MVA on I-69 with Fire
Posted By P. Feely on Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 21:59

At approximately 10pm on Wednesday March 3rd Huntertown FD was dispatched on a vehicle VS Semi on I-69 at the 117 mile marker.  On arrival one vehicle was in the middle of the southbound lanes with heavy damage visible and not on fire.  The patient was found outside the vehicle on the side of the Interstate, alert and conscious but had a fractured lower leg and a broken arm.  Just before the fire equipment arrive on scene, the vehicle engine compartment became fully involved with fire which was quickly extinguished.  The patient was transported to the hospital in fair condition and the driver of the semi involved was uninjured. 

---

Huntertown First Due in Hawthorn Park Attached Garage Fire
Posted By P. Feely on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 22:28

On Saturday February 20th at 14:00 Huntertown FD was called out on a Structure Fire in the Hawthorn Park Addition.  F-94 was first on scene and had a single story structure with moderate smoke pushing out the front door to the house, with the overhead garage doors still shut.  It was at that time the owner advised the fire was in the attached garage.  F-94 established command on the front of the structure (Alpha Side).  Engine 92 was the first apparatus on-scene with a crew of 5, they split into 2 crews.  92-A's crew stretched an 1-3/4" to the front door while F-92's crew set up ventilation for a positive pressure attack.  Smoke conditions in the structure were heavy, as the door between the house and garage was left open.  After a quick knock down the fire was marked under control 10 minutes after arrival.  Salvage and Overhaul operations were initiated and units cleared shortly after.  The occupant in the home at the time was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation.  No other injuries were reported and units cleared the scene.  Thanks to Northeast FD and St. Joe Twp FD for the mutual aid response.  (photos by Roger Gump and Chief Jim Berger STJFD)

---

Can't dodge the PT at Huntertown FD
Posted By Robert Boren on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 13:07
The firefighter and EMT's of the Huntertown Fire Dept. play a game of Dodge ball in the bays on February the 15th.  Everyone had a great time playing the game and also getting a great workout.  The fire department is lucky to have four PFT's (peer fitness trainers) on staff and they are always looking into new ways to get our members more active with physical training.  While everyone was playing dodge ball, you could hear people comment how much of a workout they were having.  Using games such as dodge ball, volley ball, and floor hockey (just to name a few) are great ways for people to get a great cardiovascular workout and still have fun.  These games also help build camaraderie among all the members. 

---

Vehicle into a Pond
Posted By P. Feely on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 04:12

On Tuesday February 9th just after 9pm Huntertown FD was dispatched on a vehicle into a pond in the Lakes of Brooks Crossing Addition.  A secondary ice rescue sled was immediately requested in case we had multiple patients and also as a R.I.T response for the initial ice rescue team.  On arrival, a snow plow vehicle was 10' into a pond and the individual was still in the vehicle that  had water half way up the door.  Ultimately he was able to get out on his own and refused medical treatment.  Rescue 98 and 68 remained on scene to assits hooking the vehicle up for Parkers Wrecker Service as they utilized wearing the Ice/Water Rescue Suits. 

---

Training Calendar Updated
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 16:44

The Training Calendar has been updated on both the Website and hallway hard copy.  Trainings have been posted through March.  Other information found on the Calendar include : PT Assessments, Advanced-EMT schedule and more.  Please check regularly for updates.

---

Captains and Lieutenants Selected
Posted By P. Feely on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 21:56

Congratulations to the following Captains and Lieutenants who passed the following evaluations, in order to attain their positions.

1. Must meet required years of service and certifications  2.  Pass a written exam  3.  Interview Process.

The following individuals meet the requirements for the Captains Positions:  Capt. Nate Messmann, Capt. Jason Mueller

The following individuals met the requirements for the Lietuenants Positions:  Lt. Jake Knudson, Lt. Carl Dickes & Saftey Officer Brad Hite

---

Semi Accident on I-69
Posted By Mike Feely on Friday, January 08, 2010 at 22:21

On January 8,2010, a tractor trailer going northbound on I-69 lost control at approximately 4am and did a complete 180 and tipped over in the median.  The driver was temporarily trapped in the cab by his seatbelt, but not injured.  He was hauling a load of produce and luckily the load stayed contained to the trailer.  HFD crews had to use extrication equipment to release the tractors tandems from the guardrail before the semi could be moved by the towing company.  Additionally, they contained a diesel leak from the refrigerated trailer and put down booms for precautionary measures while Parker Towing uprighted the semi.  Units cleared the scene at approx 6:45. 

---

Snow Storm Causes Hazardous Material to Plummet Toward Huntertown Business
Posted By Mike Feely on Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 01:21

On 1-7-2010, snowy roads contributed to a semi hauling hazardous materials to vere off SR 3 & down a 10-15ft embankment toward a busy mfg facility which was under construction south of Huntertown.  As the semi approached the mfg facility, it hit construction equipment outside the business preventing the vehicle from going through the building resting underneath a high tension transformer. Additionaly, the vehicle stopped on top of some metal construction trusses which created additional hazards for our crews. 

HFD was on scene within minutes and identified several critical components that needed to be dealt with quickly.  The hazardous materials warranted an evacuation of the business, Pt triage/transport,hazard assessment, and necessary resource allocation to accomplish scene security.  After identifying that there were no active leaks, the air quality was tested and resulted in a safe environment for the rigging and towing crews.  The semi driver did not appear to be seriously injured, and no other employees were injured.  Thanks to Acpd, Dispatch, FWFD Special Ops Command, Parkers Towing & Rigging,  and Washington Twp for their support efforts.

---

Structure Fire Christmas Morning
Posted By P. Feely on Friday, December 25, 2009 at 14:08

At approximately 03:30am Christmas morning, Huntertown FD and Northeast FD were dispactched on a reported structure fire on Hursh Rd.  Minutes  later Dispatch advised that ACPD was on-scene confirming a working structure fire.  Engine 92 arrived and initiated a defensive attack under the direction of DC-172.  Although the occupants were home at the time, they all got out safely.  As seen in the pictures, the entire structure was heavily involved with fire.  Additional resources were assigned while Tanker operations were established.  Unfortunately the family lost everything.  Thanks to all FD's for their responses and professionalism to work together.  No injuries were reported.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family!!!

---

Working Fire with Northeast Fire Dept.
Posted By Robert Boren on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 00:30

Northeast Fire, St. Joe Twp FD, and Huntertown Fire were dispatched to the 11200 block of Pine Orchard Cove for an appliance fire.  While responding dispatch advised that, the from other calls they were receiving, the incident seemed to be a working structure fire.  Engine 171 arrived on scene and confirmed a working structure fire.  Engine 171 crew stretched 1 3/4" line to the front door and established water supply.  Engine 72 arrived and stretched another 1 3/4" line to the garage.  Chief Feely arrived and took command.  Huntertown Engine 92 arrived and assisted with suppression with Engine 171.  The fire was put under control with in 15 minutes after arrival of first fire unit.  The bulk of the fire was contained to the kitchen, and the rest of the house sustained major smoke damage.  Crews that made the call were Engines 171, 72, 92, Truck 77, Tank 93, Squad 96, and Chief 91.  All fire and EMS units cleared the scene with out incident. 

---

Possible Structure Fire In Falcon Creek
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 00:32

On Sunday Dec 4th, at approximately 17:00 Huntertown FD responded to a porch fire that was possibly out.  An arrival it turned out to be a 3 season room on the back of the house that was a room and content fire that had been extinguished.  Moderate smoke conditions were throughout the house.  Units were shock to find not only the fire had been extinguished before our arrival, but were more amazed at the amount of fire damage created without extending into the house.  Positive Pressure ventilation tactics were used to clear the house, as a thermal imager was used to confirm no extention.   The units that made the scene were F91, F92, Engine 92 & Squad 96. 

---

All Tangled Up
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 20:35

On Sunday November 29th, Huntertown FD had a call at the station from a homeowner, that their cat was caught in a leaf blower and they needed our help.  Things became more clear when we arrived to find what you see in the pictures.  The leaf blower was actually a large unit that is pulled behind a garden tractor.  The unit was not in use at the time and was actually being stored in the owners garage when the cat was discovered.  The cat was wedged in the fan blower and unable to get out .  It appears that the cat got in the unit, worked its way through the large hose and slid through the tubing, as she fell, the fan blade turned pinning the cat.  Although it looks like you could pull the cat straight out, there was a metal lip eliminating an easy extrication.  The owner attempted to cut the housing unit with a saw-zaw... but no luck.  It took a combination effort using the cutters and spreaders to peel the metal away from the cat.  The extrication took about 30 minutes to complete.  Once freed, the cat walked away unharmed. 

---

Live Fire Training With Washington Twp FD
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 20:25

On Sunday Nov 22nd, Huntertown FD joined Washington Twp and Fort Wayne FD on Live fire training located at Hillgas and Butler Rd.  Several Skill stations were performed such as: Suppression, R.I.T, Pump Ops, Exposure lines, an ignition team, and a Safety Observation team.  The training lasted from 9am - 12:30.  Thanks to Washington Twp FD for opening their training up to us ! 

---

LEPC Event
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 13:37

On Saturday October 24th, many agencies joined forces to practice not only skills that might not be performed on a regular basis, but also identified how the multiple jurisdictions can utilize each others expertise.  This is all done in an event that involves Hazardous Materials and mass casualty incidents.  As emergency responders, our job is to bring organization to a very chaotic confusing situation.  This situation started just after 9am and was dispatched as a single vehicle into a tanker truck with 4 patients and a release of Hazardous Materials.  Ultimately it was Huntertown FD's job to resist rushing right in and possibly become victims ourselves.  We had to identify the release of Hazardous Materials, set up a perimeter around the scene, and call for additional resources, while establishing a Unified Command Structure.  First arriving units identified Sulfuric Acid leaking from the tanker trailer, and utilized the Emergency Response Guide books to realize they could extricate any patients that had not come in contact with the "leaky semi trailer", while donning full personal protective equipement.  All patients were then brought through a "Decon" sector which would make sure they material wouldn't contaminate not only the transporting amubulances, but also Hospital emergency rooms as well.  The entire event lasted til about 12:30 which ended with a working lunch, which debriefed close to 100 emergency personelle that took place in this large scale event.  This was also the time to identify strengths and weaknesses that the responders can use as a learning experience, "if" and "when" the Real event happens.  A special Thanks goes to those individuals that organized the event ie. Chief Jamie McIntosh (FWFD), Chief Mike Feely (Huntertown FD) and Lori Mayers (Emergency Management).  Here is a list of the many agencies that contributed to the event as either responders or support :  Carroll High School Photography Club, Carroll Middle School, Evaluators, Volunteers who acted as patients, Coronors Dept, ACPD, Environmental Management, Emergency Management, TRAA, Huntertown FD, Washington Twp FD, Northeast FD, Fort Wayne FD, St. Joe Twp FD, LEPC Committee. & Roger Gump for providing the pictures in this article!  Thankyou to all who participated !

 

---

Washington TWP and HFD Conduct Training Burn
Posted By Robert Tucker on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 01:55

On Wednesday, October 21st 2009, HFD was invited by Washington TWP FD to participate in a training burn. Three different room burns were set and members practiced fire attack, ventilation and overhaul. Thank you to WTVFD for the hosting this training.

---

MVA on Woods Rd
Posted By P. Feely on Friday, October 09, 2009 at 23:14

On Friday October 9th at 17:45, Huntertown FD responded to an MVA that reportedly had a vehicle on its top.  On Arrival, "A" Shift found 3 vehicles with all occupants out and walking around.  Luckily they all "signed-off".  Apparently the Hummer hit some standing water and hydroplaned directly into a tree, then striking 2 other vehicles.  The occupants were assessed in E-95 truck 1 while Rescue 98 isolated the fluids down and performed traffic control.  Units cleared without incident. 

---

Residential & Commercial Hose Advancement Training
Posted By P. Feely on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 02:10

On Wednesday August 18th Huntertown FD and Washington Twp FD trained on the basics of Hose Advancement.  Determining the occupancy type, structure load and size up, is important for determining efficient hose diameter size and proper advancement techniques.  Our training took place on the complex of Byron Health Center, which allowed us to utilize a vacant house, as well as a vacant section of their commercial structure.   Simulated smoke was used to help the truck officers make a proper size up for the conditions they had. 

When advancing up a stairwell, don't forget their are many ways to stretch hose ie. 2-1/2 with a gated wye, then using a high rise pack, OR stretching dead hose to below the fire floor, looping the hose, then make your attack.  Decide what is right for the conditions you have.  All of this should be used with appropriate ventilation. 

---

Mandatory Training Class Complete
Posted By P. Feely on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 02:06

The Students that participated in the Mandatory Training Class that began April 6th, completed their training and took the Final State Exam Monday June 22nd.  The Class started with 21 students and finished with 20.  They were a great bunch of people and will be great assets to their Fire Departments.  Everyone came to class with super attitudes and more importantly a good sense of humor.  My Thanks to all the students for giving Huntertown FD the priveledge of participating in their training!!!  Good Luck and Stay Safe!

---

24 Members Make Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser a Sucess!
Posted By P. Feely on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 23:19

A strong showing from the members of the Huntertown FD contributed to a sucessfull Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday May 30th.  Approximately 24 members worked together to make this event a well organized effort.  Members started arriving at the Fire Station at 5:30am to begin setting up then started cooking before the doors opened up at 7am.  We took this opportunity to not only feed the public, but also to provide information on : CPR, Health and Safety, Fire Prevention, Tornado Preparedness, reflective addressing signage and much more including information on how to become a member of our Proud Fire Department.  A HUGE "Thank You" goes to the Community for showing an overwhelming show of support for our fundraising cause.  At last count we profited roughly $1,000.00   This money will go toward providing advance training to our members.  An extra thanks to EMS Chief Rich Sellers and Pvt. Derreck Schwehn for the countless hours and legwork necessary to put this event on.  Great job to all who helped including Rescue 178 and Truck 67 for coming to our Station to cover any runs.  After you click on this article, click again on the individual pictures to see what a good time everyone had!

---

You Should Have Seen The Toast!
Posted By Robert Tucker on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 23:12

Our tribute to the late John Candy. Remember the scene from the movie Uncle Buck? "You should have seen the toast! I couldn't even get it thrugh the door!"

---