On February 6, 2012 EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland of the Fire Department of the City of New York died as a result of a cancer, presumed to be linked to his service at Ground Zero in the response & recovery to the attacks on 9/11.
FDNY EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland, who served the EMS Command for more than 28 years and led many innovations that changed nationwide emergency medical services, died on Feb. 6 after battling a brain tumor.
“He was a forward thinker whose work will be helping New Yorkers for years to come,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
Former Chief of EMS Robert McCracken added: “The things that stand out to me were his leadership qualities as a visionary and patient advocate. He always looked into technology to improve performance and patient care.”
Chief McFarland joined EMS as an EMT in 1983. He studied to become a paramedic in 1985 and was assigned to cover Manhattan. Four years later, he was promoted to lieutenant. He worked in Operations and Training before being promoted again – to captain – in 1997.
He held different positions both at FDNY Headquarters and the EMS Academy before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2001. He then served as Chief of the Academy and Chief of Division 4. He then became Queens Borough Commander in 2003, followed by Deputy Assistant Chief of Field Operations in 2004. He retired in 2011.
In his time with 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 was a pioneer, striving for top-quality medical care that anyone could provide on the street, as well as the most up-to-date medical care,” said FDNY Chief Medical Officer David Prezant. “He wanted to make sure that the FDNY EMS Command was the best in the world.”
He added that Chief McFarland was always pushing for the FDNY to make use of the latest innovations and technologies, including STEMI and hypothermia therapy. He also never forgot what it was like to work as a paramedic or EMT on the streets, and always strived to find ways to make their lives easier.
“He really viewed EMS as a lifeline for the people of NYC,” Dr. Prezant said.
While Assistant Chief John Peruggia lauded Chief McFarland’s emphasis on patient care, he also remembered how much he loved his family – including his wife, EMS Captain Jo Ann, and children Katherine, 28, Megan, 24, Rebecca, 7, John, 5, and Joseph, 4.
Chief McCracken said he was deeply saddened by the passing of his longtime colleague and friend, but said he was happy he had the chance to know such an innovative thinker and kindhearted man: “It was an honor and pleasure to know John, and I can’t say enough about him. I’m just happy that the last time I saw him that he still had that great smile and positive outlook on life, his family and job he loved.”
Chief McFarland worked his way up the ranks and served as the Chief of EMS Training and was responsible for the delivery of all EMS training in the FDNY. He also served as Division Commander responsible forEMS operations in the Borough of Queens. He also served as the Deputy Assistant Chief, and finally as the Chief of EMS Field Services for FDNY. He was a member of International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC) and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
Funeral arrangements
Visitation:
F. Ruggerio and Sons Funeral Home
732 Yonkers Ave.
Yonkers, NY
Wed. and Thurs., Feb. 8 and 9, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral:
Church of the Annunciation
470 Westchester Ave.
Yonkers, NY
Fri., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland.
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On February 8, 2012, Reserve Deputy Don Williams of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office died in the line of duty.
Reserve Deputy Don Williams died after being involved in a single vehicle accident on South Union Avenue, near Martin Street, in Ozark.
He had just completed serving civil papers when his patrol car left the roadway and struck several parked cars. It is believed that he may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident.
Ebony Horton of the Dothan Eagle filed this report.
Seventeen years ago, a young Dale County Sheriff’s jailer began working alongside a sheriff’s reserve deputy who would influence his life in several ways.
That jailer is now Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson, and the reserve deputy was Don Williams.
Williams died Wednesday night after his patrol vehicle wrecked while on the way home from work. Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said it appeared Williams suffered some sort of medical episode before the vehicle crashed.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash and no one else was injured, according to Spivey.
Olson said Williams was a reserve civil process server for the department and had just finished serving papers before the incident. As a reserve deputy, most his work for the county was completed for free.
“Don was just an extraordinary individual – the way he made people feel, his energy and the pride he had in the sheriff’s department. He has been through a lot, but the one thing he’s always done was take care of his family and never complained about anything. We’ve literally grown up together as a family in this department,” Olson said.
“He will never be able to be replaced.”
Williams’ brother-in-law, David Jerkins, said Williams also served as a security guard for Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
“He was well-loved by the family and an all-around nice guy. He’s known by a lot of people and for ages and ages he’s served,” Jerkins said.
“It’s a tragic loss. No matter how much you prepare for everything, you just never expect it.”
Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams said Williams was a hardworking deputy who was dedicated to his position.
“What is a big loss for the law enforcement community tonight is an even bigger loss to the community in general. (Williams) will be dearly missed,” Adams said.
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Deputy Williams had served as a reserve deputy with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and six children. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Reserve Deputy Don Williams.
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On February 8, 2012, Paramedic Joshua Weissman of the Alexandria Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Our good friends at firefighterclosecalls are reporting that Alexandria Fire Department Joshua Weissman, 33, has died from injuries he sustained last evening while operating at a vehicle fire scene on I-395.
Paramedic Weissman, who is with the Seminary Road Fire Station in Alexandria, was extricated from the creek by Alexandria City and Arlington County Firefighters after falling from the Interstate and taken to Med Star with life threatening injuries.
The Alexandria ambulance reportedly parked on I-395 northbound, alongside the HOV lanes, to reach the burning vehicle.
There is a three foot gap between two cement barriers separating the lanes. Paramedic Weissman was reportedly climbing over one barrier to get to the HOV lanes when he fell.
A seven year veteran paramedic of the Alexandria Fire Department had been in critical condition Thursday morning after falling from a highway overpass during an emergency call in Shirlington yesterday.
Since joining the department, Weissman has stayed active, joining several medical services committees, training with interns and working on the agency’s mass casualty preparation plans.
He received an Alexandria Jaycees award during the group’s community appreciation night last year.
The department is offering counseling for personnel as well as comfort for Weissman’s family. The experienced Firefighter/Paramedic is married, but without children.
Paramedic Weissman had also served the Cayuga Heights Fire Department (New York) and for Bang’s Ambulance Service in Ithaca before moving to Virginia. Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Paramedic Joshua Weissman.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to: Adam K. Thiel, Fire Chief 900 Second Street Alexandria, VA 22003 703-746.5200 http://alexandriava.gov/Fire
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Dramatic Video~ Police Officer Diosino Medina pulls an unconscious person from a burning vehicle!
On behalf of every Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and EMT/Paramedic in the United States, the American First Responder Institute extends congratulations to Police Officer Diosino Medina of the San Diego Police Department!
A San Diego police officer is being called a hero after rushing into the scene of a flaming car wreck to pull the unconscious driver to safety.
The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on eastbound Balboa Ave. near Clairemont Drive.
Officer Diosino Medina saw the flames as he was driving west on Balboa Ave.He jumped into action, breaking the driver’s side window and pulling the driver out. The man was unconscious but breathing and later came to.
The driver told police his Honda had broken down in the number one lane on eastbound Balboa Ave.when he was rear-ended by a pick-up truck. His car’s gas tank ruptured and sparked the fire.
Lt. David Rohowits says Officer Medina was in the right place at the right time, and the driver likely would have died if not for Medina’s heroic actions.
Both drivers were transported to local hospitals but are expected to be ok. Investigators say they do not believe any alcohol was involved.
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On February 1, 2012, Paramedic Firefighter Douglas “Doug” Haase of the City of St. Charles Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Haase served his 27 year career with the City ofSt. Charles Fire Department. He also served as the Fire Chief of Lincoln County Fire Protection District from 1982 to 1984. Additionally Paramedic Haase served the Lincoln County Ambulance District from 1980 to 1995. He proudly served these communities with courage, compassion and integrity.
Fire Department spokesman Dan Casey said Haase had no apparent health issues.
“It was a big shock to everybody,” he said. “He was an all-around good guy.”
Batalion Chief David Lewis said Haase was a calming presence and was the voice of reason during stressful times, helping firefighters deal with difficult calls.
“He was our Papa Smurf,” Lewis said. “He’d always have an ear for you, always have fatherly advice.”
Funeral arrangements have been set forSt. Charlesfirefighter-paramedic/engineer Douglas Haase, 60, who was found dead in bed near the end of his shift at a fire station Wednesday morning.
Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 5 from 2 to 8 pm. with a firefighter walkthrough at 7:30 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral home,1304 Boone StreetinTroy,Mo.
Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Backstoppers,P.O. Box 66927,St. Louis,MO,63166.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Paramedic Firefighter Douglas Haase.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 3, 2012, Police Officer Steven Green of the Mobile Police Department was murdered in the line of duty.
Officer Green, 36, was stabbed to death by a prisoner outside of the Mobile County Metro Jail at approximately 3:50 pm.
The subject had been arrested by an off duty police officer earlier in the day when he attempted to rob a dollar store.
He had approached the store’s checkout counter, demanded money, then lit the counter on fire after spraying it with lighter fluid. An off-duty officer shopping in the store tackled him and took him into custody.
He was processed at the police station and was being transported to the county jail by Officer Green when he attacked and fatally stabbed Officer Green outside of the jail complex.
The subject then stole the officer’s service weapon and patrol car. Other officers pursued the suspect to a home off of Dauphin Island Parkwaywhere he engaged them in a shootout, wounding one officer in the arm. The suspect suffered a fatal gunshot wound during the exchange of shots.
Green has been an officer since May 2010. He served the department in the First Precinct and was currently on assignment at the Fifth Precinct.
Chief Williams said, “It is a sad day for the Mobile Police Force and for law enforcement. Our sympathy certainly goes to Officer Green’s wife and family.”
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
Chief of Police Michael T. Williams
Mobile Police Department
2460 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 208-1700
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 3, 2012, Fire Chief David Flint of the Franklin Township Fire Company died in the line of duty. John Last of Erie TV news filed this story.
It was a somber day at the Franklin Township Fire Hall as firefighters cope with the sudden loss of their chief. David Flint, 49, was killed in a two-vehicle accident Thursday night near Edinboro. Assistant Chief Sharon Petri was seriously injured.
Sadness has engulfed the Franklin Township Fire Station. Outside the flag is at half staff. A road sign expresses the grief everyone is feeling. Inside, Chief Flint’s helmet and turnout gear stand as a memorial to a man who for ten years was truly devoted to his department.
“As far as his devotion to this community…he’s probably answered 98% of every call that we’ve had,” said Jim O’Hara, who now serves as Acting Chief.
It’s not justFranklinTownshipfirefighters that are grieving. Firefighters from throughout the county liked and respected Dave Flint.
“Dave was a fireman’s fireman,” says Albion Fire Chief Scott Hyde. “He always had time to talk about problems or help you solve a problem in your department. Was always there to lend a hand if someone needed it in another department.”
It’s very tough when a firefighter has to respond to a fatal fire or traffic accident. It’s especially tough when it involved one of their own.
“It’s the worse feeling you can possibly imagine.” says Hyde. “I’ve been doing this business a long time. I went through the 1985 tornadoes, which was very bad. But when it’s one of your own, it’s like someone just punches you in the gut and you can’t breathe.”
Members of the Albion Fire Department, and other departments, are manning the Franklin Township Station, to giveFranklinTownshiptime to grieve. They say they’ll stay there as long as it takes. ButFranklinTownshipfirefighters know it won’t be long. Their now departed chief would want them to get back to work.
According to O’ Hara, “We’re firefighters and it’s what we do. He would be absolutely furious if we just stopped. We’ll move on. That’s what we do.”
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Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
Seconds later… the car dissapears and the two girls are gone! This rescue is amazing!
On behalf of every Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and EMT/Paramedic in the United States, the American First Responder Institute extends congratulations to Deputy Sheriff Keven Rowen of the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.
Rockwall County Sheriff’s Deputy Keven Rowen spotted vehicle in the water. It was sinking before his eyes. He heard two people screaming and saw them in the backseat.
In the dash cam video, Rowen is asked by another deputy if he is going to jump in. “I have to! They are screaming and they can’t get out,” he replies, and walks into the water, retrieving the women from the car.
Rowen broke the window using a punch tool that according to reports, he says he carries just in case.
Driver Ngoc Do, 20, was talking on the phone and didn’t realize she entered the lake by driving down a boat ramp. I’m so happy. He really saved my life,” 21-year-old passenger Nhi Hoang Tran said, recalling the ordeal.
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
Please join us on St Patrick’s Day for our fundraiser at the firehouse hall in Conshohocken, PA (just outside Philly). We realize that many people have plans & traditions, if you can’t come, you can always buy a ticket that will be donated to the families of one of our heroes!
We will have a catered dinner and open bar. Our dinner speaker is Patrick Creed. Patrick won a Bronze Star & Purple Heart while serving as an Officer with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Iraq, and is also a volunteer firefighter in Delware County, PA. He will be talking about his book “FIREFIGHT! The Fight to Save the Pentagon on 9/11″.
After dinner, we will have Joshua Pride, a local accoustic singer/songwriter performing a few sets, followed by a DJ.
For tickets contact Bill Finegan at 215-390-0754 (cell).
On January 24, 2012, Captain Walter Sumner of the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department died in the line of duty. Our good friends at firefighterclosecalls are reporting that within 24 hours of responding to an incident on 01/21/2012, Captain Walter Sumner of the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department suffered a heart attack.
Captain Sumner then passed away on 01/24/2012 from complications related to that heart attack while his company was on a relocation/fill-in/transfer detail.
Please join with us in sending our condolences to the family and peers of Captain Walter Sumner.
Cards and letters of condolence can be sent to:
Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department
9920 N Meadville St
Cranesville, PA
814-756-3441
OBITUARY FOR CAPTAIN WALTER SUMNER
“Captain” of Cranesville Fire Department Walt Sumner, 49, passed away unexpectedly of heart failure on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at U.P.M.C. Hamot. He was born October 6, 1962 inErie, son of the late Alfred and Janice Sumner.
Walt enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Steelers, but his main passion in life was the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, recently being named Captain.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Lorena Skobodzinski. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Jeannette Sumner, whom he married September 6, 1986, two daughters, Stephanie Sumner and her fiancé, Dennis Blood, and Allison Sumner, both of Cranesville, a granddaughter, Layla, a sister, Tammy Reichel and her husband, Kevin, of Union City, his father-in-law Ed Skobodzinski of Cranesville, his brother-in-law, Ed Skobodzinski of North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are his entire firefighter family at Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, the surrounded fire departments, and many many friends.
Friends may call at the Mattera Funeral Home,188 East State Street,Albion, on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., and are invited to attend a funeral service there on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Hal Morgan officiating. Burial will follow inHopeCemetery, Wellsburg. Memorials may be made to the family c/o the funeral home, or to the Cranesville Fire Department,9920 Meadville Street,Cranesville,PA16410
To receive updates send a friend request to “First Responder Institute” on facebook. This website is made possible by the generous support of our benefactors.
On February 6, 2012 EMS Assistant Chief John McFarland of the Fire Department of the City of New York died as a result of a cancer, presumed to be linked to his service at Ground Zero in the response & recovery to the attacks on 9/11.
