Archive for May 16th, 2017

Hinsdale Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

When the Hinsdale Fire Department launched its first citizens fire academy this spring, it was designed as a fantasy camp for anyone whoever wondered what it’s like to be a firefighter/paramedic.

Over six weeks, the participants learned the skills firefighters and paramedics use, as well as got a behind the scenes look at life in the firehouse.

They practiced life-saving techniques, such as inserting an IV into dummies with arms., and had to put nuts and bolts together while wearing gloves to see how their dexterity was reduced.

On the final evening, firefighters filled the training tower with theatrical smoke and let the participants practice the way they enter a smoke-filled room. They could use a thermal imaging camera to find firefighters inside. Without the camera, the men were invisible through the smoke, although they were standing just a few feet away.

Participants used different extinguishers to put out fires that firefighters started for demonstration. They also learned and practiced cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Firefighters hope to run the citizens fire academy again, but another session has not been scheduled yet.

thanks Dan

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Lightning strike in Lincolnshire, 5-16-17

Lincolnshire-Riverwoods (LRFPD) firefighters responded for smoke in the house at 20729 Eugene Avenue in an unincorporated portion of their district after midnight 5/16/17. Companies found a haze in the home and smoke on the outside from a small fire apparently caused by a lightning strike. LRFPD units at the scene were Battalion 51, Truck 51, Engine 52, Engine 53, and Deputy Chief 5101. Buffalo Grove Engine 26, Ambulance 26, and Battalion 4 were at the scene in addition to Prospect Heights Engine 9, and Long Grove Chief 5500. Other responding units were returned prior to arriving in staging.

Firefighter cuts siding on a house

Larry Shapiro photo

Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD Truck 51

Larry Shapiro

Firefighter with PPE and hand tools

Larry Shapiro photoFirefighters at the scene of a lightning strike and small house fire 5/16/17 in Lincolnshire, IL. Larry Shapiro photo

Firefighters descend ground ladder

Larry Shapiro photo

aftermath of lightning strike

Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove FD Engine 26 E-ONE Typhoon

Larry Shapiro photo

more photos at Shapirophotography.net

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Evanston Fire Department news

On Thursday, May 11, 2017, the Evanston Fire Department lost 29-year veteran Captain Ron Shulga to a long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Captain Shulga was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2000, which was linked to a transformer fire containing PCBs at the Varsity Theater in downtown Evanston. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) and Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) has ruled this a job-related/non-traumatic line of duty death, which will entitle Captain Shulga to full department honors.

“Captain Shulga was a beloved member of the department who always went above and beyond to make things a little better for the next guy,” said Fire Chief Brian Scott. “He was always willing to help move the department forward. His presence will truly be missed by all.”

Captain Shulga was instrumental in maintaining the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus and radio communications, keeping others safe and connected.

Arrangements for Captain Shulga are as follows:

Wake: Thursday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Donnellan Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Visitation Services: Friday, May 19, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Donnellan Funeral Home

To Church Procession: Friday, May 19, departing at 10:10 a.m. from Donnellan Funeral Home to St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., in Niles. The procession will travel east into Evanston on Central Street to Fire Station 5, 2830 Central St., before traveling south on Green Bay Road and Asbury Avenue and west on Emerson Street to Fire Station 1, 1332 Emerson St. The procession will then continue on to the church. View procession map.

Funeral Mass: Friday, May 19, 11 a.m., St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church

Donations: In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to, Evanston Firefighters Local 742 Benevolent Fund. C/O Captain Shulga, P.O. Box 1275, Evanston IL. 60204

For more information, contact Division Chief Paul Polep at ppolep@cityofevanston.org

This found at Mike Cklamovski on Twitter

O’Hare coworkers pay respect to 29-year Evanston Fire Department Captain Ron Shulga with a CFD water cannon salute. 

 
Photos from Tim Olk:
firefighters honor fallen brother arriving by plane

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother arriving by plane

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother arriving by plane

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

firefighters honor fallen brother

Tim Olk photo

(click on the announcement for a larger download)

 

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House fire in Aurora Township, 5-14-17

This from Dave Weaver:

5/14/17 AURORA TWP – Montgomery & Countryside FPD General Alarm House Fire 2220 W. Prairie St.

 

Montgomery & Countryside FPD fire truck

Dave Weaver photo

firefighters with hose at fire scene

Dave Weaver photo

Aurora FD Engine 10 with lines off

Dave Weaver photo

smoke from roof of house on fire

Dave Weaver photo

firefighters vent roof with heavy smoke

Dave Weaver photo

firefighters vent roof with heavy smoke

Dave Weaver photo

more photos

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