Tuesday, February 7, 2012  Hey,
As posted on our home page yesterday, Philly had a working fire yesterday morning with members injured. PFD Lt. Melvin Martin of E-27 was transported to Hahn Hospital with burns to his arms along with a back in jury-he is critical but stable. 2 other members of E-27 had minor blistering type burns. All injuries are currently NLT.
Firefighters searched the house looking for anyone still inside. The 3 members who were hurt found themselves above the fire when they got to the third floor and they became trapped. 2 FF's were able to make it down an aerial but Lt Melvin stayed back until his men were clear, then tried to get out through a window and onto the ladder but he fell to the ground. Initial reports are that the occupants ran to the quarters of E-27 to report the fire. Smoke alarms were in the building and activated. Fire marshals are holding a civilian for questioning. We wish Lt Martin a rapid recovery.
 
Speaking Of Philly:
The third edition of Philadelphia FD Deputy Chief (Ret) Jim Smith's textbook "Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground", is now available HERE:
http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/bs8294.shtml
As you know, we occasionally recommend "must have books" and this is certainly one for your library. Naturally if you feel there is a fire related book out there that we should "pass on" to TSL members, let us know.
 
 
FDNY MOURNS THE LOSS OF EMS LEADER
(While not designated as an LODD, Chief McFarland was well known to many of you-and that's why we are passing this on)
It is with regret that we advise you that FDNY-EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland, who served the EMS Command for more than 28 years and led many innovations that changed nationwide EMS, died on Feb. 6 after battling a brain tumor.
In his time (joining in 1983) with FDNY EMS, he responded to many notable incidents, including the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of 1993 and 2001, US Airways Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson, two plane crashes at LaGuardia Airport and the steam pipe explosion in Midtown Manhattan.
He leaves behind his wife, EMS Captain Joan McFarland and daughters Katherine, 28, Megan, 24, Rebecca, 7, John, 5, and Joseph, 4. Rest in Peace Chief.
MORE HERE: http://www.jems.com/article/news/fdny-mourns-passing-innovative-ems-chief
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 2-6-12 / 2214 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com