The News Archives of Onley Fire and Rescue
New Station Officers Elected
At the stations December meeting station officers where elected.
President - William Ferguson
Vice President - Kerry Anderson
Treasurer - Jim Morris
Secretary - Milford Bradley
Chaplain - Ruth Kellam
Fire Marshall - Bill Mallick
Asst. Fire Marshall- John W. Kellam
Fire Chief - Scott Taylor
1st Asst. Chief - Chad Parks
2nd Asst. Chief - William Ferguson
Chief Engineer - Kevin Sherwood
1st Asst. Engineer - Henry Johnson
2nd Asst. Engineer - Lester Broughton
Rescue Captain - Sharone Johnson
Asst. Rescue Captain - Jerry LeCato
Busy Week for the Maple Street
Intersection of Lankford Hwy and 1st St. (Keller) On November 15th at 1552 hrs. Companies 10 and 12 where dispatched to a MVC. Communications recieved numerouse calls stating there
was two cars involved with entrapment and several injuries. With that information Communications dispatched Paramedic 111 and Engine 184 (which carries the Jaws of Life). When Paramedic 102 arrived on scene
they advised 4 pts, 2 priority 1's with entrapment and special called two more ambulances (Paramedic 132 and Ambulance 92). Crews worked dilagently for 20 minutes to stabalize and remove the roof and passenger doors of the car containing the two priority patients.
Nightengale Air Ambulance was called to intercept at Shore Memorial and fly one of the critical patients to Sentara Norfolk General. The other critical pt. died the following day due to injuries sustained in the accident.
Apparatus Responding: DPS1, C10, M102, AMB101, E106, PM111, E184, PM132, AMB92, Nightengale Air Ambulance, Accomack Co. Shrieff's Dept., Virginia State Police.
25000 Blk. of Bobtown Rd. Just as the crews where returning to quaters from the previouse incident communications dispatched company 10 for a MVC
involving a car and a cement truck. The Emergency Operations Center recieved numerouse calls advising a cement had overturned with entrapment. Communications dispatched Stations 18 and 9. Paramedic 102 arrived on scene advising cement truck overturned and confirmed
entrapment. Chief 10 requested Nightengale Air Ambulance and Moores Trucking (for shoring and stabilizating) to the scene. The crews from 9 and 18 used team work, experience and leadership to extricate the driver.
The extrication lasted a little over 2 hours. Pt. care was provided thoughout the extrication process by Medic 102 and Nightengale flight crew. Once the pt. was extricated he was taken to the LZ s by Paramedic 102. From there he was
airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General. The LZ was secured by Engine 115. A special Thank You goes out from the rescue workers to the Moores Trucking who provided technical expertise and extrication.
Apparatus Responding: C10, PM102, M101, E106, E184, E95, E115, Nightengale Air Ambulance, Accomack Co. Shrieff's Dept., and Virginia State Police.
6 King Street On November 11th at 2204 hrs. Stations 9, 18, and 8 where dispatched to
a residential structure fire. Within minutes of the dispatch the companies where on the scene with a working fire in a 2 story private dwelling.
Assistant Chief 9 enroute decided that drafting from the nearby Onancock Creek would be needed as the hydrant directly in front of the house was not functional. Engine 183 laid 800 ft
of 5 inch hose and supplied the scene with water. The firefighters from 18 fought fire throughout the night to help bring the fire under control. Due to heavy fire conditions a second alarm
was sounded by Assistant Chief 9 (Allen).
1st Alarm Apparatus Responding: E95, E96, T97, E183, AMB181, E85, Rescue 8, and T87
Also in the same week as these calls Station 18 ran 19 ambulance calls and numerouse brush fires due to a regional drought.
Terrorist Attacks Hit Close to Home. September 11, 2001The men of weomen of Station 18 wish to extend of deepest sympathies
to the families of our brothers and sisters that fell in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. We also wish a safe tour of duty to
Sgt. George Tatum of the Maryland Army National Guard who was called
to duty within hours of the terrorist attacks. Since then Tatum, a firefighter here at Station 18, has been serving as a MP protecting the
Pentagon and Ft. Steward in Hitzville, GA.
Two Calls to the YMCA Within 24 hrs. 26126 Lankford Hwy (The YMCA)On Sunday Sept. 2nd at 1016 hrs Station 18 was contacted by the YMCA to
pump out there Olympic size swimming pool because of a leak in it's floor. Engine 183 drafted from the pool and pumped out 96,000 gallons of water.
The engine pumped out the pool in a matter of a hour and 20 minutes. Through this and other drills with the YMCA we are forming a
very good working relationship with the managment and staff of the "Y".
Later on Monday Sept. 3rd at 0356 hrs. the station was alerted for a medical call in the rear of the YMCA. Upon investigating the crew from Medic 181 determined they had
3 pts. suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Out of the three pts. transported to Shore Memorial two where priority pts. and subsequently transported to Sentera Leigh Memorial
Hospital for treatment in there hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The cause of the leathal carbon monoxide levels was determined to be a faulty propane powered floor buffer
used by a cleaning company. It took crews 5 hrs to completely remove the high levels of carbon monoxide.
Apparatus Responding: C18, M181, E184, E183, R8, AMB92, and Eastern Shore Regional Hazmat.
Engine Responds on Parksley's 2nd Alarm 24213 Budd St. At 0624 hrs. Wednesday August 15th the second alarm was transmitted
for a fully involved house fire by order of Asst. Fire Chief Berry (710). Engine 183 arrived on scene and stagged and provided additional manpower.
After a water supply shuttle was established Engine 75 made quick work of the fully involved 2 story single family dwelling. Engine 183 cleared the scene in a little under a hour.
1st Alarm Apparatus Responding: E73, E75, T67, T87, Wagon84, and Squad 8.
2nd Alarm Apparatus Responding: C18, E183, E95, T97, and Accomack County Fire Investigator.
Station Handles Unique Rescue 26194 Pennsylvania Ave On Monday July 30 while the career staff where washing
equipment a construction worker ran into the station and advised he had a coworker was unconcious on top of a building. The building, the Old R.C. Evans Building
is a 4 story equivalent building. Station staff climbed groundladders that where in place from the ongoing construction. The victum was found unconciouse and medical aid was given.
The personel upon seeing the magnitude of the rescue they where about to undertake special requested Engine 96 (for the arial ladder) and Rescue8 (for equipment) to the scene.
The patient was secured to a backboard and brought down the arial ladder of Engine 96 before being transported to Shore Memorial Hospital aboard Medic 181.
Apparatus Responding: C18, M181, C9, E96, Rescue 8 and DPS1.
Short Response for Engine Co. 21099 Church St. On Friday June 29th at 1545 hrs Station 18, 8 and 9 responed to there second working structure fire within the week. Companies arrived on the scene of a 80X40 2 story structure with smoke thoughout the building. The structure was only 2 houses
away from the fire station giving Station 18 a very fast response time. It was found during the investigation that a flash fire had occured in the duct work of the HVAC units after construction workers had accidently ignited some glue. The whole house was charged with smoke and required 4 positive pressure fans to be remove the smoke. Units remained on scene for a hour
Apparatus Responding: C18, E183, E96, E85, E87 and Accomack Co. Fire Investigator.
Patients Require Medical Aid after MVC Intersection of Chruch Rd and Daugherty Rd. At 2020 hrs on the same day as the "Smoke in the Structure" call Station 18, 8 and 9 where alerted for a two vehicle collision.
In all three patients where transported to Shore Memorial Hospital. Two where priority 2 and one was in priority 3 condition.
Apparatus Responding: C18, E184, M91, M92, Squad 8, E85, and Virginia State Police.
Midday Blaze Summons Firefighters 22565 Daugherty Rd On Sunday June 24th at 1137 hrs Stations 8, 18 and 9 were dispatched
for a reported house fire. Medic 91 arrived on scene first reporting a fully involved structure. Within 6 min. of being dispatched fire units where on the scene attacking the fire.
Dual attack where placed in service with one attack line protecting a exposure on side C (back). Moderate damage was done to the exposure with the fire being knocked down within 15 minutes.
The structure was completely destroyed by the fire and is being investigated by the Accomack Co. Fire Investigator. Due to the quick response of the fire companies the fire was held to the original fire building.
Apparatus Responding: DC8, E85, T87, C18, E183, C9, E95, M91, M92, and Accomack Co. Fire Investigator.
House Garden Fully Involved The station garden is in full bloom. Cucumbers and peas are currently being harvested. One firehouse neighboor commenting on the garden said "I have never in my day seen peas this big". The corn, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, and cantelopes
look very promising and a good harvest of these crops is expected latter this year.
The Magic Bus is Back "The Magic Bus" Ambulance 181 is now back in service. 181 has been out of service since it was involved in a MVC in late March. A new
Frieghtliner Horton ambulance has been ordered to replace the existing Medtech ambulance now in service. The arrival time of the new ambulance is expected to be August.
First Due Structure Fire 22639 Stonehouse Rd On Tuesday June 12th at 2034 hrs. Stations 18, 8, and 9 where dispatched for large structure on fire. A Station 8 member on scene reported a 3 story bloom frame (40X40) farmhouse with fire on the 2nd floor through the roof.
When Engines 183 and 96 arrived on scene a 2.5 inch attack line was pulled to darken the large body of fire. After most of the fire was "knocked down" an attack line was advaced to the 2nd floor to attack the remaining fire. Overhaul and investigation was extensive with the whole incident taking 3 hours. Approx. 20 firefighters where involved in this incident. During the fire M92 was called to a Priority 1 heart attack call. Latter that night (Wed. June 13th at 0310 hrs)
the same stations where recalled to the scene for "rekindle in the roof". This fire was quickly extingished and units returned to service within the hour.
Apparatus Responding:
Station Responds to Multipatient Accident Intersection of Tasley Rd and Costal Blvd On Tuesday June 12th Stations 8 and 18 where dispatched for a motor vehicle collison at "The Tasley Blinking Light"
. Medic 181 arrived on scene and requested additional ambulance and engine response from Station 9. Later a 3rd ambulance was special called to the scene by command as more patients where found.
In all 4 patients where transported to the area hospital. Later that same day many of the same units responded to a MVC that occured on Lankford Hwy infront of Chesapeak Square. No occupants where injured in this incident, crews remained
on scene to assist VSP with there investigation.
Apparatus Responding:
4 Alarm Junk Yard Fire 28092 Saxis Rd. On Monday May 7th at 1626 hrs Co. 5 (Saxis) was dispatched for a vehicle fire at
Bowsers Junk Yard. Assistant Chief 7 (710) was in the area and advised 5 vehicles on fire. With access and water supply problems the fire quickly spread troughout the
yard and to the surrounding woods. Cheif 5 special called 2 additional tankers from Companies 4 (Atlantic) and 6 (Bloxom). When the fire began to involve liquid flammables foam units from
Wallops Fire Dept (Sta. 25) where dispatched. With the northern end of the county depleting its resources the Emergency Operations Center intiated transfers. E73 (Parksley) and M101 (Melfa) transfered to Station 6,
Within several minutes Chief 5 requested E73 respond to the scene and alerted Stations 4 and 6 for engine response. E33 and M31 was then transfered to Station 6. On the 4th alarm E33 responded to the scene
and Stations 18 and 1 where alerted for additional manpower. E85 was moved up to Station 6.
Apparatus Responding:
Rollover with Pediatric Trauma 20000 Block Redwood Rd. On Monday May 7th at 1338 hrs Station 18 was alerted for MVC with a rolled over vehicle in the woods.
While units where enroute dispatch reported 2-3 victims. None of the occupants where restrained including a 3 yr. old child.
All victims where transported to Shore Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.
Apparatus Responding: C18, E184, M91, M92, E95, M101, and Virginia State Police.
2 Alarm Residental Structure Fire On Saturday May 5th at 1200 hrs as Chief 8 was returning from
a woods fire in the southern end of the county he discovered smoke in the area of the 24000 block of Tasley Rd. After investigating he found a house
on fire at 24237 Tasley Rd. The dispatch assignment was Companies 8, 18, and 9. Due to several training classes being held thoughout the Eastern Shore
manpower of these companies where low. Chief 8 requested companies 11 and 7 be alerted to provide additonal manpower. Primary and secondary searches
where determined to be negative and the residents where not home at the time of the fire. After 20 min the fire was contained and units stayed on scene
for an additional 45 minutes for salvage and overhaul.
Apparatus Responding:
MVC With Fire On April 21st at 1745 hrs Companies 18 and 8 where dispatched to a MVC at the intersection of
Costal Blvd. and Tasley Rd. (the site of many accidents). Station 18 units on arrival reported flames showing from one vehicle.
Engine 85 on arrival quickly extingished the fire. None of the occupants where injured. All units returned to service in time for the banquet that afternoon.
Apparatus Responding: E85 , W84, M91, U189
Station holds 29th Annual Banquet On the 21st of April Onley Vol. Fire and Rescue
held it's annual banquet at LJ Street Bar Restaurant. Several awards where given to honor the accomplishment of it's members.
Career Staff all recieved recognition for there service to the department. FireMedic David Parks and FireMedic Brian Brown recieved special
recognition for there valor in saving a young child from a house fire. Firefighter of the Year went to Chief Eng. Kevin Sherwood and Chief Scott Taylor.
Ambulance Attendant of the Year was presented to Rescue Capt. Sharone Johnson with the award for Ambulance Driver of the Year going to Donald Bowling. Special recognition awards for service to the department
where presented to Kevin Sherwood, Chuck Parks, George Tatum, Donna Bowden, Jim Sturgis, Stations 9 and 8, and F&G Automotive.
Average Response Time Down Since Implementing 24 Hr. Coverage In comparison
of response times (time from dispatch till a unit marks enroute) from Jan. 2000 (4.96 min)and Jan. 2001 (2.6 min) response times are down
by 2.36 minutes on average. Also since implimentation of 24 hour coverage onscene times for ambulance calls
have decressed by 3 min. on average. This means patients in the Onley area are
getting emergency help quicker and being seen by emergency physicians sooner.
Ambulance 181 involved in MVC On March 23rd Ambulance 181
was responding to a fire alarm at Peebles Dept. Store at Four Corners Plaza. The ambulance was crossing
an intersection (Lankford Hwy. and W. Main St.)and was involved in a minor MVC. The ambulance is currently is currently under repair
and is expected to be back in service within the next few weeks. In the mean time Onancock Fire Department
has lent us Ambulance 91 so that we can continue to answer our calls. Crew Responds to Animal Attack, Shots Fired! 25516 Pennsylvania Ave. On Sunday March 18th at 1813 hrs, just as the night crew was
getting ready to sit down and have dinner communications dispatched Station 18 to a subject being attacked by a dog.
When the ambulance arrived on scene the patient was inside the house in an unknown condition. The attack dog (labrador/rottwieler mix)
was circling the yard. While the crew was seeking refuge inside the ambulance a Virginia State Trooper arrived on scene.
When the trooper exited his vehicle the dog sprinted towards him and attempted to attack him. The trooper was forced to fire one shot in self-defense.
As additional law enforcement and animal control officers arrived the dog still defended its territory making it difficult for medics to gain access to
the residence. After a ten-minute delay one medic was able to make his way into the house. The victim was found with serveral bite wounds to the lower
legs and arms. After stabilization the patient was transported to Shore Memorial Hospital in Priority 2 condition. The dog was transported by animal
control to an animal shelter awaiting tests to determine the reason for the attack. Apparatus Responding: Medic 181, Accomack Co. Sheirff's Dept., Accomack Co. Animal Control, and Virginia State Police. Volunteer Member Accepted to
Medical School Volunteer
EMT Donald Bowling was accepted the Virginia Commonwealth University School of
Medicine on Mar. 15th. Donald plans to practice in a rural environment
like the Eastern Shore after completing his MD. Station
Firefighters Saves Child From Inferno On December 27, 2000 our station was dispatched to a house fire
with a Station
Now Manned 24 Hrs. a Day Our station is now manned 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week by at least
one career 
M181, E183, C9, E96, M92, T97, E85, T87, and Accomack Co. Fire Investigator.
M181, C9, E95, M92, E85, M101, Accomack Co Shrieff's Dept. and VSP
1st Alarm C5, E54,T57
2nd Alarm C4,E45,T47,RS4,C6,T67,E65
3rd Alarm C25,Crash 2510,T257,E73
4th Alarm E33,U189,T17
Station 18 is eleveneth due to this area of the Eastern Shore and does not normally responed to incidents in this area. We definately earned the title of "SHORE WIDE".
1st Alarm C8, E85, W84, E183, M91, E95
2nd Alarm E75, T117, Accomack Co. Fire Investigator
6 year old boy trapped inside. Our Engine was the first on scene and two of our
fire fighters where able to rescue the child from the burning house. The child
is expected to recover fully.
Read
the WBOC TV story on the heroic rescue.
person in-order to provide a quick response to your emergency call.
