Keeping an all volunteer station running, in a combination system that responds to over 130,000 incidents a year is no easy task.  Station 9 runs 3 Engines, a Ladder Truck and 2 Ambulances to just a little over 6000 calls in the past year and took in 81 working fires.

Our driving force, which are sorely dedicated to making this happen are our live in members and a small number of non live ins that contribute a great deal of time to staffing the station as well as all of the other projects of a volunteer station.

These personnel have acquired some unprecedented numbers, the likes of which they should and truly deserve to hold their heads high in pride as our top runners.

Fireman Brad Polizzi - 1853, Fireman Keith Tickle - 1839, Fireman Kyle Schultz - 1690, Deputy Fire Chief / now Fire Chief Robert Pickel - 1587, Captain Vince Pickel - 1294, Fireman Jason Byrnes - 1242, Fireman Langston Malin - 1208, Lt. Adam Cole -1195, Captain Chris Worthington-May - 1127, Fireman Kevin O'Toole - 1047, Sgt. Marty Mahon - 1036, Sgt. Raymond Davis - 874

EMS Only personnel EMT Melinda Bell - 1119, Lt. Dawn Breakall - 606

A big Thank You to our live in members, who in addition to their regular jobs, provide such levels of comittment and dedication to our Community.

The Officers and Members of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department extend our sincerest condolences to Sis Chaney and Family.  Ms. Clara Baldwin, mother of Sis Chaney was called home to spend enternity in the house of our Lord.

Viewing:  Sunday January 31, 2010 at Gasch's Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8. 

Funeral:  Monday February 1, 2010 from Gasch's Funeral Home at 11 AM

The 88th Annual Banquet of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. and the BVFDandRS Ladies Auxiliary will be held on Saturday February 27th, 2010.  Banquet will be held at the Riverdale Elks Club 6700 Kenilworth Ave. Riverdale, MD.

Banquet will start at 1800 hours with cocktails.  Dinner will be served at 1900 hours with presentation of awards to follow.  Invitations have been sent out to Life Members and all Life Members are invited.  Members, there is a sign up sheet in the day room or you may respond as follows.

Members planning on attending this years banquet shall contact Ms. Val Cherrico by E-Mail at  cherrico7@msn.com  or by calling Ms. Cherrico at 301-927-0437

Members of Bladensburg would like to extend our condolences to the family of Bobby Harmon.  Bobby passed into a greater being after a long hard fight.

Viewing will be Wednesday January 13, 2010 from 2 to 4 PM and again from 7 to 9 PM.  Funeral will be Thursday January 14, 2010 at 12 noon.  Funeral will also be from Gasch's Funeral Home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

By the way Santa, the guys all send a great big "THANK YOU" for all the gifts you have brought them and without being greedy, if you have any extra they said they will certainly take anything else you can send them.  Glad you had a safe and generous holiday.

We have openings in our EMS only division.  Bladensburg provides quality Basic Life Support services to the entire south/western and south/eastern section of Prince George's County.  This ranges from the Montgomery County line (usually inside the beltway) to the Largo area and south/east to Clinton and Allentown Road including mutual aid to the District of Columbia Fire Department.

This year our ambulance will answer well over 3000 calls for service throughout the the above stated response area without fail.  Calls range from the mundane "I just need a ride to the hospital cause my stomach been hurtin for the last 10 days" to multi level Traumas including plenty of auto accidents, shootings and stabbings.

If you're into some serious EMS we have a spot just for you.  Schedule to do a ride along and fill out a membership application immediately and we'll get you started.  We ask for a minimum commitment of only 24 hours per month, we offer free training and uniforms and a very lucrative benefits package.

Join our highly qualified team of PROFESSIONALS today and get your start in delivering quality EMS care.

E. Dallas Carter, born 30 December 1941, perished in a plane crash on 21 October 2009 in South Carolina.  Dallas was a long time resident of Laurel, Delaware.  He is survived by his wife Lucy, his Mother and one brother.  He had three children, Debbie, Donna and Rick and three step-children, Debbie, Tammie and Chip.  He was a Grandfather of 13 and Great Grandfather of 14 children.  Dallas was a 50 year ham radio contester.  he was an avid fisher and a Charter Boat Captain.  He also enjoyed flying radio controlled airplanes.  He was a Volunteer Firefighter and past Fire Chief of the Bladensburg Fire Department.  Dallas served with the US Coast Guard and retired after 37 years with the Federal Government.  A Celebration of Dallas' life will be held on Saturday the 7th of November at the American Legion on Route 24, Trapp Pond Road in Laurel, DE from 2:00 to 6:00 PM (1400 to 1800 hours).  The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer society.

Top 5 Halloween Hazards


Defeat the Top 5 Halloween Hazards
Since Halloween falls on Saturday this year, fatalities and injuries are expected to increase.1 With more than 36 million children out trick-or-treating, you may need additional resources to help keep kids out of the emergency room.

Below are facts you can use to help make parents more aware of Halloween Hazards, along with practical products to help keep trick-or-treaters safe.

Hazard #1 Pedestrian-Car Collisions: Child pedestrians are four times more likely to be killed on Halloween than on any other evening of the year. 2 Parents need to accompany children, make sure they are visible, and model safe pedestrian behaviors themselves.

Hazard #2 Non-Intersection Crossings: Well over half of the Halloween pedestrian fatalities involving children occur at non-intersections, suggesting that mid-block crossings, darting out from between parked cars and other unexpected crossing behaviors may have contributed to their deaths. 3

Hazard #3 Drunk Driving: Drunk driving over Halloween has surpassed drunk driving on New Year's. On Halloween night in 2008, 58% of all highway fatalities involving a driver or a motorcycle rider were alcohol-related. 4

Hazard #4 Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury on Halloween night. While it is important to make sure costumes are "fall-proof," it is also important to clear walkways, yards and driveways of tripping hazards in advance and to carry a flashlight.

Hazard #5 Burns and Eye Injuries: Medical professionals cite an increase in eye and burn-related injuries on Halloween night. Paying attention to children's costumes, using face paint instead of masks and using "soft" toy weapons can help reduce these risks.


1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


2. CDC Wonder, "Childhood Pedestrian Deaths During Halloween -- United States, 1975-1996, MMWR 46(42); 987-990 (7/24/1997)


3. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as quoted by the Independent-Mail, 10/27/2008, www.independentmail.com/news/2008/oct/27/officials-halloween
 

4. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
 

The fun and excitement surrounding Halloween can suddenly turn to sorrow and misfortune through one careless act. The incidence of fire, accident, and injury often increases during holidays and festive events. Each year, firefighters and paramedics witness incidents on Halloween that could have been prevented had simple safety rules been followed. Among the high-risk activities on Halloween; trick-or-treating is one of greatest concerns to Fire/EMS Department personnel. Between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Halloween, there is a significant increase in falls, burn-related injuries, and pedestrian injuries. Children are four and a half times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night during the year. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.  Additionally, many parties and festivities are planned over the Halloween weekend which could result in an increase in alcohol consumption with inherent dangers.

Often, there are safe alternatives to trick-or-treating that can be fun and also risk-free. Local churches and schools may plan Halloween parties, or families may get together and conduct games and activities instead of allowing young children to engage in trick-or-treating in neighborhoods or along busy streets. Prince George’s County Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones urges adults to take a more pro-active role in activities on Halloween. Additionally, he reminds adults to be vigilant and exercise due caution when traveling to avoid automobile related crashes.
For those who plan to venture out trick-or-treating, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department would like to offer the following safety tips so that all might enjoy a happy and safe Halloween:

• Costumes should be made of flame resistant light-colored fabric or have reflective qualities. They should be short enough so as not to interfere with walking or become entangled in bicycle chains. Use facial makeup rather than masks so children can see easily.

• Children should carry flashlights and not use candles or torches. Before leaving the home, children should discuss the proposed route, time of return, and companions. An adult should always accompany younger children. It is advisable to visit the homes of persons you know or local familiar neighborhoods, stopping at well-lit houses only. As a general rule, children should avoid entering homes or apartments and always travel with a companion.

• Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel on Halloween evening, and when driving they should drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children.

• Halloween treats should be saved until children return home where adults can examine all items closely. Treats that are unwrapped, or show signs of having been opened, should not be eaten. Fruit should be sliced into small pieces and checked for foreign objects. Keep small pieces of candy away from infants and very small children, as they can easily become lodged in the throat and cause choking.

• Persons receiving trick-or-treaters should keep a light on and pick up obstacles that could cause a child to trip and become injured. Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings. Consider the possibility of using flashlights instead of candles to light Jack-o-lanterns. Keep dogs and other pets away from doors so children will not become frightened.

A recent trend in celebrating Halloween has been to celebrate as groups at parties or community events.  This trend has resulted in fewer door-to-door trick-or-treaters, however, creates additional vehicles on the street.  With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year there is the potential for additional Halloween parties planned for both adults and children over the weekend.  Traditionally, when festive occasions are celebrated amongst adults, the consumption of alcohol goes up.  The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department offer these everyday reminders and safety tips to party-goers:

• Never drink and drive.
• Always wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up as well.
• If you are wearing a costume – vehicle occupants, including the driver, should not wear a mask or head dressing as this may block the view of the driver.
• Be aware that there are still many trick or treaters walking and crossing streets – slow your speed and use extreme care while driving.
• Use battery powered illumination instead of candles at your Halloween celebration.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Timmy and Vicki Delehanty and family on the recent birth of Cole Patrick Delehanty.   Cole was born at 1435 hours on Tuesday September 8th 2009 at Calvert Memorial Hospital.  Weighing in at 7 pounds 14.1 ounces and 19 1/2" long, he is destined to be a true Truckie.

We extend the highest honors to Vicki, who braved through a very natural delivery with next to no help from any medications, a delivery not often found anymore.  She is the bravest.

Timmy is a Life Member of Bladensburg, having served in many positions including FireFighting Deputy Chief and Fire Chief.  His profound leadership lives on in many of the members today as very fond memories, as they continue to share their experiences and guidance, from what they have learned, with those currently filling the shoes as firefighters and EMS providers.   Again, CONGRATULATIONS to the Delehanty's.