HVFD & More than a Dozen Other Fire/EMS Departments Participate at Simultaneous St. Baldrick's Events in College Park, Bel Air
On Saturday, March 9th, members of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department present and past were joined by more than a dozen neighboring and home departments in responding to a call for help from children in need -- raising more than $55,000 in the fight against childhood cancers.
Taking a break from the usual running of calls, volunteer and career firefighters joined forces and shaved their heads as part of the annual St. Baldrick's Foundation charity drive. The department's participation has grown annually, with events this year at Looney's Pubs in College Park and Bel Air.
Members go without haircuts for a few months (men and women) then shave it all off (or at least a big chunk) to show solidarity with the little guys and gals battling cancer, as well as raise money to fund the research vitally needed for them as childhood cancer only gets about 4% of Federal funding and needs significantly more.
More than 30 current and former HVFD members and dozens from other fire departments "braved the shave" this year, with dozens more cheering them on -- and upping the ante at the events to encourage more hair to drop off (heads, eyebrows and beyond).
"For the second year, the HVFD and its members have shown -- along with all of our friends from the departments around us, our families and friends -- that we can achieve some great things together raising money for this important cause," said HVFD volunteer Josh Wortman, who helped coordinate the College Park event. "We could not have done it though without the support of Looney's at both locations and everyone who showed up to help us top our goals."
At Looney's in College Park, members from the HVFD were joined by volunteer firefighters and family members from College Park, Bladensburg, Kentland and Chillum-Adelphi. Also supporting the cause were several other organizations -- The UMD Arnold Air Society, Team Calvallo and Team Escolero-Jones, who was participating because the two girls were cancer free -- one for 17 years and the second for 10 years as of Wednesday.
The Hair Cuttery of College Park did the dirty work and the event raised over $15,000 -- including more than $3,000 at the event specifically as members (and family members) were challenged to shave their heads based on rapidly rising bids.
Running simultaneously an hour north on I-95, many HVFD current members and live-in alumni organized an event in Bel Air at Looney's Pub North in conjunction with their area home departments. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company has produced several HVFD live-ins through the years. Many area companies joined the cause including Aberdeen Proving Grounds FD, Aberdeen VFC, Fallston VFC, Abingdon VFC, BWI Fire/Rescue, Baltimore County Fire Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, and Jarrettsville VFC. The event raised over $40,000.
"It was great to see firefighters from across the state come together to support such an important cause at simultaneous events sixty miles apart," said HVFD and Bel Air volunteer Nick Bailey, one of the lead coordinators of the event. "The fact that the HVFD was part of both events speaks volumes to the incredible influence of the department and the caliber of its volunteer force."
Statewide, firefighters from countless departments raised significant funds for this important cause -- proving again that the fire service community does far more good than just responding when someone needs us most when they call 911. Rather, the volunteer and paid fire, rescue and EMS personnel who participate in St. Baldrick's and our other community events are on constant watch to do everything able to serve our communities and beyond.
Upcoming Event - HVFD Memorial & Remembrance Service
The HVFD will be hosting a Memorial and Remembrance Service this Saturday, March 16 to honor our three fallen members who died in the line of duty, part of our ongoing 125th Anniversary events. The service will serve to remind and memorialize the Line of Duty Death passing of Volunteer Firefighter Alan P. Sondej, LODD on March 16, 1988, from burns sustained in a January 1988 house fire.
We will also recognize the 60th Anniversary of the loss of Volunteer Firefighters John T. Streets and William R. Stainback who died in October 1953. They were both killed in a collision between their ladder truck and a civilian vehicle. The membership of the Hyattville Volunteer Fire Department invites anyone that may wish to attend to a Memorial and Remembrance Service which will be followed by a luncheon The event will be held at Saint Jerome's Catholic Church on Saturday, 5205 43rd Avenue, Hyattsville, on Saturday, March 16, starting at 11:00 am.
Keith L. Grimes (left) with HVFD Members in January, 1954 during a visit by famous "Johnny", the spokesperson for the Phillip Morris company. Chief DiVincenzo on the right.
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Keith L. Grimes, one of three brothers who were active members of the department in the 1940's through 1960's. Keith was also a veteran of the Washington, DC fire service.
Keith was a volunteer firefighter at the HVFD along with his brothers Charlie and John as well as several other family members. The trio was among the members who helped build the current firehouse on Belcrest Road, family members said.
Keith was appointed to the District of Columbia Fire Department on April 9, 1958 to Engine 23 and retired on February 21, 1978 as the 2nd Battalion Fire Chief's Aide.
Keith was the devoted husband of 45 years to Myrtle Grimes. Loving father of Marie, Gary, Ann, Cheryl and Keith, Jr.; he was preceded in death by two of his children, Wayne and Elaine. He is survived by 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Keith's mother. Alice, served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen's Association from 1951-1952.
Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, February 17th from 2-4 and 6-8 at Gasch's Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Monday, February 18th at Gasch's with interment at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd., Brentwood, MD.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's association, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400 Fairfax, VA 22030 or www.alz.org.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Life Member Laurence A. Watson, Jr.
A lifelong resident of Hyattsville, "Junior" -- as he was affectionately known around the firehouse -- passed away on January 4th at the age of 84. He was the loving husband of the late Betty Watson and uncle to Diane and Denise.
Junior joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served during the Korean War until his discharge in 1953, later working as a type setter for the Washington Star newspaper. When the Star closed, he went to work The Washington Times until his retirement.
Junior lived just a block from the firehouse and followed his father, Laurence "Pop" A. Watson Sr., to the HVFD. His father was a very active volunteer for many years and also served as a career City of Hyattsville firefighter and as Treasurer for the HVFD for a number of years.
"He was one of the few drivers who could really 'wheel' the old 1941 American LaFrance quint around," Chief Emeritus Donald "Doc" Moltrup said. "Junior never held any rank but was always a key driver for the HVFD."
Junior remained active with the HVFD well after his "riding" years and could be found stopping by the firehouse on meeting nights and for other special events until recently.
Services will be held at a later date and will be announced as appropriate.
The family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department.
JANUARY 4 -- At about 17:48, Engine and Squad 1 were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3400 block of Webster Street, Co. 55's area.
Engine 855 arrived on the scene of a two-story duplex with smoke showing from the top floor.
Engine 801, responding as second due, picked up E855's line. Engine 855 reported back limited access due to extreme hoarder's conditions (pictured). Engine 801's crew advanced a line up a ladder to the front window to attack the fire, working with units from all companies on a coordinated operation.
Squad 801 arrived just behind Truck 809 (Bladensburg) and was assigned the responsibilities of the second due special service. The squad crew split into two teams, one gaining entry through the front door along with the line from Company 9 while the second went to the Delta exposure to breach a wall to assist in gaining access to the fire. The squad crew conducted a full search of the residence.
Units from Bunker Hill (55), Bladensburg (9), Hyattsville, Chillum (44) and College Park (12) operated. Chief 9B had the command.
Crews from all companies worked diligently to access all possible fire and completed extensive overhaul operations in fairly extreme conditions.
As HVFD crews were returning to service, final efforts were undertaken by first due crews to completely secure all potential fire hazards from the home, with an assist from Foam 12 in College Park (See Video below)
Here's a good article about hoarding and fire safety. Firefighters have to be prepared for any condition when they arrive on the scene and hoarding conditions definitely add a very challenging and dangerous element.
The Hyattsville VFD enters our 125th year on the heels of the busiest and one of the most successful years in our history. Beyond the stats, the department moved forward as an organization on many levels and has a lot planned for 2013.
The HVFD set an all-time high in unit responses in 2012 with 6,219 -- the first time ever over 6,000.
The engine company had its second-busiest year yet, with 1,522 responses.
The ambulance company topped its previous high with 3,700 responses. Overall ambulance responses have increased annually and are more than double since 1999. In 2012, a change in county dispatch policy added a BLS ambulance to the initial dispatch on most structure fire assignments, adding to the call volume.
The Rescue Squad responded to 420 calls (the unit was OOS about 45 days this year), the Truck Company 515. The initial year of our Paramedic Ambulance service resulted in about 26 responses over about a dozen in service shifts. The utility also had about 36 responses.
The previous annual unit response high was 5,947 in 2010 and last year was a solid increase over 5,714 runs in 2011.
The HVFD was able to typically provide multiple fire and EMS crews for a significant percentage of 2012, affording the ability to respond to multiple incidents simultaneously and provide multiple units on the same incident. The total unique incident volume for 2012 was approximately 5,200.
Nearly 80% of all responses from our station are handled by 100% volunteer staffing. The county provides staffing for our units during daytime weekday business hours -- with volunteers handling all responses which occur on evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays.
EVENTS TO REMEMBER, CELEBRATE IN 2013
The departemnt will mark several milestones in 2013 with special events.
On Saturday, March 16th, the HVFD will remember the 25th Anniversary of the Line of Duty passing of Volunteer Firefighter Alan P. Sondej, who died on March 16, 1988 from burns sustained in a January 1988 house fire. We will also recognize the 60th Anniversary of the loss of Volunteer Firefighters John T. Streets and William R. Stainback, who died in October 1958 when our ladder truck was struck by a vehicle.
Please join us for this Memorial & Remembrance Service, followed by a luncheon, 11:00am until 2:00pm, at St. Jerome's Church in Hyattsville.
In October, the department will celebrate 125 years of continuous service to the community. We'll be hosting our annual Open House and a 125th Anniversary Celebration. We hope the event becomes the largest reunion of HVFD alumni -- volunteer and career. The date will be announced in January, so stay tuned. If you are an alumni or friend of the department, please add yourself to our mailing list here for updates.
DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO GROW FOR FUTURE
In the last 12-18 months, the HVFD has undertaken several major initiatives to ensure our continued success providing fire, rescue, EMS and community service in Hyattsville.
Among these accomplishments:
The department revamped and expanded our recruitment processes, workflow and tracking. We created a Prospective Member Guide, launched a new Mentor Program and started a New Member Orientation Class with more than a dozen participants in our first two classes in the Fall. The combined effort has resulted in a significant increase in new local members along with a full complement of live-in members.
Expanded membership involvement in the administrative side of our organization while also having a full complement of line officers -- including many who are qualified above their rank.
Added ALS capabilities and continue to grow our EMS program.
Hosted "Squad Weekend" -- three days of integrated rescue and EMS training with some 50 members participating combined for over 500 hours of training.
Expanded fund raising programs to include an online giving platform and a signficiant increase in giving from our local community businesses to go along with our annual Fund Drive mailer and Spring Photo Family Fund Drive program.
Opened the HVFD Training Center and Annex in the former Red Cross building adjacent to the firehouse, which includes two large classrooms, a conference room and a joint fitness center with the City of Hyattsville police. The building has already begun to host MFRI classes and other events and will see expanded use in 2013.
The upcoming year will continue that growth with the launch of our new Web site, the events and a continued push for new members, more training opportunities for our volunteers, new funding goals and beyond.
JOIN US IN 2013
The HVFD is always on the hunt for hard working, dedicated and passionate volunteers to join us. Whether you live in the community looking for a new challenge, an area college student who is already in fire/EMS in your hometown (our current members include students attending the University of Maryland, Catholic University, Montgomery College, George Washington University and beyond), or are a fire/EMS vet in the area, the HVFD can be a great landing spot for you in 2013. Just complete our Membership Request form here and our recruitment team will be in touch.
At about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 26th, Truck 1 was alerted to respond for the reported apartment fire in the 9100 block of Edmonston Terrace in Berwyn Heights. Units on the first alarm requested additional units and the subsequent second alarm after arriving with heavy fire conditions. Companies 14 (Berwyn Heights) and 11 (Branchville) were first due.
Chief 1, responding as Battalion Chief 4, initially had the Rescue Group and later was assigned to the Bravo exposure.
Just after 6 a.m. on November 20th, the HVFD's engine and ambulance, along with Medic 844, responded to a call in the first due, arriving to find a male in his mid-20's unresponsive.
The victim's mother started CPR after being calmed and reassured by a dispatcher at Public Safety Communications -- who also helped her count while doing compressions.
The man was initially brought back prior to arriving at the hospital -- where his heart stopped three more times. A day later, the mother was told there was little hope of survivial and her son (who has a twin sister) was likely brain dead. She posted a message on Facebook, asking for prayers, support and for friends to come by and visit him at the hospital. Over 60 people did.
That night, he began opening his eyes and moving his hands. A day later, on Thanksgiving, he was breathing on his own and off of the ventilator. Just over a week later, he was home.
"Today marks the one month anniversary that my son, David, was found not breathing and unresponsive and to me it seems like yesterday," his mother Linda told us. "Contacting 911, and having a wonderful dispatcher to help talk us through the CPR efforts until medics arrived."
Linda is a substitute teacher at an area school, where she first took a CPR course.
"My son is truly grateful for everyone's efforts and [willingness] not to give up on him and feels that is why he is alive still today," Linda said. "Our family and friends would like to thank everyone involved in helping in saving David. We know CPR saves are exceptionally rare but thanks to everyone's efforts we were able to prove CPR can save lives!"
So on this Christmas, a very speedy continued recovery to David -- and a job well done to his mother and family, the dispatcher at PSC, HVFD and PGFD EMS crews on ensuring this family has a happy holiday season.
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual meeting and dinner on Monday, December 10th during which the leadership for 2013 was presented.
David Hang was elected by the membership for his fourth two-year term as Fire Chief. Thomas Falcone and Kevin Esser were elected to this year's two open Board of Directors spots.
At the subsequent board meeting, Dave Iannone and Bill Moran were re-elected as President and Chairman respectively.
The Chief and President also announced their slate of leadership for the upcoming year.
Operational Officers
Fire Chief T. David Hang (Chief 1)
Deputy Chief Matthew Leonard (Chief 1A)
Assistant Chief Mitch Kannry (Chief 1B)
Captain Eric Smolinsky (Senior Officer, Act as Batt Chief)
Captain Jimmy Butler (Lead Apparatus Engineer)
A/Captain Lee McCarthy (Safety Officer, Special Projects & Training)
Lieutenant Greg Smith
Lieutenant David Cooksey
Lieutenant Chris Evans (Communictions Officer & Duty Shift Coordinator)
Nearly 50 HVFD fire & EMS volunteers took part in an extensive weekend-long training exericse recently covering all aspects of vehicle extrication, rescue and EMS operations at accident scenes.
Starting Friday evening, November 30th, the company received lectures on integrated rescue operations. These talks included how to operate as an Ambulance company, rescue company and engine company on motor vehicle accidents. They also outlined HVFD SOPs and general expectations on calls.
The HVFD is a volunteer, non-profit fire, rescue and EMS department with a primary response area that includes the City of Hyattsville,
Town of University Park and surrounding communities. We respond to nearly 6,000 calls for service annually across the Northern part of Prince George's County
and into Takoma Park. We are staffed 100% by volunteers on evenings,
overnight, weekends and holidays, supported by county-provided staffing during weekday business hours only. Your contributions are a key part of sustaining and growing
an exceptionally busy volunteer organization with highly trained and dedicated members.
The HVFD is proud to celebrate 125 years of dedicated volunteer emergency service to the community in 2013.
Your Donations Make a Difference
The HVFD relies on donations from our community and various year-round fund raising programs to support every aspect of our Department -- including:
Volunteer recruitment & retention programs
Fire, rescue & EMS training
Emergency vehicle purchases
Fire Prevention activities
Community outreach programs
Equipment and supplies
...and much more
The HVFD is also supported by grants from the City of Hyattsville and Town of University Park, as well as targeted funds from Prince George's County and state/Federal grant and funding programs -- every dollar counts and makes a difference to our department and our volunteers.
Hyattsville, Maryland -- The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) will celebrate Fire Prevention Month on Saturday, October 13 featuring activities for the entire family.
The HVFD's annual Open House starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m., featuring an action and education packed day, including the return of the Kids Fire Safety Adventure Course. While completing the course kids will learn life-saving fire safety and prevention information with a chance to win great prizes. Everyone who attends can explore fire trucks and the station up close, learn about volunteer opportunities and watch exciting firefighting and rescue demonstrations by HVFD volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The Open House is free to attend.
The Hyattsville fire station is located at 6200 Belcrest Road at Queens Chapel Road, a block east of Prince George's Plaza and a one-block walk from the Prince George's Plaza Metro station.
About the Hyattsville VFD
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department provides firefighting, rescue and EMS service to the citizens of Hyattsville, University Park and surrounding communities. The department's 70+ active volunteers respond to more than 5,000 emergency calls annually, with county-provided staffing during weekday business hours. All other hours including evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays, the department is 100% staffed by volunteers, including more than a dozen college students who live at the firehouse.
The department has been providing continuous service to the community since 1888. The HVFD is funded primarily through the support of our community, with less than 20% of its annual budget coming directly from local tax dollars.
The annual Hyattsville Public Safety Awards banquet was held at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt on Saturday, February 25th honoring the best and brightest from the fire and police departments that serve the citizens of Hyattsville and surrounding communities.
The Hyattsville VFD has been joined by the City of Hyattsville Police and Hyattsville Fraternal Order of Police for over a decade now in this joint annual awards program celebrating a successful and safe year in 2011. Nearly 200 people from both organizations as well as honored guests attended this year's event.
HVFD Member of the Year Jimmy Butler
The program was MC'd this year by Dave Statter and his wife Hillary Howard. Statter is the most popular fire service blogger nationally. A former television reporting covering public safety for WUSA (CBS), he now also works with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Howard is the afternoon drive-time anchor for top-rated WTOP Radio and was recently named as the new host of the long-running "It's Academic" high school quiz show program. Thanks to Dave and Hillary for a great job.
The HVFD would like to extend our thanks to Company 14, Berwyn Heights, and Co. 12, College Park, for filling in for the evening to allow our membership to enjoy the evening together. As has happened many times in the past, the fill-in crew responded to numerous incidents including a significant house fire on 18th Avenue in Adelphi with Truck 1.
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department has recently launched a volunteer Paramedic Ambulance (PA) program that will provide advanced life support (ALS) medical care to the citizens of our community, significantly enhancing our already growing fire, rescue & EMS capabilities.
The Paramedic Ambulance, PA 801, was placed in service Friday, January 13, 2012, at 7:33 P.M., and dispatched on its first call one minute later. PA 801 responded to five incidents on its first tour of duty and transported someone on each of those incidents, including a person in cardiac arrest. The Hyattsville volunteers also continued to provide EMS services with their second ambulance that was staffed by EMTs. This unit, Ambulance 801, also responded to five calls in the same period.
Three members of the Hyattsville VFD have successfully completed the requirements to be both Maryland licensed and Prince George's County certified ALS providers. Additionally, a large contingent of our active volunteer membership already certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) attended and successfully completed a program to provide ALS assistance. ALS equipment and supplies are maintained by the County Office of Emergency Medical Services and will be provided whenever the PA is placed in service.
"The Hyattsville VFD is a great fit for those interested in EMS, both in a BLS and ALS capacity, due to its rapidly growing EMS program." HVFD EMS Sgt. and Paramedic Danielle Greene said. "As a member who transferred from another department in Prince George's County I was welcomed with open arms and encouraged to expand my ability to serve the community. All members are given equal opportunity and support to better themselves so in turn they can better serve the community."
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department is sad to announce the passing of life member and former live-in Matthew Falcone. Matt is the brother of current HVFD Vice President and former Deputy Chief Tom Falcone.
A service to remember Matt will be held Monday, January 16th at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 5205 43rd Avenue in Hyattsville. A reception will follow at St. Jerome's.
Matt was a live-in member in the 1980's but his volunteer fire service career was cut short after he was critically burned as a member of Truck 1 conducting search and rescue operations at a Mount Rainier house fire. That fire took place just a year after a fire in the same area claimed the life of Hyattsville Volunteer Firefighter Alan P. Sondej.
Additional details will be posted on the services later this week. Fire department personnel are welcome.
At 1021 hours, Rescue Squad 1 and Ambulance 1 were dispatched for the PIA in the 6800 block of Queens Chapel Road. Chief 1A quickly marked up with a single vehicle MVA with confirmed entrapment, corrected the address to Oliver and Queens Chapel in the 3800 block of Oliver St. and assumed command. PSC upgraded the assignment and dispatched Engine 1, EMS Duty Officer, and the Battalion Chief.
The crew from Rescue Squad 1 arrived on scene shortly after and began the patient extrication. The crew stabilized the vehicle and performed a roof flap to free the trapped and unresponsive patient. Once extricated, the patient was back-boarded and transported by Ambulance 1 to Medstar. Remaining crews from Hyattsville cleaned up and returned to service at 1059 hours.
At 0200 Hours Rescue Squad 1 was dispatched for the house fire at 24 Holt Place in Company 702's first due. Resue Squad 1 arrived with Engine 702 and reported a two story single family dwelling with fire showing and a victim in the front yard. The Rescue Squad made entry from side b on division one and conducted a rapid primry search of divison's one and two. With the searches negative, the crew opened up for the engine companies.
Truck 1 was dispatched as second due truck to 5019 54th ave in Co.9's area at 2058 hours. Company 9 found fire showing from the second floor of a two story single family dwelling. Truck 1 arrived and was directed to division two to work with the engine companies from 9. The truck crew searched, ventilated and opened up on division two. Multiple ground ladders were thrown by the truck driver and tillerman. Truck 1 and Co.9 were held for investigators for extended period of time and the truck returned to quarters at about 0010 hours.
Just before 4 a.m. on Sunday, November 27, Truck 1 was dispatched along with units from Co. 834 (Chillum-Adelphi) and surrounding areas for a reported house fire in the 2400 block of Griffen Street.
Truck 1 responded with eight volunteer firefighters, arriving just behind Engine Co. 34 as dispatchers reported possible people trapped in the one-story home in the Lewisdale community.
Truck 1's crew split with interior and exterior crews. The interior crew went in behind the line, beginning an aggressive interior search and quickly locating a six-year-old boy in a bedroom. The child was brought out by the crew to the front, met there by members of Truck 1's exterior team and other fire and EMS units.
The interior crew returned to search for additional victims. Companies 812 (College Park) and 814 (Berwyn Heights) were also conducting searches, locating two adult victims in rear bedrooms. The victims were taken out of the home via rear windows, where members of Truck 1's exterior team assisted and began rendering emergency medical care along with EMS crews.
Despite the very best efforts of firefighters, paramedics and emergency room staff the young male, 6 years of age, succumbed to his injuries. The two adult females, 30ish and 60ish, were successfully partially resuscitated and have been transferred to a hospital for hyperbaric treatment. This treatment is used in cases of smoke inhalation and will provide the best possible chance of survival for the two females. They remain in “critical” condition. The other occupant, 60ish year old female, was able to escape prior to the arrival of the Fire/EMS Department. She was not injured.
HVFD & Surrounding Companies Return to Community for Outreach
Ten volunteers from the HVFD joined multiple area fire companies to return to the community at about Noon, going door-to-door to check smoke detectors and talk about fire safety and the importance of a home fire escape plan. No working smoke detector was initially found in the Griffen Street home, county officials said. HVFD volunteers went to about 40 homes, testing many smoke detectors and handing out and/or installing a dozen smoke detectors -- including one home where at least six children were living that had no working detectors installed. Many surrounding departments including Chillum-Adelphi, College Park, Chillum and Bladensburg also participated providing a significant impact to spread the importance of fire safety and detectors.
In total, nearly 250 homes were visited, with crews from the companies installing 55 smoke detectors.
It was a busy and tough holiday weekend for HVFD crews, with Sunday's incident the second fatal response of the holiday. On Thanksgiving morning, HVFD units were first arriving at a mass casualty accident in the parking lot of the Home Depot on East West Highway. At least one person was killed and five or more injured when a car struck multiple people in the lot. Details on that incident and video of EMS operations can be found on WJLA.com.
For the holiday weekend, at least 25 HVFD fire and EMS members provided 100% volunteer staffing to the community since Wednesday.
Rescue Squad No. 1 was alerted to Kenilworth Ave/ East West Hwy for the Personal Injury accident with one reported trapped. RS1 responded with 7 volunteers. RS1 arrived onscene, and found a 2 door sedan with heavy damage on the driver side with one trapped.
The vehicle was stabilized, and crews began with the roof removal. RS1 arrived onscene at 2307 hours and the extrication was completed at 2316 hours putting the extrication time at just under 9 minutes. Squad assisted with pt packaging and the crew picked up and went in service at 2336 hours.
October 22nd Events Include Second Annual 5-Mile Run, Inaugural Kids Run and Adventure Course to Coincide with Open House
Hyattsville, Maryland -- The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) will host a number of events to celebrate Fire Prevention Month on Saturday, October 22 featuring activities for the entire family.
Kicking off the day at 8:15 a.m., the HVFD will host its second annual 5-mile run. Starting and ending at the firehouse, runners and walkers alike will complete the course which loops through all five wards of the City of Hyattsville. The course showcases the city's small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and diverse neighborhoods, from historic homes to the newly developed Arts District. All proceeds from the race go towards the department's fire prevention programs and volunteer fire/EMS operations. More information about the race, including registration, is available online at http://www.hvfd.com/race.
The HVFD's annual Open House starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m., featuring an action and education packed day, including the return of the Kids Fire Safety Adventure Course. While completing the course kids will learn life-saving fire safety and prevention information with a chance to win great prizes. Everyone who attends can explore fire trucks and the station up close, learn about volunteer opportunities and watch exciting firefighting and rescue demonstrations by HVFD volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The Open House is free to attend.
New this year is the Kids Fun Run, where kids line up with firefighters to race them to the finish line. The Kids Fun Run will begin at 11 a.m. and is available for a donation of $10. Registration is available at the Open House from 9:30 am until 11 am. Every child that participates (up to 12 years old) will receive a fire department tee shirt, a gift certificate for a children's meal at Olive Garden and a sticker.
"Our events will really showcase the best of our department and the city," event organizer and HVFD Chairman Bill Moran said. "We hope for a great turnout -- and whether you're looking to take a tour through the city or cheer on the runners in the morning or spend the day with us at the firehouse, it will be a very dynamic community event."
The Hyattsville fire station is located at 6200 Belcrest Road at Queens Chapel Road, a block east of Prince George's Plaza and a one-block walk from the Prince George's Plaza Metro station.
About the Hyattsville VFD
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department provides firefighting, rescue and EMS service to the citizens of Hyattsville, University Park and surrounding communities. The department's 70+ active volunteers respond to more than 5,000 emergency calls annually, with county-provided staffing during weekday business hours. All other hours including evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays, the department is 100% staffed by volunteers, including more than a dozen college students who live at the firehouse.
The department has been providing continuous service to the community since 1888. The HVFD is funded primarily through the support of our community, with less than 20% of its annual budget coming directly from local tax dollars.
The HVFD is currently accepting applications for local and live-in Fire, EMS & Administrative members. For more information & request contact click here.
Listen Live
Videos
Proudly Serving
On Saturday, March 9th, members of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department present and past were joined by more than a dozen neighboring and home departments in responding to a call for help from children in need -- raising more than $55,000 in the fight against childhood cancers.
A lifelong resident of Hyattsville, "Junior" -- as he was affectionately known around the firehouse -- passed away on January 4th at the age of 84. He was the loving husband of the late Betty Watson and uncle to Diane and Denise.
The Paramedic Ambulance, PA 801, was placed in service Friday, January 13, 2012, at 7:33 P.M., and dispatched on its first call one minute later. PA 801 responded to five incidents on its first tour of duty and transported someone on each of those incidents, including a person in cardiac arrest. The Hyattsville volunteers also continued to provide EMS services with their second ambulance that was staffed by EMTs. This unit, Ambulance 801, also responded to five calls in the same period.
