MARYLAND STATE FI REM EN ’S Volunteer Trumpet

ASSOCIATION VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 F E B . 2 0 1 8

T H I S I S S U E Artist Commemorates Fallen Artist Commemo- 1 rates by Chip Jewell III The 1908 Past Pres. King Dies 1 American A beautiful painting of a LaFrance President’s Corner 3 horse drawn steam fire en- engine por- gine responding from the trayed in early quarters of the Juniors the MFRSMF Buy a 3 by a Frederick County artist painting Brick has recently been unveiled at shows Fire- Delmarva Safety 4 the Junior Fire Co. No 2. fighter Da- Conference The artist, Sherry Kemp, vis driving Chip’s Logbook 5 was commissioned by the the horses great granddaughter of Fire- as the en- fighter William “Uncle Billy” gine responds from the early to design a painting of the Executive Commit- 6 Davis who was killed in the firehouse of the Junior Fire steamer responding from the tee at Singerly line of duty as he was Co. No. 2 then located at 2nd engine house. Firefighter Legislative Session 7 attempting to respond to an St. and North Market St. in Davis died in 1910 after he alarm of fire and was killed Frederick. suffered traumatic injuries as the engine moved out the The basis for the painting is when he was pulled from the Water Rescue in 9 Caroline Co. door. The President Emeri- a black and white photo of engine to the floor respond- tus of the Junior Fire Co. No. Firefighter Davis on the 1908 ing to an alarm of fire. His is Takoma Park VFD 10 2, the late Tom Fox, was also LaFrance posed at the engine the first recorded “paid” line Graduate a great grandson of Firefight- bay prior to his death. The of duty death in Frederick. Allegany Co. LODD 11 er Davis. artist used her artistic license Memorial

Colburn Cup Rules 14 MSFA PAST PRESIDENT LEONARD KING DIES AT 75 Legally Speaking 16 By Ronald Watkins men’s Association and the MSFA Public Relations Fire Chiefs Asso- Nominations! Nomi- 18 Committee ciation. He joined the nations Damascus VFD at the age On February 1, 2018, Chief of 16. He served through Leonard T. King Sr. passed many of the offices of the away at the Anne Arundel department, including Medical Center with friends President and Chief. He and family at his side. attended the University of Leonard had been a stellar Maryland’s fire engineer- figure in the Maryland fire ing curriculum, prior to service for many years. Prior being hired as a fire in- to suffering a stroke in 2008, spector for Montgomery Chief Leonard King he was an active participant County. He also served as in the Maryland State Fire- the Training Officer for (Continued on page 14) P A G E 2

MSFA Officers 2015-16 The President’s Corner President Mark A. Bilger By Mark A. Bilger porting twenty- Hampstead VFC

11363 River Road three bills, oppos-

Ridgley, MD 21660 ing twelve, bills,

H. 410.374.1958 monitoring twenty C. 443.791.4807 I would like to start my remarks by thank- -eight bills, watch- Email— [email protected] ing the 35,000 volunteer fire and Emergen- ing twenty-four 1st Vice-President cy Medical Service (EMS) providers for your bills dealing with Richard C. Blair dedication to service which saves the citi- local issues, and Western Enterprise zens of Maryland millions of dollars each supporting the two FC 10921 Roessner Ave. year. budget bills. Hagerstown, MD. 21740 The MSFA Leadership submitted a re- In addition to H 301.582.3032 quest to the Governor asking for an in- written or oral testimony in support or op- C 301.991.2540 crease in our annual allotment and an in- position to a given piece of legislation Email—[email protected] crease to the widows and orphans fund. I hours are spent in official and unofficial 2nd Vice-President am very happy to report that Governor meetings clarifying our position with legis- Michael Faust Hogan honored our request and included lators. The legislative committee also par- Sudlersville VFC the increases in his budget. ticipates in the Maryland Emergency Ser- 112 Norwood Dr. Sudlersville, MD. 21608 Major General Linda L. Singh testified in vices Working Group where agencies/ H 410.438.3548 favor of our increase in front of the organizations discuss legislation. In addi- C 443.262.6896 Appropriations Committee and the Budget tion our committee is a voting member of Email - [email protected] and Taxation Com- the Emergency Services Coalition

Secretary mittee. Thanks to her “I would like to close made up of legislators and organiza- Doyle E. Cox, P.P. testimony our increase my comments by tional groups. Prince Federick VFD-Calvert are still in the Gover- thanking Governor I would like to close my comments 29132 Superior Circle nor’s Budget. Hogan and Major by thanking Governor Hogan and Ma- Easton, MD. 21601 General Linda L. The Maryland General jor General Linda L. Singh for the con- H 410-690-3568 Singh for the Assembly is in full tinued support of the volunteer Fire C 443-532-1416 continued support . . [email protected] swing. There have been .” and EMS personnel who give back to

1258 Senate Bills and their communities every day. Treasurer Ronald J. Siarnicki 1816 House Bills intro- United Communities VFD— duced to date. The MSFA Legislative Com- Mark A. Bilger, President Queen Anne’s mittee is currently tracking 89 bills. 2130 Priest Bridge Dr., Ste 6 The Legislative Committee reviews every Crofton, MD 21114 MSFA President, 2017-2018 C 301-467-5780 piece of legislation to determine the effect W 301-721-6212 on Emergency Services. The MSFA is sup- [email protected]

Continued page 4

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET P A G E 3

Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation’s Buy a Brick Campaign

Each customized and professionally engraved red brick will be incorporated into the existing walkways and become part of the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial, forever. We appreciate your generosity and support over these past 20 yeasr and we look forward to your ongoing support in the years ahead, as together, we honor and remember our Maryland Fallen Heroes —

THANK YOU! The Maryland Fire- Rescue Services Memorial Foundation For more information visit this web page

https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/marylandfire/

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2017—2018

Aug, 26, 2017 — Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company

Dec. 2, 2017 — Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department

Feb. 24, 2018 — Singerly Fire Company

April 14, 2018 — Midland Volunteer Fire Department

June 17, 2018 — Ocean City Convention Starts

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 4

MSFA Officers Cont. Delmarva Safety Conference With MSFA Financial Secretary Mitch Vocke by Michael LeCompte Registration for the event is currently Jarrettsville VFC—Harford open at www.delmarvasafety.org MSFA Safety Committee Chair PO Box 401 Any questions or additional information Jarrettsville, MD 21084 The Delmarva Safety Association along contact Michael LeCompte, Chairman at H 410-692-6914 C 410-808-1693 with the MSFA Safety Committee will be 410-641-0378. [email protected] offering again this year, a regional safety educational conference in Ocean City on A GRANT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR A Chief Chaplain April 9th and 10th, 2018. LIMITED NUMBER OF MARYLAND FIRE- Rev. John F. Long, Jr. Ferndale VFC—Anne Arundel This regional safety conference will be FIGHTERS TO HAVE THEIR TUITION AND 343 Cool Breeze Ct. held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference CLARION HOTEL ROOM REIMBURSED. Pasadena, MD. 21122 Center at 101st Street in Ocean City and a FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGIS- H 410-437-6756 SAFER Grant for the tuition and hotel stay TRATION, VISIT OUR WEB SITE - C 443-623-0753 [email protected] has been requested. This safety training www.delmarvasafety.org seminar is available to all Maryland Fire- fighter/EMS and will involve two full days *The Clarion Resort Hotel reservation # of numerous classes on our current safety (410-524-3535) and your room total costs The Volunteer Trumpet issues and trends! will be $97.24. This periodical is issued six times Classes to be offered will be: • When Safety Fails....A Moment In *You must reside 60 miles or more from a year by the Maryland State Time; Ocean City, for the hotel reimbursement Firemen’s Association. Its • OSHA Electrical-269 Training; The to be paid directly to you. purpose is to publish interesting Power of Safety - How To Sell It?; and informative articles for the • Natural Gas and Propane Awareness volunteer fire, rescue and EMS Safety; personnel of Maryland. • Falls Hazards and Prevention;

• Your Safety and direct recognition of Mike Dixon, Editor the Opioid Crisis in Maryland!; The Delmarva Safety • Safeguarding Your Identity and Re- Heidi M. Coleman, Copy Editor Association & the MSFA Safety tirement!; Committee • There are No Accidents!; Regional Safety • Risk Management - Risky Busi- Send email inquires to Conference ness....Back To Basics!; [email protected] • A Safety Culture That Will Work; Ocean City • Your Member is Down/When Vio- April 9th & 10th, 2018. The Volunteer Trumpet lence Erupts; Emergency Training for 55 Sunnybrook Drive the Active Shooter-Hands on - Elkton, MD. 29121 Scenario!; • Empower Your Safety Culture!

P A G E 5

Chip’s Firehouse Logbook: Past, Present and Future

The Great

Fire of 1904 downtown area consisting of mostly steel, brick, masonry and “fireproof” structures. Of the 1526 structures destroyed, by Chief Clarence “Chip” only 58 were frame construc- Jewell, III tion. 54 of the brick structures were over 6 stories tall. How- Winter months usually bring ever, many structures had memories of large fires that wooden roofs, window sash or are very challenging and very other wooden accruements. cold. One of the largest fires “Another There was no recorded loss of in American history, and the life though 247 interesting aside, largest fire in Maryland histo- from 11 jurisdictions were in- ry, occurred in February of jured. except for 1904 in the City of Baltimore. The response to Baltimore more”, a ferryboat tied at dock. Boston, Chicago and San was most likely the largest mu- Another interesting aside, ex- Annapolis and Francisco have all had major tual aid response in Maryland cept for Annapolis and West- fires, but Baltimore was differ- history. Decades before the minster, the only Maryland Westminster the ent. Boston (1872) and Chica- mutual aid radio system, appa- volunteer fire companies that go (1871) both had fires in the only Maryland ratus from as far responded no longer exist to- early 1870’s when away as New day. structures were still volunteer fire York City, Atlan- Highlandtown, Roland Park, predominantly tic City and Al- Relay, St. Denis, Westport, and companies that wood frame con- “The response to toona, Pennsyl- Sparrows Point are the only struction, thus con- Baltimore was most vania were sum- other known volunteer fire responded no tributed to the rap- likely the largest moned to assist companies noted as respond- id fire spread. mutual aid response the Baltimore ing to Baltimore’s aid. Freder- longer exist San Francisco in Maryland City Fire Depart- ick had 3 steamers in service (1906) was more history.“ ment. Dire tele- today.“ and only 40 miles away with modern city, but graphs dispatch- immediate railroad access, but the massive earth- es were sent out never sent assistance, though it quake caused dis- throughout the was noted in a Frederick news- ruption to the wa- east coast re- paper that the mayor did au- ter system and fractured gas questing assistance. thorize equipment the follow- lines throughout the city cre- Even in 1904 a dispatch error ing day. ating a nearly impossible task could occur as the initial re- Hagerstown, another large for the fire department. Civil- sponse of the city with several steam ian fatalities occurred in each Fire Department was sent to pumpers and excellent railroad of the three other major fires, the New York harbor believing access did not respond. Hano- with over 300 killed in Chica- request from Baltimore was for (Continued on page 15) go. a fire on the“ City of Balti- Baltimore had a thriving

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 6

Executive Committee Meets at Singerly

By Mike Dixon

ELKTON, Feb. 24, 2018 -- On a cold, damp Saturday at the end of February in northeastern Mary- land, fire service leaders from throughout the state assembled at the Singerly Fire Company for a meeting of the Executive Com- mittee . The meeting, called by President Bilger, had a packed agenda as the Association ad- dressed matters of concern to the volunteer fire, rescue & EMS ser- vices. President Bilger thanked the Singerly Fire Company and the Singerly Ladies Auxiliary for their hospitality. Here are some views from the sessions as offi- cials addressed the business of Maryland’s first respond- ers .

It was a long day for members of the Executive Committee as their day starts promptly at 9 a.m. and continues until about a little after 4 p.m. During that time, MSFA committees and emer- gency services allied agencies from throughout the state updated the Association.

Three members of the Executive Committee, Wayne Tom (right), Past President Frank Underwood (bottom left) and Robert A. Block (bottom right) listen intently to reports.

Coverage continues on page 17 & 19 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 7

2018 Legislative Session

By Ron Watkins, MSFA PR Committee

ANNAPOLIS, January 16, 2018 — Each year as lawmakers gather in Annapolis, the Association’s Legislative Committee works to keep elected officials informed about matters of interest to the member compa- nies and they monitor bills making their way through the session. As part of the committee’s work, an an- nual Legislative Reception is held at the Miller Building in Annapolis. On January 16, the MSFA leadership team, past presi- dents, executive committee members, and others were on hand to greet and speak with elected officials about the matters that affect the Maryland Fire Service dur- ing this current legislative session, which started January 10 and goes on for 90 days.

Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. meets with MSFA representatives. (L TO R) during the reception. Front Row MSFA Ladies Auxiliary (MSFALA) Jr. VP Lori Gallion Denbow, MSFLA President Vivian Boyd, MSFALA Sr. VP, Marcia Roth, MSFA 2nd VP Mike Faust, President Mark Bilger, and 1st VP Rick Blair.

Photos by Watkins VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 8

Legislative Session Continued from previous page

We thank the delegates, senators, staff members and partner agencies for attending the MSFA legislative session VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 9 Water Rescue in Caroline County

By Bruce Secrist

Hillsboro, Feb. 23, 2018 – Caroline County dispatched Station 80 (Queen Anne-Hillsboro) and Station 56 (Marydel – Boat 56-1) for a water rescue in the area of Quail Run Road. Chief 80 (D. Lister) arrived on location to find an elderly dog stuck in the mud approximately 100 feet off shore. After further investigation it was de- termined better access could be made from Miller Landing Road. Crews were able to make a successful rescue using a canoe and Station 56 units were placed in service prior to arrival.

See additional photo on page 20. Queen Anne-Hillsboro VFC Chief Eric Voorhees (front) and firefighter Nick Lange get in position to make the resuce. VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 10

Takoma Park VFD Members Graduate

By Jim Jarboe

On February 2, a graduation ceremony was held at the Montgomery County Train- ing Academy (MCFRS) for EMT and Fire classes, with the following Takoma Park VFD members graduating (right photo). President Elmer Hamm, Nishiuwa Sato Bess EMT, Jose Montoya EMT, Gloria Chan EMT, Xochilt Montoya EMT, Daria Kirilenko Fire, Reilly Caprio- glio-Chase Fire, Chief Tom Musgrove and Chief Jim Poster on right — Chief Jarboe Jarboe. (bottom) MCFRS sent along this Lt. Jason Smith presenting safe driving Daria Kirilenko with the poster reminder. Chief Marvin A. Gibbons "Tops in the Firefighter II Class" Award. Congratula- tions, a job well done! VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 11

Allegany County LODD Memorial Dedication

By Rick Blair

CUMBERLAND — The Allegany County Line of Duty Deaths Memorial was dedicated at the county office complex on Nov. 267, 2017. Twelve names are listed on the memorial.

P A G E 12

Remembering Leonard T. King

By Ron Siarnicki himself. vestiges of the very early days of auto More importantly, he learned valuable making to keep their stories relevant. From my earliest encounters with Leon- lessons from every incident and every Leonard relied on his mechanical ard King, I realized he was knowledgea- interaction and shared that with others. knowledge and pure interest in their ble, honest, and true to his word. Leon- He also understood the value of our fire unique history to restore the cars to ard and I shared a unique relationship. service traditions, and he very much their original luster. It was admittedly a bit rocky at first but wanted others to know about them and As happy as he was to be tinkering strengthened and bloomed as we truly share them. under the hood, polishing the chrome began to know each other. He seemed to want to make sure that or detailing the upholstery, he was even In every capacity where he served, firefighters knew how and why things more enthusiastic to share his Leonard saw the inner strengths that were done in the past. Because he knew knowledge and experience with you. came from collaboration, trust and ded- those things – whether it was a fire ser- He wanted others to understand, and ication to service. He realized vice tradition or hopefully appreciate, the valuable role that no matter what patch you an advance- they played in automotive history. wore on your sleeve, if you were . . . I think we should ment in how I think that was why he was such a col- true to the mission and purpose take a page from we operate – lector of things; from antique furniture of the fire service, you were good Leonard’s “owner’s linked the gen- to farm products to fire service memo- with him. For that I admired him. manual of life.” Share erations to- rabilia. He loved the idea of maintaining Leonard was an experienced your knowledge, your gether and the historical nature of things that ap- firefighter, a skilled leader, opin- experiences and your helped move pealed to him. ionated to say the least, and yet a passions so that the fire service He was committed to saving the herit- kind man. Leonard was a great forward. age of the American Volunteer Fire Ser- friend. And, like he did with so other’s will learn and Leonard’s vice just as much as saving his King Cars, many, Leonard King left a pro- improve their own appreciation because he dedicated himself to pre- found impression on me. lives and happiness. for knowledge, serving both. Whenever I worked with him, he experience and As we look to the future, I think we was fair and honest. A man of tradition were should take a page from Leonard’s great integrity and reason, he would also the cornerstone for his efforts to “owner’s manual of life.” Share your stand his ground for what he believed, establish the National Fallen Firefighters knowledge, your experiences and your especially when we had controversial Memorial in 1981. passions so that other’s will learn and issues to address. In partnership with Chief Melvin Gib- improve their own lives and happiness. And people listened to him. He was re- bons, Leonard wanted to ensure that spected. Because, in the end, you knew there would always be a single place for he was always looking out for the great- people to go to honor and remember er good of the fire service. our fallen firefighters. Over his many years in the fire service He understood how important such a in Maryland, Leonard had the benefit of memorial would be to the families and responding to nearly every incident im- friends, as well as countless others, who aginable. From a barn or tractor fire in simply wanted to pay their respects to Damascus to a multi-family dwelling in the greatest sacrifice one can make– to Anne Arundel County, he experienced it lay down their life for another. all. Leonard possessed the compassion Leonard always had great stories to and kindness to recognize that the fire share about incidents and loved listen- service – and our country – needed that ing to other’s experiences. He would sacred place. light up his pipe, sit around the engine Outside of the firehouse, you could bay and partake in the conversation at find Leonard in his garage working tire- hand, interjecting his opinions and life lessly to restore another antique King experiences to benefit the group and Car. I think he felt he owed it to these Photo by Blair

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 13

MSFA Cancer Support Network 3rd Annual Walk — April 22, 2018 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 P A G E 14

MSFA Past President King

(Continued from page 1) this position until 2008. and active participant with the Marl- Montgomery County at the Fire Ser- His active roles in these organiza- boro VFD in Prince Georges County, vice Training Academy before his re- tions were recognized in many ways the Deals VFC in Anne Arundel Coun- tirement. throughout his years of service. In ty, the Rocky Ridge VFC in Frederick Leonard was very active in the vari- 1992, he was awarded the MSFA’s County, and had been made an honor- ous County and State fire service or- highest award, the Gladhill-Thompson ary member of several other depart- ganizations, serving on many com- Trophy. This was particularly mean- ments throughout the State. On the mittees. In 1983, he was elected as ingful to him, as the award is spon- national scene, he was a member of 2nd Vice President of the Maryland sored by the Damascus VFD and the Board of Directors for the National State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) named for two of his mentors over Fallen Firefighters Foundation from and served as President of that organ- the years – Bernard “Buck” Gladhill 2003 until 2015. ization in 1985 – 86. From 1987 – 88, and Chief Leslie B. Thompson. In Leonard’s services included viewing he served as President of the Mont- 2005, he was the first recipient of the on Friday, February 9, at the Moles- gomery County Volunteer Firemen’s Robert Shimer Memorial Administra- worth-Williams Funeral Home in Da- Association and was elected to the tor of the Year Award, and in 2008, he mascus, right across from the Damas- Montgomery County VFA Hall of Fame was awarded the Marbery F. Gates cus VFD station. There was a fire de- in 1987. From 1986 until 1993, he Service Cup Award for 50 years or partment memorial service at 8:30 PM was in the position of Assistant Secre- more of service to the MSFA. Friday night. Funeral services were tary of the MSFA, and from 1993 until His work with the MFCA was also held at the Damascus Methodist 2008, he took over the office of MSFA rewarded, with being presented with Church, with internment at the Secretary upon the retirement of the William Perry Award for service, Church Cemetery. A reception was Charles Burton. He was appointed to which at the time was the highest held following the services at the Da- the MSFA Hall of Fame in 1988. award given by the MFCA. In 2001, he mascus VFD Activity Building He was an active worker with the was the recipient of the Leslie B. Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, and Thompson Memorial Award, which is For a personal reflection on the was elected President in 1990, serving now the highest award for service to passing of Chief King see an through 1991. When the Treasurer, the MFCA. additional column on page 8 Ralph Small, retired; he took on the Besides his years of service to the job of Treasurer of the MFCA, holding Damascus VFD, he also was a member

Trustees Clarify Colburn Cup Rules

By Doug Alexander your company acts heroically during Vice-Chairman Trustees One occurrence we have seen the year. Write it up and submit it recently is groups of personnel be- to the Board of Trustees Secretary Each year at the annual convention ing submitted for this award. This Jeff Thompson, 202 Oriole Road, and conference of the MSFA, the award is NOT for groups on an inci- Chestertown, Md. 21620, or Colburn Cup is awarded to an indi- dent. This award is for an INDIVIDU- [email protected] vidual who performs an act of hero- AL that has performed an act of Applications for this award are ism during the previous year. This heroism. We cannot consider considered from May 1 to April 30 award is sponsored by the Princess groups of personnel submitted for each year. The application may be Anne VFD in memory of PP Dr. this award. This award is not for a submitted anytime during the year, George W. Colburn. firefighter who works hard at the but must be in the Trustees hands Unfortunately, each year the Trus- station, or is a top responder, or by April 30 of each year to be con- tees receive very few applications. who has taken copious training. sidered. If you have a question, We encourage any member compa- There are other awards for all of please do not hesitate to contact ny that has had a member perform these criteria. one of your Trustees an act of heroism to apply for this Please keep the Colburn Cup prestigious award. award in mind when a member of P A G E 15

Chip’s Logbook

(Continued from page 5) by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Columbia fought the raging battle over ver, Pennsylvania also located on a di- The destruction was devastating. two days. Smoldering fires as late as rect rail line was believed to have ap- Essentially, nearly everything in an area September of 1904 were attributed to proved apparatus ready for response if known today as the was the embers from the fire. requested, but never called. destroyed. From Pratt St. to Fayette St. Much of the research for this article The fire was initially dispatched as a and everything in between from was found in Fire Department Opera- “thermostat alarm”, essentially what Charles St. to fell prey to the tions: A Technical Report The Great today would be an automatic alarm, for conflagration. Over 140 acres covering Baltimore Fire written by retired Balti- a heat sensor at the John E. Hurst Co. at 86 city blocks laid in ruins on the morn- more City Assistant Chief Gary Freder- 10:48AM on February 7, 1904. Only ing of February 8, 1904. Over ick. Chief Frederick is one of the fore- one engine company, one hook & lad- $29,000,000 dollars in insurance claims most experts on the Great Baltimore der company, a district engineer and a were paid, an unimaginable amount in Fire. Steve Heaver and the Fire Muse- salvage corps unit were on the initial 1904. It was estimated over um of Maryland published the book, assignment. Though most firefighters 70,000,000 gallons of water were which I believe is still available at the are familiar with Box 414 as the initial pumped. museum. The Fire Museum of Mary- box struck for the Hurst Co., the “local” There were many contributing factors land often conducts guided tours of alarm was actually Box 854. to the spread of the fire across the along the path of According to the report of Chef Engi- business district of the City of Balti- the fire. neer George W. Horton in the Technical more. The fire load of the initial fire I encourage anyone interested Mary- Report of the Great Baltimore Fire building and the ensuing explosion de- land fire service history to take ad- written by Baltimore City Assistant stroying many windows in surrounding vantage of this excellent presentation. Chief Gary Frederick (ret) and pub- building that allowed showering fire As you walk the streets that were in lished by the Fire Museum of Maryland, brands to enter the buildings appear to ruins in February 1904, just try to imag- an explosion occurred within 5 minutes be the initial contributing factor that ine the noise and smoke from 57 of arrival at the scene shattering win- spread fire almost simultaneous to steamers, the stench of over 100 hors- dows and immediately lighting fires in building exposures. es and the chaos as over 1200 firefight- at least 7 surrounding buildings. 25 Winds were consistently blowing, ers that struggled to save a growing engines and 11 hook & ladders were causing burning embers to fly over the city. summoned via Box 414 that initially city. Though mutual aid response was sounded at 10:55AM. quick by 1904 standards, it was after The Baltimore City Fire Department 2:00PM before the first Washington, realized very early that help from out- DC engines were ready for operations. Be Safe side of the area would be needed. At Hose couplings became a major issue, 11:40 AM, the dispatch from Baltimore highlighting the need for standardiza- Chip was received in Washington, DC, “Big tion. fire here. Must have help at once.” A final stance at Jones Falls was the Additional cities that sent apparatus turning point that kept the fire from and manpower were Wilmington, Dela- swallowing the east side of Baltimore. ware, , Pennsylvania, York, 37 engine companies from up and Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, down the east coast valiantly stood Chester, Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, their ground along the banks of Jones New Jersey, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Falls from Baltimore St. to the harbor. and New York City. The steam pumper 1231 firefighters, 57 engines and other from Altoona, Pennsylvania was actual- miscellaneous equipment from compa- ly an engine named “Altoona” owned nies from 4 states and the District of

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET P A G E 16 Legally Speaking

Benefits of Joining and physicals, and more. By Roger N. Powell, Esq. Some of us still do not know what The Maryland State Firemen's Associa- We all had different reasons for joining tion does for us as volunteers. a voluntary fire company, some of us The purpose of this article is to re- joined the same company our fathers view some of the benefits that The were members of, some because our Maryland State Firemen's Association friends joined, some to help out in provides for us and from which we their communities, some to ride benefit. on that shiny fire engine with the si- The most obvious method by which rens and air horns blaring, some for you can review the benefits we all re- EMS, some for school, and some for ceive is to go to the officers directory other reasons. and look at the committees listed convention. We probably never thought about (actually you need go no further than training when we first joined, but we the table of contents to review the How about the ways and means com- all watched the need for and obligation committee listings). mittee? It raises money for MSFA op- for training evolve until training be- Let's look at a couple. The conven- erations through the annual came a major component of our mem- tion committee provides obvious bene- $10,000.00 raffle. bership. fits-and fun! But, there is more than The training committee coordinates We probably never thought about partying and fun at the annual conven- training for you through its liaison and safety when we joined, but like train- tion. There is education and training, partnership with MIEMMS and MFRI, ing safety evolved to become a major business meetings where officers are and helps determine courses and component of our membership. elected, and course material which training is free We probably never thought about presentations for you. our physical condition when we joined, by individuals The safety committee coordinates “Wear your seatbelts. but our physical condition also became with national with other committees to insure a safe Wear your turnout a major component of our member- stature of working environment on the scene of ship. gear and positive "talks" about an incident/emergency and otherwise We probably never heard of county pressure air supply. things of im- when just hanging out at the firehouse. associations and certainly not The Mar- Don't take risks. portance to The awards committee determines yland State Firemen's Association Everyone goes each of us. You who from those nominated by a mem- when we joined, but county associa- home!” can take a look ber company receives an award-given tions and The Maryland State Fire- at the conven- at convention. men's Association were there in the tion proceed- The information technology com- background providing benefits to us of ings book or the mittee operates the web site which which we were not aware and which convention book to review all the lists our committees, our officers, and we likely tool for granted. takes place and the convention sched- what's going on. And as far as the NFPA, if any of us ule. Your company also receives a con- The legislative committee is actively had ever heard of it, to us at that time vention package before convention involved with the Maryland legislature in our careers, it seemed as if all the which contains a schedule, information to support legislation favorable and NFPA did was to propound rules and about awards, speakers, training, important to the Maryland volunteer regulations which, made it more diffi- where to stay, what to do after busi- emergency services or to oppose legis- cult for us to "do our thing" - things ness meetings, who the exhibitors are, lation which is harmful or contrary to like turnout gear, seat belts, positive the parade, and more. It takes a pretty (Continued on page 18) pressure breathing apparatus, fitness large committee each year to plan the

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET P A G E 17

Feb. Executive Committee Meeting Continued from page 6

Representatives of the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department address the Executive Committee (top); The Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company (left) and the Midland Volunteer Fire Company (bottom) also addressed the Executive Committee.

Continued on page 19

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET P A G E 18 Nominations! Nominations! Nominations!

By Jim Jarboe because they want to help the people in only to that individual(s), but to their their own communities. family and department. Just think how Nominations. Where are they when Keep in mind when an individual re- many have missed out on the recogni- you need them for an award? The ceives an award, it's not only his/her tion that they deserved. MSFA Convention awards are right name that is mentioned, the depart- Maybe there are some reasons they around the corner and they have nu- ment and community is also mentioned. don't get nominated, here are a few merous awards. There is no reason The award might be a onetime oppor- that I have heard over the years: your department cannot find someone tunity for a member during his/her en- That's their job; I never got it; to nominate for at least one of the tire time in the department to receive Not sure how to write it up; No body awards. the recognition. nominated me; No one told me about Again, where are they? Why do we So the next time an award comes up, it; and finally jealousy have a problem getting nominations for especially through MSFA, look around Hopefully none of these was the rea- someone that is worthy of an award? your department to see if you have son someone in your department did There are over 350 fire/EMS depart- someone that is doing an outstanding not get nominated. ments in the state, it's hard to believe job, whether in the station, in the com- If it happens and is worthy of an award that there are not more nominations. munity or on an emergency call. nomination, do it and nominate. I know that volunteers do not volunteer We as leaders, need to give praise when for the awards or recognition, they do it it's due. It could also mean a lot, not

Legally Speaking

(Continued from page 16) scholarship applications and awards benefits in addition to worker's com- the interest of the Maryland volun- scholarships. pensation provided through the Trus- teer emergency services. Such state The marketing and public relations tees of The Maryland State Firemen’s benefits such as EMSOF funding, 508 committees help get the word out Association for firefighters injured or funding, Riley scholarship funding about what and who we are. Like the killed in the line of duty including sur- and funding of Maryland State Police statistical committee, these com- vivorship benefits for widows and Aviation, are a result of this com- mittees are important to our officers surviving children (there are also fed- mittee's efforts along with the efforts and the legislative committee regard- eral benefits). of the MFSA presidents. This com- ing legislation and funding. There is the income tax subtraction mittee is also responsible for the The recruitment and retention com- law which allows you a tax benefit on sprinkler law, the move over law and mittee is charged with finding and your state taxes for earning a defined other legislation which has benefited implementing methods of recruit- number of points in a given year (like the Maryland volunteer emergency ment and retaining members. The LOSAP). services. benefits we offer are vital to the re- By virtue of our ongoing partner- The EMS committee deals with cruitment and retention process. ships with MIEMMS, MFRI, Maryland MIEMMS and training content and The wills for heroes committee writes State Police Aviation, Maryland Mili- delivery of services. wills for members of our member tary Department, Maryland Emer- The fire prevention committee deals companies (you can download a pack- gency Management Agency, and The with fire prevention matters of all age from the MSFA website (click on State Fire Marshall and other state sorts and delivery of fire prevention committees and click on the wills for agencies, we secure and provide addi- material throughout the state- heroes committee). tional benefits to our member compa- including smoke alarms. And, yes, there's more-much more. nies. The volunteer trumpet committee Read the officer's directory and The Want to know more? Join a volun- publishes the Volunteer Trumpet in Firelaws of Maryland Book-the only teer fire company. We promise you'll which publication you are reading this legal publication in Maryland regard- get as much as you give. There is no- article and to which you may make ing which The Maryland State Fire- where else where you get what we contributions to be published men's Association holds a copyright. give. The scholarship committee reviews There are LOSAP benefits. There are Join today, earn benefits!

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET P A G E 19

Singerly Meeting — continued from page 17

2017 Maryland State Firemen’s Association Miss Fire Prevention 1st Runner Up, Lauren Caudill (left), a member of the Level Volunteer Fire Company makes a report to the Executive Committee. Miss Fire Prevention for the Harford Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Madeline Moore (right), assists with fundraising by selling raffle tickets during the meeting.

President Bilger thanked Singerly Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary President Holly Trego for the excellent hospi- tality and presented President Trego with certificates of recognition for the fire company and the ladies Auxiliary

Hosting the large meetings of the MSFA Executive Committee involves a lot of work. From early on that Saturday morning, things had been bustling in the firehouse kitchen as Ladies Auxiliary members and Singerly firefighters prepared to serve over 100 Turkey dinners with all the trimmings to attendees.

VOLUNTEER TRUMPET The Volunteer Trumpet A publication of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association www.msfa.org 55 Sunnybrook Drive Elkton, MD 21921

Representing the volunteer fire, rescue and EMS personnel of Maryland

Water Rescue in Caroline County

Photo and article by Bruce Secrist. See full coverage and additional photos on page 9