The Cherrydale VFD has finally received a new website! The URL is the same, but the site is new. We will no longer be updating this blog but most of the stories here can now be found there. Thanks for your support,
The Cherrydale VFD
NEW WEBSITE: http://www.cherrydalevfd.org
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Busy weekend for CVFD
It was a busy weekend for CVFD. We had members attending the Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course, which will allow them to driver emergency vehicles. We also had several members take our apparatus to the neighborhood Day Parade down Wilson Blvd. Utility 103 and Light and Air 103 both were staffed during the event while one member escorted Sparky the Fire Dog during the parade. One member was staffing the volunteer-operated Ambulance 102, which provides Basic Life Support EMS to the County and helped out at several special events, including the first annual Battle of the Boulevard's 10k, the parade, and a taekwondo studio's annual Kick-A-Thon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All told, we treated 10 patients throughout the day. That afternoon, all county fire volunteers were treated to dinner by the Arlington County Fire and Rescue Association, where they gathered for BBQ. Another active day by the volunteer firefighters of Arlington County.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Volunteer firefighter protection act passes the House
On May 9, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act as part of H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act. This Act provides job protection for volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a Presidentially-declared disaster for up to 14 days per calendar year.
“Volunteer first responders shouldn’t be put in the position of having to choose between their jobs and responding to a major disaster,” said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Executive Director Heather Schafer. “Passage of this bill eliminates the threat of termination or demotion.”
The legislation also reduces pressure on emergency managers who rely heavily on the availability and performance of the more than 800,000 volunteer first responders around the country. Pre-emergency planners must know what assets they have available to them so the deployment process can move as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act was introduced as H.R. 1643 on March 22 by Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) along with original co-sponsors Michael Castle (R-DE), Randy Kuhl (R-NY), and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). The bill language was then offered as an amendment to H.R. 1684 by Congressmen Andrews and Pascrell, along with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
“I’d like to thank all of our supporters in the House of Representatives for working with us to get this legislation passed,” said Schafer. “This bill means peace of mind for volunteer first responders and improves our nation’s emergency response capacity.”
The legislation only applies to emergency responders acting in an official capacity. “Self-responders” would not be eligible for job protection under this bill, and employers have the right to ask for documentation from the official supervising the response to verify that the employee was involved in an official capacity.
“Volunteer first responders shouldn’t be put in the position of having to choose between their jobs and responding to a major disaster,” said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Executive Director Heather Schafer. “Passage of this bill eliminates the threat of termination or demotion.”
The legislation also reduces pressure on emergency managers who rely heavily on the availability and performance of the more than 800,000 volunteer first responders around the country. Pre-emergency planners must know what assets they have available to them so the deployment process can move as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act was introduced as H.R. 1643 on March 22 by Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) along with original co-sponsors Michael Castle (R-DE), Randy Kuhl (R-NY), and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). The bill language was then offered as an amendment to H.R. 1684 by Congressmen Andrews and Pascrell, along with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
“I’d like to thank all of our supporters in the House of Representatives for working with us to get this legislation passed,” said Schafer. “This bill means peace of mind for volunteer first responders and improves our nation’s emergency response capacity.”
The legislation only applies to emergency responders acting in an official capacity. “Self-responders” would not be eligible for job protection under this bill, and employers have the right to ask for documentation from the official supervising the response to verify that the employee was involved in an official capacity.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Another fire, another Cherrydale response
Last night at 9:19 p.m., ACFD and Fairfax County fire units were sent to 4514 North 41st Street for the House Fire. Cherrydale volunteer Lowry was aboard Engine 103, which arrived second due with a career crew of Captain Higgins and Firefighters Barb, Jaquays and Waterfall. Engine 103 advanced an attack line along with Engine 108's crew and was able to knock down the fire in short order.
Also on the call was Cherrydale's Light and Air unit, staffed with a crew from the Falls Church VFD. Firefighters Schomburg and Greear along with Recruits Deven Hessler and Addy Hessler, Frey and Weckstien assisted for seven hours packing hose, refilling air bottles, and assisting the fire marshal's office with their investigation.
Also on the call was Cherrydale's Light and Air unit, staffed with a crew from the Falls Church VFD. Firefighters Schomburg and Greear along with Recruits Deven Hessler and Addy Hessler, Frey and Weckstien assisted for seven hours packing hose, refilling air bottles, and assisting the fire marshal's office with their investigation.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Congratulations!
Congrats to Cherrydale's newest operational members, Mac McIntire and Carter Cromartie for passing their County Indoc program, which allows them to get out on the streets and play fireman with the big boys.
Going to work
At 2118 on Monday, April 30, Arlington County's Emergency Communications Center put out a call for a house fire in Engine 103's second due area. The career crew of Captain Higgins, Firefighters Jaquays and Reeve, Fire Trainee Waterfall with Cherrydale Volunteer Firefighter Lowry responded to 1210 North Taylor Street. The engine crew stretched a hose line from Engine 102 and entered the basement on the Baker Side. With Waterfall on the nozzle, the fire was quickly contained to the area of origin. There was little extension and Engine 103 cleared within an hour.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Volunteer firefighters need more support
Webmaster's Note: An interesting op-ed from a local politician.
By: Delegate Thomas Rust
02/07/2007
Last year, I was approached by Loudoun County on behalf of its volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, which are having a difficult time training and keeping volunteers in its system. They are not alone. I soon found that Fairfax County has similar problems retaining its volunteers, and this is true across the commonwealth.
One of the things we learned in the aftermath of 9/11 is the value of volunteer public safety workers to our overall homeland security. In some localities they operate as a critical supplement to career employees and in others they act as the primary first responders. Whatever their role, we cannot forget the pivotal role they played at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center.
Five years later, most volunteer departments report that the recruiting boom they experienced after 9/11 has ended. They have resumed their perennial battle for new recruits.
This year I introduced a resolution calling for a study of incentives used in other volunteer systems to retain volunteers and provide them a better reason to continue on as "free labor" of sorts to keep our communities safe. In earlier years, many volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers received a small benefit for the hundreds of hours of service each typically puts in per year - a tax break on the vehicle they used to travel to and from their duty station. With the advent of car tax relief, that benefit does not always mean very much to our volunteers.
HJR743, the resolution I introduced to accomplish this study, recently passed the full House of Delegates unanimously and will now go to the Senate for consideration. It is my hope that this study will give us a better idea of how to keep our volunteer fire and rescue squad workers engaged in a calling that we often take for granted.
The types of incentives we offer these men and women can cost us pennies and give us dollars in return. Many of them have served our communities for decades, and I hope this will give us a window into the ways we can continue to benefit from their service, while recognizing them for the invaluable assistance they provide.
Del. Rust, a Republican, represents Herndon and Sterling in the 86th House of Delegates district.
©Times Community Newspapers 2007
By: Delegate Thomas Rust
02/07/2007
Last year, I was approached by Loudoun County on behalf of its volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, which are having a difficult time training and keeping volunteers in its system. They are not alone. I soon found that Fairfax County has similar problems retaining its volunteers, and this is true across the commonwealth.
One of the things we learned in the aftermath of 9/11 is the value of volunteer public safety workers to our overall homeland security. In some localities they operate as a critical supplement to career employees and in others they act as the primary first responders. Whatever their role, we cannot forget the pivotal role they played at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center.
Five years later, most volunteer departments report that the recruiting boom they experienced after 9/11 has ended. They have resumed their perennial battle for new recruits.
This year I introduced a resolution calling for a study of incentives used in other volunteer systems to retain volunteers and provide them a better reason to continue on as "free labor" of sorts to keep our communities safe. In earlier years, many volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers received a small benefit for the hundreds of hours of service each typically puts in per year - a tax break on the vehicle they used to travel to and from their duty station. With the advent of car tax relief, that benefit does not always mean very much to our volunteers.
HJR743, the resolution I introduced to accomplish this study, recently passed the full House of Delegates unanimously and will now go to the Senate for consideration. It is my hope that this study will give us a better idea of how to keep our volunteer fire and rescue squad workers engaged in a calling that we often take for granted.
The types of incentives we offer these men and women can cost us pennies and give us dollars in return. Many of them have served our communities for decades, and I hope this will give us a window into the ways we can continue to benefit from their service, while recognizing them for the invaluable assistance they provide.
Del. Rust, a Republican, represents Herndon and Sterling in the 86th House of Delegates district.
©Times Community Newspapers 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Condolences: Prince William LODD
The Cherrydale VFD extends its condolences to the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department following the Line of Duty Death of one of it's members this morning at a fire in Woodbridge. The rookie firefighter was killed during the collapse of the home in which he was working. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Two members complete vehicle extrication course
Two members of the CVFD, Jack Baber and Joe Lowry, completed the Virginia Department of Fire Programs course in Vehicle Rescue this weekend, certified at the Operations Level. The course was put on by the Caroline County Emergency Units Organization and hosted by the Upper Caroline VFD. The course provided students information on new hazards associated with today’s vehicles. Time was spent on how the laws of physics affect the vehicle and it’s passengers and the outcome this has on tactical considerations. Emphasis was placed on the development of safe and proficient techniques for vehicle stabilization, extrication and lifting, and in the use of air bags and hydraulic systems.
Welcome New Members!
The Cherrydale VFD would like to welcome three new member who were recently voted into the membership. Doug Drewry and Ryan Fulcher were accepted at the March meeting and Arnab Sinha was accepted at the April meeting. All three live in or near the Cherrydale community and are looking forward to starting their training soon.
Monday, February 26, 2007
CVFD celebrates Mardi Gras!
The CVFD's was one of several pieces of County fire apparatus to participate in the Clarendon neighborhood's Mardi Gras parade. On Tuesday, February 20, several members packed into Utility 103 or walked along the route in their turnout gear passing out beads to all those who came out for the festivities. Even with piles of snow and the
rain, the crowds were decent. Local businesses had some great floats.
Utility 103 was staffed by Marvin Binns and Mark Laskin. Dee Allen, Jack Baber, Mike Newman, Walter Coon and Chief Scott Pardi walked along the route and handed out over three cases of beads.
We had a great time, even with the rain, and we can't wait to participate again next year.
rain, the crowds were decent. Local businesses had some great floats.
Utility 103 was staffed by Marvin Binns and Mark Laskin. Dee Allen, Jack Baber, Mike Newman, Walter Coon and Chief Scott Pardi walked along the route and handed out over three cases of beads.
We had a great time, even with the rain, and we can't wait to participate again next year.
Water and fire
The Cherrydale VFD has been busy with both fire and water. CVFD Recruit Firefighter Joe Lowry caught a job while on Engine 103 recently. A fire broke out at just past 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at an apartment complex at 4385 Lee Highway. Engine 103 arrived to find smoke showing from the top floor of the three story complex. After taking in a line, they extinguished a kitchen fire which had extended into some duct work. With some roof work by the crews of Tower 104 and Truck 106, the fire was brought under control quickly. This was the first fire for ACFD Trainee Ned Waterfall, 103-C. Lowry worked with the career crew of Captain Steve McCoy, FF Jesse Reeve, FF/Medic Glenn Smith, and Fire Trainee Ned Waterfall.
The Light and Air unit has also been busy with winter storm activity, having been staffed several times in the last few weeks to run wires down and other public service calls. Members of the Cherrydale VFD and the Falls Church VFD have assisted in staffing the unit. Running public service calls is not exciting but it provides significant value to the County as it keeps an engine company in service for other work.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
From the attic
This historic photo shows a Cherrydale VFD crew staffing an American LaFrance engine. Marvin Binns, second from right, is the current CVFD president.
Two new members start Indoc
The Cherrydale VFD's newest members, Carter Cromartie and John (Mac) McIntire, are moving along great in the Indoc training program, the first step to being signed off as a recruit volunteer firefighter with Arlington County. Also in the program is CVFD member Dee Allen. CVFD firefighters Lowry, Sorenson and Baber have all been active in assisting in class instruction.
Storms bring slow nights
2/14/2007 - Just when you would have thought that snow and ice would have meant a busy night for the volunteer firefighters of Arlington County, the halo over the county saved us again. The County and City of Falls Church received a lot of sleet, ice and snow which many thought would create significant downed power lines and accidents on area roadways. It in fact didn't materialize but that didn't stop the Cherrydale VFD with our brothers and sisters at the Falls Church VFD from mobilizing resources in case something significant developed. Throughout the night, Ambulance 106 (Fortner, Schomburg, Turner) and Light and Air 103 (Evinger, Lowry) staffed Fire Station 6 in Falls Church. Utility 103 (Pardi, Azar) staffed Fire Station 1 and Utility 106 (Vilpors, Donahue) staffed Fire Station 5. This is in addition to the career staffed units at those houses. Those units were in service until 7 a.m. although the Light and Air unit remained in service throughout the day.
Lessons Learned: We did learn that putting chains on LA103 really stinks. We also learned someone took LA103's chains and put a bunch of chain parts in the bucket. Truck 106 had about 10 sets so we had a set generously donated to us.
Lessons Learned: We did learn that putting chains on LA103 really stinks. We also learned someone took LA103's chains and put a bunch of chain parts in the bucket. Truck 106 had about 10 sets so we had a set generously donated to us.
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