LVRS - January 2008

LVRS Volunteers complete Surface Ice Rescue Training/Certification

Taking advantage of the recent spell of cold weather, LVRS volunteers completed an 8-hour course recently in surface ice rescue . One LVRS member has completed a national level instructor rating course, and is certified to teach LVRS and other surrounding departments first responders how to safely conduct these technical rescue calls. Students initially completed a classroom portion, where ice safety, equipment, and specialized emergency medical considerations were discussed, followed by an afternoon of practical training out on the ice at Laurel Lakes. LVRS would like to remind all citizens that no ice should be considered safe, no matter how cold the weather has been around here recently, and to stay off of local ponds, rivers and waterways that may be temporarily frozen. The individuals in these pictures are wearing specialized exposure suits and have completed technical training that otherwise would make being out on the ice a very dangerous proposition.

Water Rescue Team Provides Support to Maryland Special Olympics/Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge

On Saturday, January 24, 2009, LVRS' Water Rescue Team sent the unit and four water rescue personnel to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis to assist with the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics. LVRS personnel were only a small part of the over 120 public safety personnel assigned to patrol and cordon off the plunge area.in order to ensure the safety of the over 11,000 plungers who participated this year. Team members braved the same cold water as the plunge participants, though did so while wearing the special protective exposure suits that are commonly used for diving or ice rescues. Preliminary estimates are that over $2.5M was raised for Special Olympics, and LVRS was honored to be a part of this day.

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES $84,280 THROUGH FEMA’S FY 2008 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM

(Laurel, Maryland) – Today, January 16, 2009, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded an $84,280 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad. The funding will be used to purchase additional fire, rescue and emergency medical equipment, including portable radios, cribbing and hydraulic tools for use on motor vehicle crashes, saws and fans for use on fire calls, ropes and hardware for use on technical rescue incidents, and specialized meters that can measure carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream of those exposed to the toxic gas.

Fire Chief David Morgan, an 18-year member who oversees all emergency operations within the organization, stated “We are thrilled that FEMA will help us offset the costs of providing this equipment and interoperability for the Greater Laurel area, and we thank our local congressional delegation for all of their hard work to ensure support and funds for this program. The new equipment will enable us to provide the required tools and safety equipment needed when our volunteer members serve the public safety needs of the area.”

LVRS members provide almost 8,000 hours of volunteer service each month, saving the local community over $6,000,000 yearly through their volunteer service... more

2009 COMPANY ELECTIONS

On Tuesday January 13th, 2009, the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad held its
Annual Election of Officers.

Chief Oficers

David Morgan, Chief

Mark Arsenault, Deputy Chief

Rafael Gibson, Assistant Chief

Administrative Officers

David Morgan, President

Pam doCarmo, Treasurer

Dawn Nakroshis, Board Secretary

Sherrie Zabriski, Recording Secretary

Irene Wagner ,Corresponding Secretary

Joan Noland, Records Secretary

Board of Directors

Richard Sien , Chair (2011)

Michelle Arsenault, Vice Chair (2011)

Barry Johnson (2010)

Cheryl Thompson (2010)

David Morgan, President (2010)

House Fire Brings Rescue Engine and All 3 Chiefs

1/11/09 - At approximately 1530 hrs Rescue Engine 849 was alerted for reported house on fire, possibly one child trapped inside. Chief 849 arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from Side Charlie of the single family home. Rescue Engine 849 made a quick knock on the fire and the fire was knocked in about 15 minutes. Crews preformed extensive overhaul and wrapped up around 1930 hrs. Chief 849, Chief 849A, Chief 849B, Rescue Engine 849, and A849 all responded on the call.

Interstate 95, 1 Trapped

Jan 10 - At 1500hrs, Rescue Squad 849 was alerted to I-95 & Old Gun Powder Road for a multi-car accident with several injured. First arriving units found 1 trapped in 1 car and 2 others requiring patient care in another car. Rescue Squad 849 went to work on the 1 trapped extricating the patient in less than 10 minutes.