside Ave, in Company 17's area, for an apartment fire. E171 arrived to find smoke showing from the top floor. Upon investigation, a top floor unit was discovered on fire and units went to work which also brought Ambulance 88 on the working fire dispatch. Engine 81 arrived 4th and picked up 27's line and advanced a line to the exposure building to check for extension. The fire was extinguished and units began overhaul. The exposure checked negative and the crew also took care of utilities in the fire building. The assignment was scaled back and Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 returned in about 45 minutes.

May 16th - Engine 81 on first due house fire, crew makes 2 rescues - Around 2300 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 200 Blk of Royal Oak Cir, in Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. While enroute, the call was updated to people trapped and EMS units were added. As Engine 81 headed out Central Ave, fire and smoke could be seen in the distance as the crew was given an updated location of the victims in the house being upstairs to the right. Engine 81 arrived to find a 2 story house with the garage well involved and extension to both floors. As the engine stopped, the forcible entry man rushed to the door and forced it open as smoke and heat started venting from the now open door. As the crew was getting the line in place, he entered the structure ahead of the line to do a search. While trying to get to the steps, a moan was heard on the first floor and investigated and an adult female was found down and semi conscious by the dining room. Members of Engine 81 worked to remove the female to the outside as the fire continued to extend to both floors. The forcible entry man then went back in and found an unconscious child close to where the female was and brought him out where he was handed off to the officer from T5 and taken to EMS units. Another member from Engine 81 worked on the unconscious child who started breathing again soon after. The crew from 81 was in the process of knocking the first floor when command pulled everyone out due to fire being through the roof and extending across the attic. As units were exiting, the situation was re-evaluated and crews were allowed to continue with interior operations. The crew from 81 took care of the first floor while E37, E38, E33, and SQ33 went to the second floor. A task force was called and units were used to relieve personnel on the initial alarm. The fire was extinguished and units were held for overhaul and checking for extension. The cause of the fire was electrical in nature and both unconscious patients were transported and are now recovering in the hospital. Ambulance 88 also showed up and assisted after clearing a medic local and the units returned in just over 3 hours. Good job by the crew from 8.

Career Capt KennyFusco

Career FF Vince Hill

Volunteer Engine Capt Kevin Brenner

Volunteer FF Aaron Branch

Volunteer FF Allison Rife

Volunteer EMT Bryce Mendez

Career FF John Lopez

Career FF James Thorne

May 16th - Squad 8, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8B extricate 2 on fatal accident - Just after midnight, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) were called to assist at Pennsylvania Ave & Forestville Rd, in Company 23's area, where units were on the scene of a two vehicle accident with people trapped. Squad 8 arrived and went to work along with Squad 27 removing the doors, B post, and seats allowing several victims to be extricated. A total of 4 patients were taken to area hospitals and trauma centers. Unfortunately the passenger was pronounced dead on the scene due to injuries sustained. Squad 8 cleared in about an hour or so and Ambulance 88 cleared after their transport. Chief 8B had the extrication group and the station kept an engine crew in quarters while units operated here as this was another one of our staffing nights proposed by the county during the budget crunch.

May 14th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on child struck in first due - Just before 0800 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to Addison Rd & G St, in Seat Pleasant, for a small child struck by a vehicle. Units arrived to find a 7 year old child who had been struck by a vehicle near Seat Pleasant Elementary School. The child was immobilized and loaded into PA5 and taken to a local pediatric trauma center. The units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes.

May 13th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on first due shooting - Well apparently since the weather is breaking, the shootings are increasing. Around 2030 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 responded to the area of Pepper Mill Dr & Valley Park Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of one shot. Units arrived with police to find the ice cream man (thats right folks, the ice cream man) shot in the lower body after being accosted by 4 or 5 subjects. Crews treated and loaded the patient who was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 46. The Squad cleared shortly after and the Ambulance returned in about 2 hours after clean up.

May 11th - Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 on fatal Beltway accident - Just after 0130 hours, units from Seat Pleasant were alerted to the Inner Loop of 495 at Central Ave for an accident with 1 ejected and a vehicle on fire. Units arrived to find a single vehicle through a guardrail with both occupants ejected and police attempting to put out the fire in the vehicle. Apparently an officer attempted to stop the vehicle when it took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not pursue the vehicle however came across it minutes later after it crashed. One patient was pronounced dead on the scene due to injuries and the other was treated and packaged by crews on the scene and taken to a local trauma center in critical condition by Ambulance 88 and the medic unit. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes while the Ambulance returned in about 90 minutes. Chief 8 (McGill) had the command.

May 10th - Ambulance 88 on second shooting in 8 hours - Around 0500 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 1200 Blk of Benning Rd, again in 17's area, for a report of one shot in the stairwell of the building. Units arrived with police to find a male shot once in the groin region. The patient was treated and placed in PA5 who took him to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over 30 minutes.

May 9th - Squad and Ambulance on evening shooting - Just after 1830 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 1500 Blk of Pacific Ave, in Company 17's area, for one shot out front. Originally police were called for an argument until a gunshot was heard and a male went down. Units arrived with police and found the patient suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and PA5. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes and the Ambulance returned in just over an hour.

May 8th - Engine 83 on fatal afternoon house fire in District Heights - At 1246, Engine 83 was dispatched 2nd due to the area of Mason St & Boones La, in Company 26's area, for a house on fire. While enroute, several units on previous calls cleared and responded pushing Engine 83 to 4th due. PSC advised that there was possibly a disabled person trapped inside as E26 arrived with smoke showing from the rear. Engine 83 arrived and reverse layed from E27 to a hydrant a few blocks down on Mason St as the officer took the Side C assignment. While crews were doing a search on the 1st floor, side C reported the fire was in the basement and E29, E8, and RS33 were making entry there. Upon entry a fire was discovered in a downstairs kitchen and extinguished as T5 found the victim in the same area. Crews began to remove the patient however it was obvious the victim was no longer alive and left in place for investigations. Units worked on overhaul and checking for extension as command scaled back the assignment. The units from 8 returned in just over an hour. On a side note, this fire was just a few blocks from yesterdays strip mall explosion.

May 7th - Squad 8 on RIT task force as strip mall explodes in District Heights - Around 1300 hours, a street alarm was dispatched to the 3400 Blk of Donnell Dr, in Company 26's area, for a gas leak in a commercial building. As units arrived, it was evident that there was a heavy concentration of gas in several buildings and additional units were called to assist with evacuation and checking exposures. Shortly after the box was filled, a small fire broke out in the rear that caused a catastrophic explosion of 6 of the buildings, blowing out the rear cinderblock walls as well as all of the plate glass windows in front. This event caused Maydays to be sounded as several firefighters were in close proximity of the building at the time of explosion. Command immeditaley called for a RIT tasck force, a 2nd alarm, and an EMS Task force. Squad 8 was dispatched on the RIT task force and reported directly to the scene and assisted units there as they were still shaking the glass off of them. All personnel were accounted for and 8 firefighters and 1 Washington Gas worker were transported to local hospitals. Squad 8 operated for over 4 1/2 hours before returning to service. We wish everyone injured a speedy recovery and a quick return back to the street.

Still of xpl courtesy wusa 9

Still image of explosion from WUSA TV 9

Click here for video, audio, and other details courtesy Statter911

May 3rd - Ambulance on early shooting, Squad on afternoon door pop - Around 0315 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 2100 Blk of Addison Rd S, in Company 26's area, for a report of one shot. Units arived with police to find a male shot in his leg near the knee. Crews treated and packaged the patient who was then taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 29. Ambulance 88 returned to service just before 0500 hours. Then later in the day just before 1330 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 6800 Blk of Alpine St, also in Company 26's area, for an accident with 1 trapped. Units arrived to find an accident with a small child trapped in a vehicle. Chief 8 arrived and established command as Squad 8 went to work and popped the door allowing the child to be freed. All patients were checked out and refused transport. Units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes.

May 2nd - Ambulance 88 runs trauma on Central Ave - At 1817 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the intersection of Central Ave & Garret A Morgan Bl, in Company 37's area, where police were on the scene of a male on a bicycle who had been struck by a vehicle. Ambulance 88 arrived with E37 and worked to treat and package a male suffering from numerous injuries. The patient was loaded and taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 who cleared in just over an hour.

May 1st - Squad 8 works on Walker Mill Rd trailer fire - Around 0930 hours, Squad 8 responded to the 6600 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for a possible building fire. Units arrived in the area and found a trailer well involved and almost on the ground on a vacant lot off the roadway. Squad 8 worked with E26 to extinguish what was left and overhaul. Command held those two units and Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes.

April 29th - Crew participates in annual Baskin Robbins fundraiser - Just after 1700 hours, a crew jumped aboard Engine 81 and headed to the Baskin Robbins at 9183 Central Ave to participate in their annual 31 cent scoop night. Each year Baskin Robbins sponsors this event where it reduces the price of a scoop of ice cream to just 31 cents and donates $100,000 to the Junior Firefighters Program sponsored by the National Volunteer Fire Council. Seat Pleasant took this opportunity to support this worthy cause and mingle with the community. The crew stayed for about 4 hours and answered questions from the public and even dished out a little ice cream to patrons. Although the weather wasnt the best (cool and rainy), turn out was great for this event. We would like to thank Walter and the rest of his crew at BR for their work and welcoming us in and not firing us if scooping didnt go as planned. Thank you to the community as well for their support of this cause as well as the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company.

April 28th - Two more fires in just over 12 hours for Company 8 - Around 0540 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 6100 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 26's area, for smoke coming from a building. E26 arrived to find a commercial deli with smoke showing. Engine 83 arrived and layed a line and pulled a back up line to the front but with the special services coming from a distance, the crew grabbed the saw that is kept on the engine and went to work removing the roll up doors. Once the doors were breached, the crew then worked on removing the steel bars from the door to the interior of the business. Once the door was removed, E26 found a small fire in the rear of the store and extinguished the same as other crews worked to check for extension and ventilate. Engine 83 picked up and returned in about an hour. Then around 1330 hours while out doing inspections, E17 came across a large pile of tv's behind a business on fire in the 4800 Blk of Silver Hill Rd and called for the box as the fire was extending inside. Squad 8 responded on the call and went to work cutting their way through gates and locks to gain access to the area that was on fire. After gaining access, the Squad crew worked to open up the outside of the building while the roof crew opened up from above where fire had extended. After opening up quite a bit, the fire was extinguished and units were held for overhaul. Squad 8 returned to service in just over an hour. These were the 2nd and 3rd fires for Company 8 in just over 12 hours.

April 27th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on Largo house fire - Just before 2300 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 12300 Blk of Ronald Beall Rd, in Company 46's area, for a house on fire with kids trapped. Squad 8 was on a medic local on Daimler Dr but quickly cleared and was added to the call as well. E46 arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor of a house and advanced a line. Squad 8 arrived as the second special service and went to work laddering the front and rear of the house and clearing out windows as E46 found a second floor bedroom off. The fire was extinguished and all occupants escaped prior to the arrival of the FD however two of those occupants required transport. The assignment was scaled back and Squad 8 returned to service in just over 30 minutes while Ambulance 88 transported both patients and returned in about 2 hours.

April 26th - Squad, Ambulance, and Chief extricate one on Sheriff Rd - Around 0045 hours Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the intersection of Sheriff Rd & 60th Ave, in Company 38's area, for an accident. Units arrived to find a few vehicles with several patients and one trapped. Chief 8 arrived and established command and called for additional EMS units. Citizens had reported hearing sirens then a loud crash where they then saw several subjects running from a vehicle. Squad 8 went to work and extricated one patient as EMS units treated and packaged patients and transported to a local hospital, one of which went to a trauma center. The units from 8 cleared in about 30 minutes and returned home.

April 25th - Engine 83 takes in first due afternoon house fire - Just after 1230 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the unit block of Daimler Dr, in the Central Park neighborhood of Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. Engine 83 arrived within minutes to find smoke showing and advanced a line. The crew found a working fire involving the kitchen and extinguished the same. Additional units arrived and ventilated and checked for extension in the exposures. Crews opened up and hit hot spots as the assignment was scaled back. One occupant was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation as well. Engine 83 cleared the scene in about an hour.

April 19th - Engine 83 on Capitol Heights house fire - Around 1915 hours, E5 marked out with fire showing from a house in the 6100 Blk of Central Ave and requested the box. Engine 83 hit the street and arrived within a minute picking up 5's line and advancing a back up line inside. The crew from Engine 83 knocked down a room and assisted with opening up and a search. The fire was extinguished and command held E5, E8, and T26 for overhaul. Engine 83 cleared in about 30 minutes and then was sent to Company 26 on a transfer as the fill in companies for the Central Ave fire were on a working house fire in Company 26's area on Marlboro Pk.

April 15th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 run another stabbing in Seat Pleasant - Around 2110 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 7100 Blk of Fresno St, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. While enroute, police arrived and advised that the occupants had bailed out and ran from the scene and with no victims FD units were put in service. As the units from 8 were heading back home, police came across a male in the same block suffering from stab wounds to the face and neck. Apparently the accident and the stabbing were related and chalked up to a carjacking gone bad. Units from 8 treated the victim who was taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and PA5. Squad 8 returned in about 15 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned after cleanup in about 2 hours. On a side note, our new engine arrived today. Pictures are coming as soon as it stops raining...if it ever does.

April 14th - Busy day brings 2 fires and trauma for Seat Pleasant - At 0815 hours, just after clearing a first due fire alarm, Engine 81 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 1200 Blk of Eastwood Dr, in Company 37's area, for a house fire. E37 arrived to find smoke showing and a few rooms off on the first floor. Engine 81 arrived and ran a back up line to the basement where they took care of some drop down extension and took care of the search. The fire was extinguished and crews were held for overhaul. Engine 81 returned in about an hour and Chief 8 had the command. Then around 1615 hours, Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 responded to Pennsylvania Ave & Forestville Rd, in Company 23's area, for an accident with people trapped and one unconscious. Units arrived to find multiple vehicles involved with many patients and additional EMS units were called. Ambulance 88 arrived and took care of a semi conscious victim and transported to a local trauma center with Medic 29. In all, there were 7 patients and 5 BLS units were utilized on the scene. Ambulance 88 returned in about 90 minutes and Chief 8 returned just after 1700 hours which leads us to the next call. While operating on the accident, Engine 81 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 6500 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for a house on fire with a person trapped. Units arrived to find a 2 story duplex with smoke showing and advanced a line. The crew from 81 encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions as they advanced up the steps making their way to the second floor. The crew began extinguishing the fire as the officer broke off to search ahead of the line for the victim. As the lineman extinguished the fire, the officer met up with a member of Squad 33 who had found the victim and started removing him. The officer of 81 assisted Squad 33 with removal and CPR was started. The driver from Engine 81 assisted with ventilating the patient until EMS units arrived to transport him to a hospital where he was in critical condition. The fire was extinguished and units were held for 2 hours for overhaul and investigations. A good job for Engine 81's crew, Career Captain Fusco (OIC), Volunteer Engine Captain Kevin Brenner (lineman), and Career FF Vince Hill (driver) for their part in this incident as well as the crew from Squad 33. Even with the 2 fires, the company still took in 23 runs on the day.

April 13th - Crew from Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 receive lifesaving awards - Monday morning, Acting Fire Chief Eugene A Jones stopped by station 8 to present lifesaving awards to the crew of Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 that were on duty back in February when units responded to a shooting on Hasting Dr where 4 people were shot as a result of a domestic. Units from 8 arrived and although the scene was deemed safe, it was quickly discovered that it wasnt secure and the gunman was possibly still at large in the area. The crew seeing that a female was down in front decided to grab her quickly and remove her from the scene without the protection of police. Once the female was placed in Ambulance 88, crews began to back out until they saw police carrying another victim toward them. The crew then took care of that victim as well until she could be placed in an EMS unit. Both victims treated initially by Company 8 in the unsafe atmosphere both survived the attack. Congratulations to Career Lt Johnny Woods, Career FF's Tim Barden, Jonathan Coleman, and Matt Kershaw for their selfless acts during this incident.

April 12th - Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 on first due stabbing - Around 2215 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the area of Dateleaf Ave & Blacklog St, in the Carmody Hills section Seat Pleasant, for a report of one stabbed. PSC received calls reporting a male beating and stabbing a female in the street. Units from 8 arrived with PD to find a female suffering from multiple stab wounds to the head including a large laceration to the neck. The patient was treated and taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and the medic unit. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned in just over an hour.

April 11th - Volunteers have busy day as County removes career personnel again - As part of the staffing solution instituted by PG County Fire Dept, the career personnel were once again removed today just as they will be every other week until July 1st to cut back on overtime costs. The volunteers at Seat Pleasant again made sure that there was adequate coverage as personnel was redeployed elsewhere. Crews staffed Engine 81, Squad 8, and Ambulance 88 for 24 hours and took in 34 runs during that same period. Only call worth mentioning was an accident at Central Ave & Cabin Branch Rd around 0900 hours where there were three patients, 1 of which was a trauma by mechanism. All units from 8 provided patient care and assisted with packaging and loading them into EMS units. Engine 81 and Squad 8 returned in about 20 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned in just over an hour. Crews answered calls from Cheverly to Oxon Hill and everyplace in between. The next date staffing is removed by the county will be April 26th from 0700 - 1900 hours.

April 9th - Squad 8 runs evening shooting on Central Ave - At 2000 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 6800 Blk of Central Ave, near Cindy La in Seat Pleasant, for a report of someone shot in the building. Units arrived with County Police to find a teenager shot once in the upper body. The patient was treated and loaded into PA5 and taken to a local trauma center for treatment. Squad 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.

April 8th - Engine 81 makes another trip to Largo, this time for small kitchen fire - Just after 2030 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 200 Blk of Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for a fire in a townhouse. E846 arrived to find a working fire with extension to the cabinets. Engine 81 arrived and ran a back up line inside as units knocked the fire and opened up checking for extension. As the fire was confirmed out, Command held E846, Engine 81, and Squad 33 for overhaul and cleanup. Engine 81 picked up and returned to service in about 30 minutes.

April 8th - Early morning house fire in Largo leaves firefighter critically injured - At 0201 hours, Engine 81 responded to the unit block of Herrington Dr, in Company 46's area, for a house. E846 arrived to find a car on fire in the carport with extension into the house. The crew advanced lines inside and began extinguishing the fire. During these operations, Squad 33 came across a downed firefighter in the kitchen area who was unresponsive and in need of immediate assistance. The crew called a mayday and worked to quickly remove him from the house. As crews on the inside worked in heavy fire conditions to remove the injured firefighter, Engine 81 continued with interior operations on the second floor as the crew forced the door in the rear and then advanced a line via ground ladder to a bedroom on fire in the rear. As Engine 81 was extinguishing fire on the second floor, additional units worked on knocking the fire on the first floor. The firefighter was removed and taken quickly by land to the burn center where he was treated and remained in critical condition. As of this posting (Sunday the 12th), Career FF/Medic Danny McGown who was onboard E846, is making great progress and has had his breathing tube removed and has been placed in a step down room instead of remaining in ICU. The fire was deemed suspicious and investigators continue to look into the cause. Engine 81 returned to service in about 2 1/2 hours. The Seat Pleasant Fire Company would like to wish FF McGown a healthy and speedy recovery. Stay strong brother.

Audio from the fire courtesy DC Fire Feeds

April 7th - Squad 8 & Chief 8B on daytime fire in Cheverly - Just before 1000 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 2800 Blk of 63rd Pl, in Company 22's area, for a house on fire. E331 arrived first to find fire showing from the 2nd floor of a house and ran a line. Squad 8 arrived as the first special service and was put to work on the second floor as well. The crew controlled utilities, searched the fire floor, and vented as they searched. The fire was extinguished and command held E331 and Squad 8 for hotspots and overhaul. Units from Seat Pleasant returned in about 90 minutes.

April 5th - Squad 8 and Chief 8B on double fatal accident in Largo - Late in the afternoon, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to Harry S Truman Dr & New Orchard Dr, in Company 46's area for a vehicle accident with a car that had "exploded" and possibly someone trapped. Units arrived to find a single vehicle that had struck a tree and burst into flames with one trapped inside and another who was ejected. The person still trapped in the vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene and the patient ejected also succumbed to their injuries as well. Units from 8 returned to service in about 30 minutes and returned again to the scene hours later after the investigation to extricate the body for the medical examiner.

April 4th - Its almost time for it to arrive after a long wait. Tentative arrival date for Seat Pleasant's newest addition is April 14th. After arrival it will be lettered, have tools mounted, and then hose loaded.

See everyone soon !!

April 4th - Squad 8 on late night hotel fire with rescues in Temple Hills - At 2331 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 3100 Blk of Branch Ave, in Company 29's area, for a fire in the building. First arriving units reported smoke showing with numerous rescues from a 2 story hotel. Squad 8 arrived and reported to the 2nd floor and assisted units there with operations as the fire was knocked down. Due to the numerous obvious rescues, Squad 8 assisted with room to room searches as well as ventilation. A fire task force as well as an EMS task force was called to the scene to assist. The fire was extinguished and additional searches proved negative and several occupants were treated by EMS units onscene. Squad 8 operated for just under 2 hours before returning to service.

Audio of the fire here courtesy DC Fire Feeds

April 2nd - Squad 8 and Chief 8B on Bowie townhouse fire - Around 1630 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 15700 Blk of Piller La, in Company 43's area, for a report of a townhouse fire. Units arrived on the scene to find a working fire on the first floor of said townhouse. Squad 8 and Chief 8B arrived and were assigned RIT duties as crews extinguished the fire and checked for extension. Squad 8 and Chief 8B returned to service in about 30 minutes.

April 1st - Ambulance 88 on pedestrian struck in Largo - Just before noon, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 200 Blk of Harry S Truman Dr, in Company 46's area, for a man laying in the road. While enroute it was determined that he may have been struck by a vehicle and additional units were started. Units arrived to find a man in the road suffering from traumatic injuries after possibly being struck by a vehicle. The patient was treated and packaged and taken to a local trauma center by Ambulance 88 and Medic 20. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 2 hours.

March 29th - Engine 83 and Chief 8 on District Heights apartment fire - Just before 2200 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 5200 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 26's area, for an apartment on fire. First arriving units arrived to find a working fire in a second floor apartment. Engine 83 arrived and ran a back up line into the building where the fire was extinguished. Crews worked to open up and check for extension as well as ventilate the building. The assignment was scaled back and the units from 8 were held for about an hour for overhaul before returning to service.

March 28th - Squad 8 ends fire drought, runs fire in Company 23's area - After over 3 weeks without a fire and back to back boxes in Company 17's area, Squad 8 was sent around 1400 hours to the 10700 Blk of Coneflower Ct, in Company 23's area, for a garage on fire. E23 arrived and reported a working fire in a large single family house. Squad 8 arrived at the same time as T25 & T26 and assumed the duty of RIT as heavy fire was now on the second floor and through the roof of a well involved garage attached to a house. Squad 8's crew set up and went to work first removing the front door to assist with hoseline advancement and then laddering all 4 sides and removing windows. The crew then stood fast as units worked to open up and extinguish the fire. Later, as fire continued to burn in the roof area,e crew from Squad 8 was redeployed to Division 2 with some members from E17 who worked to open up the rest of the second floor and extinguish all of the hot spots. After about 30 minutes of opening up and sitting up in the rafters, the fire was out and the assignment was scaled back. Squad 8 returned to service in just over 2 hours. While Squad 8 operated, the station kept an engine & ambulance crew in service for any further calls.

March 27th - Members step up and fill in for career personnel removed by county - Tonight was our first night in the PG County Fire Department Staffing Plan to cut back on overtime and try to reduce the budget shortfall in these harsh economic times. The County Fire Department came up with a plan that stated that all stations with either 2 or 4 career personnel around the clock would lose them for 12 or 24 hours every other week or so until July 1st to try and cut back on costs. These nights, career personnel would be deployed to fill vacancies at other stations instead of paying overtime. Last night all 4 were removed and the volunteers were left with staffing the station for 12 hours overnight. Approximately 13 volunteers staffed the Engine, Squad, and Ambulance for the night and were joined by Acting County Fire Chief Eugene Jones who stopped by to pay a visit and ended up joining us for a meal. The night was relatively slow for the company and the career personnel returned at precisely 0700 hours Saturday morning to start the next shift. The next time the county removes personnel will be for 24 hours on Saturday April 11th.

March 26th - Squad 8 & Chief 8B on serious accident in Silver Hill - Around 1045 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to Branch Ave & Suitland Pkwy, in Company 29's area, for an accident with a report of one ejected and possibly an amputated foot. Units arrived to find a multi vehicle accident with a pedestrian struck. Units from 8 arrived and and began assisting with EMS care. The pedestrian was the most critical patient as one of his legs had been amputated during the accident with severe damage to the remaining leg. All patients were treated and transported to local hospitals. Units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes or so.

March 23rd - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on suspicious death in Seat Pleasant - Around 1230 hours, Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 responded originally to the 600 Blk of Addison Rd S, in Seat Pleasant, for a dead body in the back of a house. After being unable to find the victim or the house, it was discovered that the address was actually the 600 Blk of 62nd Pl off Addison Rd which is also in Seat Pleasant, just nowhere near the original address. Units arrived at a vacant house to find a male on the rear porch who was obviously deceased. The caller had come to look at the house for sale and discovered the body. The scene was turned over to Police and they are still investigating. Units from 8 returned to service in about 20 minutes.

March 19th - Squad 8 and Chief 8 on accident with traumas in first due - Just before 1600 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) were alerted to Addison Rd & Martin Luther King Hwy, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident with people trapped. Units arrived to find a four vehicle accident with moderate damage and several injured. It was also relayed by PSC, that one subject had bailed out of the car and was last seen running down Seat Pleasant Dr. Squad 8 began treating patients as there was no one technically trapped and EMS units were arriving. Police then called out as they were with the driver about 50 yards down Seat Pleasant Dr and he was injured as well bringing another EMS unit. In all there were 3 patients two of which were mechanism traumas. Chief 8 had the command and units from 8 cleared in about 40 minutes.

March 17th - Ambulance and Chief 8 spend late night in Silver Hill on shooting - Just after midnight, County Police were dispatched to the 3100 Blk of Branch Ave, in Company 29's area, for a man with a gun. Upon PD arriving, the male went into a local establishment and upon being removed, pushed officers, pulled out a gun, and open fired on them. The officers returned fire and struck the subject who then went back into the liquor store, took a woman hostage, and fired a shot inside. About a dozen people were inside and were all potential victims so a mass casualty task force was called as a precaution bringing Ambulance 88 and Chief 8 (McGill). Units staged at Company 29 while County Police worked to end the situation. Eventually the subject released the woman and came outside once again, weapon in hand, and open fired on officers. This time several officers returned fire, striking and killing the subject. There were no other injuries and the units from 8 returned to service after the scene was cleared over 2 hours later.

March 6th - Engine 83 on early morning double fatal fire in Kentland - Just before 0300 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 7200 Blk of Flagstaff St, in Company 33's area, for a house fire. E331 arrived to find smoke showing from a single family dwelling with reports of people still inside. Engine 83 arrived 3rd and layed a line to side A and ran the front jumpline to the basement entrance where crews encountered heavy fire conditions. The crew from 8 entered the basement and extinguished the bulk of the fire along with members of the rescue engine from 33 who performed a search while crews on the first floor held the fire at the stairs. During searches two victims were found, 1 of which was pronounced on the scene and the other who was removed and taken to a local hospital where they died from their injuries. The fire did extend upwards to the first floor as other units opened up and extinguished the fire there. Engine 83 picked up and returned to service in about 2 hours. The cause of this double fatal fire is still under investigation.

March 5th - Squad, ambulance, and 8B on rollover accident with trauma - Just before 1800 hours, Squad 8, Ambulance 88, and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded for an accident on the Inner Loop of the Beltway at Suitland Rd with a vehicle overturned. Units arrived to find a single vehicle rollover accident with 5 patients. Chief 8B arrived and established command and requested additional EMS units. Squad 8 assisted with patient care of several patients and Ambulance 88 transported 1 patient to a local trauma center. Squad 8 and Chief 8B returned in about 45 minutes while the Ambulance returned in about 90 minutes.

March 1st - Squad 8 specialed to Glenn Dale townhouse fire - Around 2030 hours, units were dispatched to the 11200 Blk of Westport Dr, in Company 18's area, for a townhouse on fire with people trapped. E181 arrived to find fire showing from all floors of a middle of the row townhouse and companies went to work. Soon after arrival, Squad 8 was sent to fill in at Company 18. While enroute, Command requested additional units sending Squad 8 to the scene. Upon arrival, Squad 8 was assigned RIC duties as crews worked mainly from the exterior to control the fire as there had been a collapse of the main building and crews worked inside the exposures. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour before returning to service.

February 27th - Day brings fire, melee, and trauma code - Around 0345 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 6300 Blk of K St, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire. E38 arrived and found heavy fire on both floors of a vacant house. Engine 83 arrived and ran a line to the second floor while E38 was knocking the first floor. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions and extinguished the same. Engine 83 operated for about 90 minutes before returning. Then as school was letting out, a large fight broke out along Central Ave among the local high school students. At one point it was estimated that possibly close to 100 students were fighting and the "scene" stretched from Cabin Branch Rd to Addison Rd. A few victims made their way to the firehouse for treatment including one young woman who was hit with a brick. Plenty of police were on the scene and mitigated the situation. Then around 1630 hours, Squad 8, Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to Silver Hill Rd & Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 26's area, for an accident. While enroute, it was learned that a child had been struck by a vehicle. Units arrived to find a teenage child that had been struck at a high speed, unconscious, and not breathing. Squad 8's crew arrived and immediately began CPR on the child. He was quickly loaded and taken to a local pediatric trauma center where at last check was alive in critical condition. Great job by Squad 8 and the Medics. Units from 8 returned in about 20 minutes.

February 26th - Ambulance 88 runs trauma in Ritchie - At 1912 hours, Ambulance 88 was alerted to Ritchie Rd & Overton Dr, in Company 37's area, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find an adult male that had been struck by a vehicle and suffering from serious head injuries. Units treated and stabilized the patient who was then loaded into Ambulance 88 and taken to a local trauma center with Medic 46 on board as a priority 1 trauma. Ambulance 88 returned to service in just over two hours.

February 24th - Ambulance 88 on night time shooting in Largo - Just before midnight, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the unit Blk of Joyceton Terr, in Company 46's area, for a report of one shot. Units arrived with police to find a victim shot once in the lower body after a robbery. The patient was treated on the scene and then loaded into Medic 18 and taken to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 returned to service in about 30 minutes.

February 21st - Engine 81 & Ambulance 88 on first due house fire - Just after 1130 hours, Engine 81 and Ambulance 88 responded to the 5900 Blk of Crown St, in Seat Pleasant, for a house on fire. Engine 81 arrived to find a house with fire showing from the first floor and advanced a line. The crew found fire involving several rooms and extinguished the same. Additional units checked the floor above and opened up checking for extension. Command scaled back and held E8, E38, E9 and T28 for overhaul and hot spots. Units from 8 returned in about 2 hours.

Photos courtesy Bladensburg VFD

February 20th - Squad 8 runs morning stabbing on Cindy La - Around 0830 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the unit blk of Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for a male in the hallway yelling for help and bleeding. Units arrived to find a male suffering from a stab wound and began treating him. Units also found another victim that was injured as both injuries were the result of a domestic. Both patients were treated and taken to local hospitals. Squad 8 cleared in about 20 minutes.

February 19th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on accident with 1 ejected & 1 trapped - Around 0300 hours, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 5500 Blk of Addison Rd, in Company 38's area. Units arrived to find an SUV on its roof up against a house with a person trapped inside and 1 ejected. Squad 8 arrived and established command as the crew went to work stabilizing the vehicle and extricating the occupant. The patient was removed and loaded into a medic unit. Both patients were taken to a local trauma center by EMS units. Squad 8 returned in about 30 minutes and Ambulance 88 returned home in about an hour.

February 18th - Squad 8 and Chief 8B on house fire in Suitland - Around 1745 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8B (Johnson) responded to the 6100 Blk of Lucente Ave, in Company 27's area, for a house fire. E27 arrived and found smoke in the house. Squad 8 arrived soon after as the first due special service and assisted the engine in locating the fire. Squad 8 performed searches as fire was found involving a dryer in the basement. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 checked for extension. Command scaled back holding E27 and Squad 8 for about an hour before returning.

February 17th - Engine 81 & Chief 8 on mid morning apartment fire - Around 0945 hours, Engine 81 & Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 6800 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 26's area, for smoke in the building. E26 arrived with nothing evident but found smoke conditions in the building. The crew from Engine 81 ran a second line and entered an apartment on the first floor where they found heavy smoke and heat conditions. Although both those two items were present there was not alot of fire found as the apartment had been gutted but burned itself out. Crews worked on some hot spots and checked for extension. Chief 8 had the command and held 2 and 2 for overhaul. Units from 8 cleared in about an hour.

February 16th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 run homicide in Seat Pleasant - Early in the evening, Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 6300 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for a possible DOA. Units arrived with police and found a male in bed that was deceased but suffering from significant trauma to the upper body. Units from 8 remained on the scene with police for a short time before returning to service. Police are still investigating and asking for the publics help.

Fox 5 news report about the incident

February 13th - Engine 81 on another early morning first due fire - Just before 0200 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 7000 Blk of Greig Ct, in Seat Pleasant, for an apartment on fire. Engine 81 arrived to find smoke in the building and a working fire on the 2nd floor. The crew ran a line and extinguished fire in the kitchen. Additional units searched and vented the building. The fire was extinguished and the assignment scaled back to to 1 and 1 for overhaul. Engine 81 returned in about 45 minutes.

February 12th - Engine 81 on early morning first due duplex fire - Just after 0130 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 6700 Blk of Seat Pleasant Dr for a report of a house fire. Engine 81 arrived to find a 2 story duplex and a working fire. The crew made entry and found fire in the living room and extinguished the same. Additional units checked for extension, searched, and vented. The assignment was scaled back shortly after and command held Engine 81 and a special service for about an hour before returning.

February 11th - Engine from 8 and Chief on early morning house fire - Around 0530 hours, the engine and Chief 8 (McGill) were alerted to the area of Walker Mill Rd & Addison Rd S, in Company 26's area, for a house on fire. Units arrived in the area and began checking. Chief 8 made his way down a dirt road and found a house with smoke showing and directed an engine to lay a line. E37 arrived first and along with Chief 8 ran a line to the top floor where they encountered heavy fire conditions. Engine 8 ran a back up line to the second floor where they opened up and found fire in the walls and extinguished the same. The fire was extinguished and units were held for overhaul. Units from 8 returned in about 90 minutes.

February 9th - Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 on double shooting in Seat Pleasant - Just before 0300 hours, Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 7900 Blk of Central Ave at Le Pearl (Mad Chef Cafe), in Seat Pleasant, for a shooting. Units arrived to find 2 people suffering minor gunshot wounds. Patients were treated and taken to a local trauma center by the Medic unit. Units from 8 cleared in about 20 minutes. The vehicle that had sped away with the shooter was found soon after and a chase ensued which ended just down the street from the firehouse. Four subjects bailed out and were apprehended by police.

February 5th - Ambulance runs accident involving County Police - Around 2130 hours, units were alerted for an accident involving County Police at Landover Rd & Lottsford Rd in Company 46's area. Units arrived to find a County Police officer who had been T-boned by another vehicle, knocking him unconscious and trapping him in the vehicle. Ambulance 88 was alerted as an additional BLS unit as there were several injuries. Ambulance 88 arrived and provided a driver for the medic unit who transported the recently extricated police officer to a local trauma center. The other member of 88 assisted other units with patient care on the scene. Both members met back up and returned to service in about an hour.

February 4th - Units from 8 run multiple shooting in Seat Pleasant - Just after 1600 hours, Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 6700 Blk of Hastings Dr, in Seat Pleasant, for a report of several gunshots and people screaming. Units arrived with police to find a very disturbing scene. Four people had been shot and located in different areas including across the street from where the shootings had occurred. Units from 8 called for additional EMS and manpower units as there was alot of work to be done. The shootings were the result of a domestic situation in which a female was shot several times and critically wounded initially by the subject and found outside, the father of the female who came to her aid suffered non life threatening injuries, the mother of the female victim who was critically injured as she also was shot several times as she protected a 2 year old from being shot, and the shooter who was pronounced dead after a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Patients were treated and quickly transported to various trauma centers. Units from 8 returned to service in about 2 hours.

February 2nd - Squad & Ambulance run trauma on Central Ave - Around 1445 hours, Squad 8 & Ambulance 88 were alerted for an accident at Central Ave & Cindy La in Seat Pleasant. Shortly after going enroute, the call was changed to a pedestrian struck bringing PA5. Units arrived to find a teenage male who had been struck by a car. Units treated and stabilized the patient who was then loaded into PA5 and taken to a local trauma center. Units from 8 returned in about 20 minutes.

January 31st - Engine 81 & Squad 8 on small first due fire - Around 0700 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to 1 Cindy La, in Seat Pleasant, for an odor of smoke. Upon arrival, the crew encountered heavy smoke in an apartment and people evacuating the building and requested the box be filled. Squad 8 responded on the call as well as some of the shift from the night before were still in house. The crew found a fire in a furnace area and extinguished the same as units checked for extension on the floor above. EMS units checked residents outside as they stood in the cold and a bus was initially called to shelter them but was returned. The fire was extingusihed with minimal extension and the building ventilated. The units from 8 returned in about an hour bringing an end to a good week which brought 8 fires for the company.

January 30th - Squad 8 and the Chief on 2 alarm fire in Morningside - Just after 1330 hours, Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 5600 Blk of Regency Park Ct, in Company 27's area, for smoke coming from the building. Units arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the top two floors and went to work. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions on the top two floors with extension into the cockloft. A second alarm was called to the scene to assist. Chief 8 was given Division 4 as the Squad opened up and extinguished fire on the top floor. Crews worked to make sure the fire was stopped along with performing a decent amount of overhaul. The units from 8 returned in about 90 minutes.

January 29th - Morning, noon, & night all bring fires for Company 8 on Thursday - Around 0530 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 5300 Blk of Leverett St, in Company 42's area, for a house fire. Units arrived to find a working fire in the basement of a triple with extension to the 1st and 2nd floor. Engine 81 arrived and worked with units to open up and extinguish fire on the upper floor. The fire was extinguished and Engine 81 worked on some overhaul for awhile before returning in about 45 minutes. Then about 1330 hours, Engine 81 was alerted to the 200 Blk of Castleton Ter, in Company 46's area, for a townhouse on fire. E46 arrived with heavy smoke from a vacant townhouse and found heavy fire on both floors. Engine 81 arrived and picked up 33's line and advanced a line into the exposure to check for extension and then went to the roof as fire had extended into the attic. All fire was extinguished and the assignment scaled back. Engine 81 cleared in just under an hour. Then just after 2100 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 3300 Blk of Walters La, in Company 26's area, for an apartment fire. Units arrived with nothing evident but soon found a working fire in a second floor apartment. Squad 8 went to work and was assigned Division 2 and performed a search and opened up for the engine company. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 returned in just over 30 minutes ending "three fire Thursday".

Audio of Castleton Terr courtesy DC fire feeds

January 28th - Bad weather brings a few serious accidents for Squad 8 - After a previous day of snow bringing an inch or two, the night turned to freezing rain and brought a few accidents. Around 0200 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the I/L of 495 near Pennsylvania Ave, in Company 37's area, for an accident involving a tractor trailer. Units arrived to find a tractor trailer that had hit an overhead sign and flipped over, ejecting the driver. In addition to the driver being ejected, the contents of the saddle tanks (200 gallons of diesel fuel) and the trailer (human waste) were also spilled into the roadway bringing the Hazmat Company to the scene. Squad 8 assisted units on the scene with patient care and searching for any further victims. The driver was taken to a local trauma center with a serious head injury and a severed hand. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about 45 minutes after the Hazmat Team got set up. Later in the day just before 1500 hours, units were dispatched to Pennsylvania Ave & Silver Hill Rd, in Company 26's area, for an accident involving several vehicles and police reporting at least 3 trapped. Units arrived and confirmed the reports and requested additional units including a second squad and 5 BLS units bringing Squad 8 and Ambulance 88 to the call. Crews worked to extricate the 3 victims from the car and package them for EMS personnel. In all there were 9 patients, one of which was transported by Ambulance 88. Squad 8 cleared in about 30 minutes and the Ambulance returned in about an hour.

Silverhill Rd & Penn Ave photos courtsey of PGFD PIO

January 27th - Squad 8 on afternoon apartment fire in Silver Hill - After clearing a box alarm in 17's area, a street assignment was dispatched to the 4500 Blk of Dallas Pl, in Company 29's area, for smoke coming from a refrigerator. Squad 8 was in the area and were placed on the call as well and arrived first. The crew from Squad 8 made their way to the reporting apartment and found heavy smoke coming from under the sink by the pipe chase. The crew went to check the apartment below and found smoke pushing from around the doorway. Squad 8 forced the door and found heavy smoke conditions and a working fire in the kitchen. The crew immediately started a search of the apartment as the can man started extinguishing the fire and kept it in check until the engine crew could get their line in place. The crew found and removed several dogs from the apartment and unfortunately several others did not make it however the apartment was clear of any human occupants. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 remained on the scene for about 2 hours for overhaul.

January 25th - Squad 8 goes to Glenarden twice on working fires - At 0745 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 3200 Blk of Reed St, in Company 33's area, for an apartment on fire. Units arrived to find a top floor apartment off with extension to the cockloft. Squad 8 arrived and was assigned RIC duties as command called for a task force. The fire was extinguished and units worked on checking for extension and overhaul. Squad 8 cleared the scene in about an hour. A few hours later around 1345 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 1000 Blk of 10th St, also in Company 33's area, for a bedroom on fire in a house. Units arrived to find fire showing from the second floor and went to work. Squad 8 arrived and again was given RIC duties. Crews knocked the fire and checked for extension. The assignment was scaled back and Squad 8 returned in about 30 minutes.

January 24th - Squad 8 on early morning fire in Largo - At 0300 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 10600 Blk of Campus Way S, in Company 46's area, for a fire in a townhouse. Units arrived to find smoke showing and a working fire in the kitchen. Squad 8 arrived as the first special service and was put to work opening up and checking for extension as the engine crew began knocking the fire. The fire was extinguished and Squad 8 worked on overhauling the area. Squad 8 returned home in about 45 minutes.

January 19th - Another busy day for Company 8 brings another fire - The busy times continued for Seat Pleasant as crews were busier than normal for a 3rd straight day. Calls of interest today started just before 1230 hours as Ambulance 88 was returning from the hospital. The crew was approached by a male in a car that pulled up in front of them at the light at MLK Hwy & Addison Rd in Seat Pleasant, and stated he needed help. The crew told PSC they would be checking on a subject and pulled into a parking lot. They found a female in the car who was not breathing and showing signs of an overdose. The crew asked the male what she took and he revealed that "she took some medicine......and put some heroin in it". The crew loaded her quickly and started bagging her as she wasnt breathing but had a pulse. The crew tried to meet up with a medic unit but no dice, none were available. They transported to a local hospital where personnel gave her more medicine (minus the heroin) and she began breathing on her own again. The ambulance cleared in about 40 minutes. Later in the night around 2030 hours, Engine 81 and Squad 8 responded to the 2500 Blk of Romona Dr, in Company 26's area, for a fire in the basement of a house. Units arrived to find a room in the basement on fire. Engine 81 layed an additional line and stood by per command while Squad 8 went to work doing a search of the first floor and venting. The fire was knocked and Engine 81 was returned in about 20 minutes. Squad 8 remained on the scene for about an hour for overhaul before returning. The station maintained an Engine, Squad, and Ambulance crew for the day and took in another 35 runs for a three day total of 107 runs and 7 fires.

January 18th - Another busy day brings another fire for Company 8 - Sunday picked up where Saturday left off....with a bunch of runs. Personnel ran numerous box alarms and broken water pipes during the day until just after 2200 hours when Squad 8 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 2000 Blk of Kenilworth Ave, in Company 38's area, for a warehouse on fire. This of course was the first trip for 2009 to Smiths Junk Yard as we usually make about two a year. Units arrived to find heavy fire from a building and units went to work attempting to extinguish it. Squad 8 forced entry to the front by taking out roll up doors and then ventilating the structure. Crews operated for awhile hitting hot spots and performing overhaul. Squad 8, Ambulance 88 (they arrived also) and Chief 8 returned in about 2 hours. The station also maintained an engine crew during the incident. Company 8 took in 35 calls for the day for a total of 72 runs in 48 hours and 6 fires in two and a half days. The Company should continue this streak of busy days as the Inauguration events occur the next two days.

January 17th - Company 8 takes in 3 fires, two in the first due - As air temperatures dipped to around 0, crews remained busy all day Saturday starting right after midnight. At 0005 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 900 Blk of Finch Ct, in the East Nalley section of Seat Pleasant, for something on fire. Shortly after being dispatched the call was upgraded to a house assignment as additional calls were coming in reporting a house on fire. Engine 83 arrived to find a shed well involved with possible extension to a nearby house as all the siding was melting off of it. The crew along with the engine from 33 extinguished the shed and took care of the exposure. The assignment was scaled back and the units from 8 (Ambulance 88 showed up as well) cleared in just over an hour. Then just after 1000 hours, Squad 8 was alerted to the 7700 Blk of Marlboro Pk, in Company 23's area, for a building fire. Units arrived to find a transformer well involved with extension into a commercial building. Units worked inside to open up as they waited for PEPCO to isolate the transformer so it could be extinguished. In the meantime, the roof and walls were checked and fire was extinguished in those areas as well was the transformer once power was killed to it. Units remained onscene for overhaul and Squad 8 cleared in about 90 minutes. Then just before 2330 hours, Engine 81 responded to the 500 Blk of 68th Pl, in Seat Pleasant, for a house fire. Engine 81 arrived to find smoke in the house and a working fire in the basement. Crews worked to open up as fire was in the walls and floor of the house. After opening the walls and using saws to open the floor the fire was extinguished. Command held Engine 81, E38 and T22 for overhaul. Engine 81 cleared in about 90 minutes wrapping up a day that included 37 runs including 14 box alarms.

January 16th - Two daytime fires for units from Company 8 - Around 1230 hours, Engine 83 and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 1400 Blk of Addison Rd S, in Company 26's area, for smoke coming from the roof. Units from 8 arrived with E261 to find smoke showing from the roof. Engine 83 arrived and picked up 26's split lay while the crew went inside. Chief 8 was given the interior division as personnel looked for the source. During this time, E37 and T17 went to the roof and found a gas powered air handler on fire. The gas was shut off to the device and was opened up and extinguished. Units checked for any further extension which turned up negative. Units from 8 returned in about 30 minutes. About an hour later as the coldest day of the year (so far) continued, units were dispatched to the 6700 Blk of Vermont Ct, in Company 33's area, for a house on fire. No units from 8 were due on the call, however Chief 8 (McGill) and Chief 8A (Mehaffey) heading out to run errands proceeded that way as units went on the scene of a working basement fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and Chief 8 assisted command (Chief 33A) at his vehicle while Chief 8A made sure the Seat Pleasant buggy stayed nice and warm as temperatures remained in the teens with wind chills around 0. The Chiefs from 8 returned in just under an hour.

Addison Rd S / Vermont Ct

January 14th - Addison Rd water main break produces extrication - Around 0830 this morning, Engine 83 & Ambulance 88 were alerted to the 5900 Blk of Addison Rd, in Seat Pleasant, for an accident. While enroute, the call was upgraded as PSC received additional calls stating a head on collision with 1 trapped. Units from 8 arrived and confirmed entrapment and requested for PD to shut down Addison Rd at James Farmer Way. The culprit was a large water main break (the second 1 here in as many weeks) + the freezing temperatures which caused extreme icing conditions. Squad 22 arrived, due to Squad 8 being out of service for steering issues, and extricated 1 patient. Ambulance 88 and Medic 29 transported 1 to a local trauma center. Engine 83 cleared in about 30 minutes and Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour. As of tonight, Addison Rd was still closed completely between Eads St & James Farmer Way as crews worked in below freezing temps to repair the broken main.

January 10th - Two fires and a bunch of people shot make up Saturday morning - Just after 0100 hours, Engine 83 was alerted for another trip to the 1400 Blk of Nova Ave, in Company 17's area, for another vacant building on fire. Units arrived this time at a different building with fire showing from the top floor. Engine 83 arrived and took a line to the floor below to check for any drop down extension. Units worked to open up and extinguish the fire as well as the usual search for vagrants. The fire was extinguished and is under investigation as suspicious. Engine 83 cleared in just over 90 minutes. Also on the fire assisting at the command post was Chief 8B (Johnson) who after leaving was in the area of an accident called in by E331 at Pennsylvania Ave and Silver Hill Rd in Company 26's area. E331 on a transfer to 17 was enroute to a shooting on Walters La when they came across a single vehicle accident with multiple victims. Chief 8B arrived and assisted units with EMS care (also rounding up a patient with police who was walking away from the scene) as additional EMS units were called. In all there were 6 victims all of whom were ejected or pulled from the vehicle and 3 of the 6 had been shot. The vehicle was related to the original shooting on Walters La where another vehicle pulled up next to them and opened fire. Five of the closest trauma centers were all closed so two of the patients were taken by land to Farifax Hospital in Va and two helicopter (US Park Eagle 1 & MSP Trooper 2) were called to transport to Baltimore. One patient did succumb to his injuries inflicted by the gunshot wounds. Chief 8B cleared in about 30 minutes. Later in the morning around 1100 Squad 8, Engine 83, and Chief 8 (McGill) responded to the 4700 Blk of Leroy Gorham Dr, in Company 38's area, for a house on fire with people trapped. Squad 8 was clearing a medic local on Addison Rd in 38's area and arrived first to find smoke showing from the roof. Chief 8 arrived just after them and was given interior by command. Engine 83 arrived behind E331 and picked up their line. The crew from Squad 8 opened up for 33's engine crew as fire was in the attic while the crew from Engine 83 stood by out front. All occupants had self evacuated and the fire was extinguished quickly. Engine 83 returned in about 30 minutes while Squad 8 returned to service in about an hour.

Photos from Leroy Gorham Dr

January 8th - Ambulance 88 on early morning trauma in Ritchie - Around 0600, Ambulance 88 was alerted to the 8000 Blk of Walker Mill Rd, in Company 37's area, for a pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a male suffering from traumatic injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Personnel treated and packaged the patient who was taken by Ambulance 88 to a local trauma center. Ambulance 88 cleared in just over an hour.

January 4th - Engine 83 on afternoon fire in vacant apartments - Just before 1400 hours, Engine 83 was alerted to the 1400 Blk of Nova Ave, in Company 17's area, for a building on fire. As any avid reader knows, these apartments have been vacant for years and we continue to run fires in them periodically. Units arrived to find fire showing from the second floor of one of the buildings. Engine 83 arrived and took a line to the floor above as the fire had extended upward. Crews operated on the second and third floor knocking the fire and opening up as well as a thorough search as the buildings are technically vacant but it is quite obvious vagrants occupy alot of them. The fire was extinguished and investigators were called to the scene and spoke with a possible suspect for thsi suspicious fire. Engine 83 picked up and returned in just under 2 hours.

January 1st - Well folks, its 2009 and Seat Pleasant moves into the new year with business as usual. Last year provided many challenges including financial issues as the economy continues to worsen and the county continues to cut back as well as an aging Squad that continues to have issues (but still runs strong). We look forward to 2009 being busier than 2008 as overall call load was up this year while fires, shootings, and extrications were slightly down. In addition, we look forward to our new engine arriving in a few months. Thanks to everyone (volunteer & career) who contributed their time and effort in keeping the station going and risking their lives on a daily basis to protect the citizens of Seat Pleasant and surrounding communities. Your hard work is appreciated. As usual, we are always looking for more people to join us in our mission so if you are interested, contact us. Below is a break down of our yearly totals.

Total runs : 7877

Fires: 112 Shootings: 46 Extrications: 31

Engine: 1245 Squad: 2301 Ambulance: 4331

Busiest month: June with 733 runs (3 months with 700+ runs)

Busiest month for fires: May with 18

Busiest month for shootings: June with 9

Busiest month for extrications: April & September with 6 each

We hope everyone has a great 2009. Happy Holidays.