College Park Volunteer Fire Department



Members Take Part in Honoring a Piece of American History
August 28, 2010 - Members from Company 12 staffed multiple units and joined forces with units from the surrounding area to pay tribute to a piece of history. Escorted by hundreds of motorcycle riders and antique emergency vehicles, several pieces of steel from the World Trade Center made it's way from New York City to Arlington, VA. Chief 812 supervised the operation as Truck 812 and Truck 814 displayed the American flag from a ladder arch on Powder Mill Road at I-95, while Engine and Ambulance 812 took a position on Cherry Hill Road at I-95.


Engine and Truck on Small Fire In Empirian Village
August 22, 2010 - Around 1600 hours, Engine 812 was alerted for the Apartment fire at 5919 Cherrywood Terrace in Company 14’s first due. While enroute communications advised they were receiving multiple calls. Soon after Truck 14 arrived and found a working fire in a terrace level apartment. Engine 812 arrived as the second due engine and advanced an attack line to the floor above and began checking for extension. Truck 812 was specialed on the call soon after and assumed the RIT. The fire was knocked down quickly and command scaled the incident back. Units from Company 12 operated for an hour before being released. Chief 812 and Chief 812A were also on the scene.
Jim Davis	Jim Davis

LODD in Bridgeport, Connecticut
July 27, 2010 - The CPVFD would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Bridgeport, CT Fire Department who lost two brothers this past Saturday during operations at a residential home. Lieutenant Steven Velasquez (who formerly worked for PGFD) and Firefighter Michel Baik, while performing ventilation and search and rescue operations on the third floor, were found unconscious just prior to crews sending out mayday calls. They were recovered by the fire department's rapid intervention team but succumbed to their injuries at an area hospital. The CPVFD would like to recognize the bravery and professionalism that these two men displayed and will always Remember Fallen Brothers.


Company 12 handles several calls as a result of severe weather
July 25, 2010 - On Sunday, Prince George’s County was hit with a large thunderstorm that caused widespread damage through out College Park. With two suppression crews and two ambulance crews, Company 12 was put out for 48 calls in a 48 hour period. Truck 812 spent the majority of the day in the 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road where the storm severely damaged the roofs of four buildings, while the crew from Engine 812 spent time in the 9300 block of Edmonston Road in Company 14’s area for similarly damaged structures. The ambulances stayed busy, running a wreck with entrapment as well as other incidents. As Company 12 was handling calls outside of the first due, units from Riverdale, Bladensburg, Chillum, and Landover Hills all were dispatched to incidents inside College Park. The storm caused major power outages around the county for days after the storm.


Truck Runs Company 44 Task Force House Fire
July 24, 2010 - At 1632 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for the house fire at 6801 Chillum Manor Road in Company 44’s first due. Paramedic Engine 844 arrived on scene shortly thereafter with fire showing from side Charlie. Truck 812 was assigned the Rapid Intervention duties, and shortly after they arrived on scene, a fire task force was called. Chief 812B was running as Battalion 804 and had command while Chief 812 had side Charlie. Truck 812 was reassigned to be used for extensive overhaul and mop up on both the first and second floors. Truck 812 cleared the scene just after two hours.


Truck Runs Chillum House Fire
July 18, 2010 - Around 2330 hours, Truck 812 was alerted as the third due special service to 10th Place in Company 44's area for fire in the bedroom. First arriving units found fire showing from the front of a single story home. Truck 812 arrived, established RIT, secured utilities in the basement, and went to work removing security bars from the basement windows. Chief 812 had was running as Battalion Chief 804 and had command of the incident. Truck 812 returned to service just after midnight.

Engine Runs Branchville House Fire
July 9, 2010 - Around 1230 hours units were dispatched for the house on fire in the 4700 block of Nantucket Road. Engine 811 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing. Engine Company 12 arrived shortly after to secure their water supply. Engine 812's crew advanced an attack line into the structure to back up Engine 811 as well as assisting in checking for any extension. Units from company 12 cleared the scene in just under 2 hours.


Truck Runs House Fire in Bunker Hill
July 8, 2010 - Shortly after 1600 hours , PSC dispatched a house fire at 3810 40th Avenue in Company 55’s first due. Shortly after going on scene with fire showing, Truck 812 was transferred to Company 55. While en route to the Bunker Hill Fire Station Truck 812 was alerted to respond to the scene as an additional special service for relief. When the crew from Company 12 arrived on scene, they were initially told to set up Rapid Intervention, however shortly after were told to relieve crews on the second floor of the house. Truck 812 performed extensive overhaul on the second floor. The crew from Truck 812 operated on scene for just under two hours before being placed in service by command.
www.bv9fd.com	www.bv9fd.com

College Park Units Run First Due Triple Stabbing
July 10, 2010 - At 2200 hours, PSC alerted Engine, Ambulance, and Medic 812 for a stabbing to the rear of 7150 Baltimore Avenue. PGPD and UMPD arrived on scene to confirm three males stabbed. As the units from Comapny 12 began patient care, Chief 812, running as Battalion 804, requested a second BLS unit and a second Medic unit. All three patients had stab wounds to the chest and abdomen areas. Company 12’s Ambulance and Medic unit, along with Paramedic Ambulance 855, transported the patients as category A traumas to MedStar and PG Trauma. Engine and Chief 812 cleared at 2226.

Company 12 Enjoys July Fourth Celebration
July 4, 2010 - Members from Company12 and surrounding stations enjoyed fireworks, funnel cake and music at the annual College Park Independence Day celebration and fireworks show. Truck 812, clearing a transfer to Company 18 made it back in time to raise the American flag with Truck 834 before the fireworks show. Volunteers from Companies 12 and 11 staffed dedicated BLS ambulances during the event.


TRUCK 812 runs another fire in 34’s first due
June 26, 2010 - At 2000 hours, Truck 812 with 6 volunteers, was alerted to 2209 Lewisdale Drive as the second due truck for a reported house on fire in Company 834’s first due. Engine 834 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a one story single family dwelling. Chief 812 (running as Battalion Chief 804) arrived soon after and established command and Chief 812A assumed interior. When Truck 812 arrived on scene, the interior crews made quick entry through side Charlie and conducted a primary search of the basement that were negative. While the interior crew was conducting their searches, the rest of the crew threw ground ladders on sides Charlie and delta and assisted with exterior ventilation then assisted in overhaul of the fire room. Truck 812 operated on scene for about an hour before they went back in service.

Engine, Ambulance, and Chief Run Calverton House Fire
June 23, 2010 - At 1615 hours, Prince George's County Public Safety Communications dropped the box for the report of a house on fire at 11400 block of Allview Drive in Calverton. Within minutes Engine 841 arrived on scene and advised that they had a two story single family with heavy fire showing form the majority of a two story single family house. Engine and Chief 812 arrived on the scene and laid out it's own water supply. The engine crew quickly advanced an attack line to the back side of the home and worked with Engine 811 to to extinguish a large amount of fire on Division 1. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, Engine 812's crew was used to start overhaul until relieved by crews that were added due to the high heat. Chief 812 was assigned as the Side "Charlie" Division Supervisor. Ambulance 812 was due on the working fire dispatched and remained on scene until the last units cleared. The suppression crew from Company 12 remained on the scene for about two hours.


Truck, Ambulance, and Chief run Hyattsville Car Explosion
June 15, 2010 - Shortly after 1200 Hours units were dispatched to 3300 East West Hwy for a reported explosion in the parking garage. First arriving units confirmed an explosion in an auto in the garage underneath of a mid-rise apartment building. The assignment was upgrading bringing Haz Mat and Bomb Units from multiple jurisdictions and agencies to further investigate. Ambulance 812 was dispatched early into the incident and was assigned to the Rehab Group. Shortly before 1500 Truck and Chief 812 responded on the call as relief to units that had been operating. Truck 812 stood by in the Suppression Group and Chief 812 was the Incident Safety Officer. Company 12 units cleared the incident shortly before 1900 hours.
	www.wusa9.com

Engine runs First Due Basement Fire
June 6, 2010 - At 1551 hours as the engine was backing into quarters the box was sounded for 8015 Rhode Island Ave in the Lakeland section of College Park. Chief 12 was first to arrive on scene and reported smoke showing for the basement of the home. Engine 812 arrived within minutes and established it's own water supply and stretched the initial attack line to the basement steps. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs the engine crew found a dryer on fire in the basement with some extension which was quickly extinguished. Additional members from Company 12 went to work with engine 811 stretching a backup line to the top of the basement stairs through the first floor of the home. Ambulance 812 arrived early into the call and established an aid station. Units from company 12 cleared after about an hour on the scene.


Engine and Truck run Riverdale House Fire
June 4, 2010 - At 1927 hours, Engine and Truck 812 were alerted for a report of a fire at 6501 Baltimore Avenue in company 7’s first due. Engine 807 was first on scene and initially reported nothing evident from the street. Engine 121 arrived on scene and secured engine 807’s water supply and pulled a back up line to division 3. Truck 812 was the first arriving truck company and as the crews from Companies 7 and 12 reached the second floor it was determined that there was a small fire in the A/D corner of the building. The truck crew worked with Engine 807 to extinguish a mattress. The exterior team from Truck 812 worked to throw ladders and provide ventilation. Units from company 12 cleared the fire ground within an hour.

Volunteers Provide Stand-By EMS for Melwood Open
June 6, 2010 - Members from Company 12 provided a dedicated BLS ambulance and staffed the PGFD Special Events Gator for the 2010 Melwood Prince George's County Open golf tournament. Volunteers stood by throughout the weekend, assisting spectators with minor injuries and other medical complaints. The crews enjoyed plenty of golf and watched Tommy Gainey earn his first career Nationwide Tour victory. Station 12 maintained additional suppression and EMS crews throughout the weekend.

Truck Company runs Bladensburg Apartment Fire
June 4, 2010 - At 0800 hours the truck was alerted to 3801 Kenilworth Ave in Bladensburg for the report of an apartment on fire with people trapped. Company 9 arrived with nothing evident, but after entering the building the crew found an apartment off on the first floor. Truck 812 arrived on scene and positioned on side alpha. Since first arriving companies were busy with the retrieval of trapped victims on the balcony, Truck 812 was assigned RIT responsibilities. With all the necessary equipment gathered, the crew positioned in the first floor lobby for fast deployment if necessary. Quick work was made of the fire so Truck 812 was reassigned to assist with ventilation. The truck cleared the scene in just under an hour.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips
• Install at least one CO alarm on each level of your home and near sleeping areas, and make sure it is more than 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances to prevent false alarms. • Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances for adequate ventilation. • Do not burn charcoal inside your house, even in the fireplace. • Do not use gasoline powered generators inside of your house. • Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. • Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances, such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers. *If It Happens to You* • Never ignore your CO alarm if it sounds. • Operate test/reset button. • Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning such as a headache, nausea, drowsiness or confusion. Call 911. • Open doors and windows, or exit your home. Leave the CO alarm where it is. • If you have an alarm with digital display, emergency responders can determine the highest level of CO present and decide how to treat victims. • Do not return to your home until the emergency personnel have arrived, the home is aired out and your CO alarm returns to normal operation.

Engine and Truck Run Chillum House Fire
May 8, 2010 - Just after noon, Engine and Truck 812 were alerted to the 1300 Block of Nicholson Street for the reported house fire. While en-route communications alerted the responding units that they were receiving multiple calls and believed this to be a working fire. Engine 834 arrived on the scene of a split level house with a working fire in the attic. Engine 812 arrived on the scene picking up Engine 702's water, while the crew stretched a back up line to the the house through the rear. Truck 812 arrived on scene, established the RIT, and began removing bars from windows. Chief 812A held Division 2 & Chief 812 had safety. Units from Company 12 cleared the scene just after 1300 hours.


Engine Runs Langley Park Apartment Fire
May 1, 2010 - At 1330 hours, Engine 812 was alerted to 2003 Fordham Street in Company 34's first due for the report of a fire at this location. Engine 834 was first on scene and reported smoke showing from the third floor. Engine 812 arrived on scene and completed Engine 834's split lay as well as pulled a back up line to Division 3. Chief 812 arrived on scene and assumed the command while Chief 812A was assigned the Division 3 supervisor. Units made quick work of the fire in the third floor apartment and Engine 812 returned to service just before 1500 hours.


College Park Volunteer Fire Department Golf Tournament A Success
April 22, 2010 - As members and friends of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department met at the University of Maryland Golf Course, it became apparent that the hard work had paid off. In all we had just under two hundred golfers and several others who came out to take in the event as well as the great weather. Special thanks to the dozens of sponsors and especially Chief Dennis Rubin of the Washington D.C. Fire Department for being the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Be on the look out for announcements about next years golf tournament. Pictures courtesy of Erin West Photography. To view the full set, click here. If you are interested in obtaining prints, please contact harriscr12@gmail.com.


Engine Runs Heavy Fire in Adelphi House
April 21, 2009 - Around 0030, the Engine Company was alerted to 8310 Rambler Drive in Company 34's first due for a reported house fire. The Engine responded fourth due on the box with 6 Volunteers along with Chief 812 and Chief 812B as Battalion 804. While en route, PSC advised responding units that they were receiving multiple calls. Moments later the units from Company 34 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of a 2 story single family dwelling. As the Engine was approaching fire could be seen from several blocks away. The crew immediately secured Engine 811's water supply and deployed an attack line to the rear of the dwelling where the crew began to move in on the basement level of the home. Just as the crew was committing to the house, the deck collapsed off the rear of the house blocked access from the rear and command hit the evacuation tones due to little progress being made and the collapse of the deck. Before command allowed units back into the home, the crew knocked down several rooms in the rear along with the attached carport. Once allowed back inside the crew was deployed to division 1 to assist with extinguishing the remainder of the fire. Chief 812 had division 1, and Chief 812B (Battalion 804) had safety for the duration of the incident. Ambulance 812 was also alerted to the call on the working fire dispatch and transported one civilian to the burn center for minor burns.
	www.hvfd.com

Engine Runs Hyattsville House Fire
April 17, 2010 - Just before 1930 hours, PSC dispatched Engine 812 to the area of East-West Highway and 43rd Street for a report of a bedroom on fire. Engine 801 quickly arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the second floor of the three story single family dwelling. Upon arrival Engine 812 picked up Engine 813's supply line and pulled the four hundred foot attack line to the first floor and checked for in extension in the basement and first floor. Engine 801 and Truck 809 made quick work of the bedroom fire on the second floor. The engine crew operated for about thirty minutes before being placed in service. Special thanks to the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department, Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, and Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department for helping cover the stations calls during our annual banquet.

Engine and Truck go to Work Again
April 10, 2010 - Around 1930 hours, Company 12 was alerted to 3213 Toledo Place in Company 1's area for the apartment fire. Truck 812 was first due truck on the box while the Engine responded 5th due. Battalion Chief 804 arrived to find a 3 story garden apartment building with light smoke showing, and it was quickly found that there was fire running the cockloft. The Truck arrived on scene and the search crew headed inside to open up for the engine companies so they could access the fire in the cockloft while the driver threw the aerial to the roof. The outside crew quickly made their way up to open the roof and stop additional horizontal fire spread by taking multiple natural openings and cutting two holes above the main fire area. The Engine arrived and stretched a line to the "D" exposure where they made sure there was no extension and stood by before being released. Chief 812 and 812A were also one the call and had Division 3, and the Roof Division respectively. The Truck stood by and assisted investigations and completed extensive overhaul before being released at 2106 hours.
Tim Murray	Tim Murray

Truck runs Greenbelt Second Alarm
April 8, 2010 - At 0145 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for the building on fire at 7809 Jacobs Drive in Company 35’s first due. Truck 812, with 8 and Chief 12 responded on the initial alarm. The first arriving units from Company 35 reported heavy fire showing from side Charlie. As the units from Company 12 were coming down greenbelt road approaching the scene it was noticed that embers from the fire were falling onto the road several hundred feet away. Truck 812 arrived as the second due truck and went to work throwing ladders, began searching, and checking for extension in the delta exposure. The search team was met by heavy smoke and fire conditions in the delta exposure that forced them to back out to the front door. At this time the truck called for a line to the delta exposure. As it seemed that it might be a little before anyone else would be able to get a line into the exposure building, the truck crew pulled its own attack lines from near by engines and began to work on extinguishing the fire in the delta exposure, they were joined shortly after by Engine 811. As crews continued to work in the delta exposure it was determined that there was a large volume of fire in the basement that crews were unable to attack from the interior. There were also several holes in the floor and all units operating were ordered out of the structures. At this time the crew of Truck 812 took positions on side alpha of the delta exposure and handled several exterior activities. The truck crew then proceeded to open up the basement of the delta exposure. After assisting with investigations, the truck assisted in overhauling the building of origin and then returned home at 0512 hours. During this fire, Chief 812 had the delta exposure and later Chief 812B, running as battalion 804 had the staging division on the second alarm.
. www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Truck, Engine and Chief on Beltsville 2nd Alarm
April 8, 2010 - At 1351 Hours, Truck 812 and the Chief responded to a reported commercial building fire at 11325 Old Baltimore Pike in Company 31’s first due. Engine Companies 831 and 835 arrived on scene of a large one-story commercial building with smoke showing. First arriving units gained entry into the building and initiated an interior attack but were quickly withdrawn by command as fire broke through the roof and the fire rapidly grew in intensity. Truck 812 set up for ladder pipe operations from Side Charlie and flowed for several hours. Engine 812 was originally transferred to Station 31 and was then added to the call after the 2nd Alarm. Engine 812 worked with numerous other units from Side Alpha of the building. Chief 812 was the Division 1 Supervisor until the evacuation and was then reassigned as Side Charlie Safety. The Engine and Truck cleared the fire ground shortly after 1800 Hours.
. www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Truck Runs Beltsville House Fire
April 4, 2010 - At 1904 hours, Truck 812 was alerted for a report of a house fire at 4206 Ulster Street. Truck 812 and Chief 812 respond on the call. As the truck was making its way up Baltimore Ave it became obvious that it was going to be a working fire as there was a column clearly visible on the horizon. Chief 831 was first to arrive on scene and reported fire showing from the rear of the structure. Truck 812 arrived on scene and immediately went to working opening up for the engine companies and throwing ladders, in addition the outside truck crew worked with Truck 814 to open up the roof. Truck 812 returned to service in a little over an hour.
www.beltsvillevfd.com	www.beltsvillevfd.com

Click Here to Go to Our Archives of Past Stories