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Firefighters rescue a trapped construction worker
Updated
On: Jun 19, 2009 (10:39:00)
On June 2 Firefighters rescued a construction worker trapped in a trench at a La Palma construction site at Moody Street and Malaga Drive The joint effort between La Palma engine 13, Medic unit 17 and Buena Park station 61 firefighters, medics and Urban Search & Rescue took 90 minutes to rescue a man they say was between 20 and 30 years old. According to firefighters who responded to the call, the victim was working for a private company contracting with the city of La Palma and was probably working on a water or sewer line at the time of the accident. The call went out around 12:10 p.m., after the victim’s feet became pinned under plywood sheeting. Dirt then started to fall around the man, burying him almost waist deep. Plywood sheets are often used to “shore up the [trench] sides to make sure you don’t have any more collapse,” said Jeff Frazier, one of the medic engine firefighters who dug out the victim. In this case, the plywood became part of the problem. “After we made contact with the victim we were able to get an additional shore [in the trench] and just started moving the dirt,” said Dan Tessieri of station 61. “It was pretty much a once in a lifetime thing.” Firefighters dropped a rope into the trench to make sure the victim did not sink any further. After stabilizing the trench walls, station 61 firefighters Tessieri and Jeff Frazier hopped into the trench and proceeded to free the victim of the surrounding dirt and plywood with their hands. Coincidentally, Tessieri and Frazier completed a specialized training course in confined space and trench rescue just a short time before this accident occurred. During the course, the firefighters learned special tactics that aided them through the course of this rescue. Because the victim was stuck in the trench for quite some time, firefighters were concerned about crush syndrome. Crush syndrome, which can occur after someone is buried in dirt for quite some time, can cause blood to be displaced under the weight of the dirt. “[The rescue] was pretty good because most last about four to eight hours,” Frazier said. “But we were concerned with crush syndrome because the dirt releases a lot of change in Ph of the blood which can release toxins into your system. So we tried to get him out as soon as possible.” Captain on duty Jeeter McAlpin was pleased with the quick rescue. “We were very fortunate to have had the expertise on the scene,” he said. Once freed, the victim climbed a ladder out of the trench and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange to be examined. HE was released later that night. -- Additional reporting by 3631 Intern Christina Ruiz
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Firefighters flipped pancakes for child abuse prevention
Updated
On: Jun 19, 2009 (10:38:00)
Laguna Beach firefighters flipped pancakes and raised $2,000 for a child abuse prevention fund on Memorial Day, marking a successful twice-a-year event that has been a firefighter and Exchange Club of Laguna Beach tradition for 25 years. Sande St. John, an Exchange Club member for over 15 years, said the fundraiser continues to be a success because of the attendance of the Laguna Beach firefighters. “They are the whole event,” St. John said. “People come to the fundraiser to see them.” The event was held at scenic Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, said Andrew Hill, firefighter and fundraiser participant. Hill said the firefighters got involved after they saw an opportunity to interact with local citizens, and have been involved ever since. Attractions at the fundraiser included Laguna Beach firefighter Diz Isabella’s 1932 fire engine and Jazzy Jeff, a four-member band that played tunes praising the firefighters. “The singer had an incredible voice,” St. John said. Isabella’s 1931 fire engine, a historic antique and point of pride for the city of Laguna Beach, was the showcase attraction at the fundraiser, St. John said. Isabella interacted with kids and adults alike when they gathered around the engine. “Laguna Beach was the first town in Orange County to have an engine,” St. John said. St. John credits The White House restaurant for donating the pancake mix and Las Brisas restaurant for donating all other amenities, acknowledging that the whole community came together to support child abuse prevention. The fundraiser also collected $200 for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Hill said. St. John said this is the most enjoyable event of the year for her and the other Exchange Club members. She looks forward to another successful pancake fundraiser on Memorial Day. The Exchange Club of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach firefighters hold the child abuse prevention pancake fundraiser every Labor Day and Memorial Day. Contact Andrew Hill for more info. Andrew Hill : 949 497 0700 Sande St. John: 949 633 9429 -- Additional reporting by 3631 Intern Adam Elmahrek
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OC Firefighters: We Have A New Fire Chief
Updated
On: Jun 12, 2009 (09:46:00)
The Board just announced Keith Richter from Contra Costa County Fire District to replace Chief Prather as our Fire Chief. The following is the text from the Media Release that will be distributed to the media: The Board of Directors at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) appointed Keith Richter as its new Fire Chief, replacing Chip Prather who is retiring this July. Richter takes the helm on August 1 at one of the largest fire agencies in California with its nearly 850 firefighters at 62 fire stations. “We’re very excited to have Chief Richter at the OCFA,” said Don McCay, Chairman of the OCFA Board of Directors. “We’re confident he has the leadership skills we need to keep OCFA as one of the premier fire service agencies in America.” Richter was selected by the OCFA Board from a large pool of well-qualified candidates from throughout the Nation. “This is a very exciting day for me, to be named Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority,” said Richter. “OCFA is known to be one of the finest fire departments anywhere, and it is a high honor to be chosen as its next leader.” Richter comes to the OCFA from Contra Costa County Fire District where he has been their Chief since 1998. He has more than 30 years experience in the fire service. He started his career with the Tucson Fire Department back in 1977 as a firefighter. Richter holds a Master of Science degree in Fire Administration and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is an Executive Board Member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.
Download:
061109 - Richter - New OCFA Chief.pdf
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