Article Archive

Following a period of freezing rain, ice covered roads made for dangerous road conditions.  A semi driving north bound on I-69 jack knifed in the roadway.  A car that was following the semi drove straight under the trailer of the semi.  Huntertown fire units and Washington Twp. EMS were called to the scene of a person pinned in the car.  After Allen Co. PD arrived on the scene, it was found that the driver escaped death by dunking at the last minute.  This action saved the driver's life.  The driver was able to find a way to crawl out of the car prior to arrival.  Rescue 98 crew assisted with clean up of the roadway.  Interstate 69 was closed for the better part of the morning until crews could salt the roadway.  Huntertown Fire and EMS crews were busy through out the rest of the day with several calls ranging from med runs to possible structure fires.

Volunteer carry-in.  6pm

Congratulations to Mike Aker, Jason Mueller, & Mike Feely for attaining their Fire Instructor 1 certifications.  They are looking forward to putting on some challenging trainings in the future!!

On Wednesday December 10th, Huntertown FD's Robert Boren and St. Joe Twp FD's Randy Auker received two very honorable service awards from AMR.  The awards given included the "Medical Directors Award of Excellence" and "Outstanding Performance Award".  Robert and Randy were acknowledged for their heroic actions while performing an intense farm accident extrication involving a young boy.  It was because of their professional care and skills and the combined efforts of all involved in the extrication, the young boy had a fighting chance to live....which he did.  The Huntertown Fire Department officially congratulates both of these gentlemen for their performance that day and thanks them for their continued dedication to making a difference.  We encourage anyone reading this article, to go out of your way to acknowledge their actions.  To get a better look at the awards click on the pictures.

For all members.  Please bring copies of your NIMS 100,200,700 and 800 certificates.  It is required for all members to show proof of these trainings.  All Copies must be brought to the fire station before Oct 1st.  If you don't have this training completed, ask a Chief Officer how you can get it.  The following names don't need to bring copies because we already have them.  M. Aker, P. Aker, R. Boren, M. Feely, P. Feely, K.Hendricks, J. Mueller, D. Schwehn(need 800), R. Sellers, J. Hale, S. Hart(need 800), C. Wolf, J. Knudson, C. Walker(need 800), B. Hite, C. Garman, B. Workman(need 700), J. Moser(need 700&800), C. Dickes(need 800), M. Carcione(need 800), C. Ellett(need 700), Sarah Hodson(need 700&800), N. Messmann(need700&800), G. Raber(need 700&800), R. Tucker (need 800).  This List will be updated on this page whenever your certificates have been turned into F-92 ONLY.

GEAR CHECK-OFFS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE STATION THROUGH THE END OF DECEMBER. PLEASE HAVE ALL OF YOUR ISSUED EQUIPMENT WHEN YOU COME DOWN TO EXPEDITE THIS PROCESS.

 E95, Rescue 98 and Chief 91 responded to I69 for a report of an accident with a pin.  Auburn Fire Department and Dekalb County EMS also responded. While enroute units were notified that the accident actually happened in Dekalb County and ended in Allen County. Dekalb County arrived on scene and stated the victim had passed away. Auburn Fire Department extricated the victim.

Perry Township and the Huntertown Volunteer Fire Company are pleased to announce that we have awarded our bid for our new engine to Pierce Mfg and Global Emergency Products. The truck will take between 8 to 10 months to construct. The specifications are: Pierce Arrow XT Chassis, 1500 GPM Waterous Pump, 1000 gallon poly tank, 218" wheel base, Side role protection, Frontal impact protection, Extended front bumper with 100' 1 3/4" trash line, Roto-Ray, Two EMS compartments inside the cab, Husky foam system with 30 gal tank - six ports in all, Hydraulic ladder rack, TFT Crossfire deck gun, All LED lighting, Much more.

The committee has spent the last several months working the specifications. Special thanks to the following committee members: Captain's Rob Tucker, Nate Messmann & Jason Meuller, Chief Engineer Robert Boren, Firefighters, Caleb Garman, Chris Ellett, Shane Hart, Mike Aker, Jason Hale and Fire Chief Mike Feely.

Also special thanks to Perry Township Trustee Roger Gump, Township Advisory Board members Mike Messmann, Dewayne Dickes and John Brock.

At approximately 4:40pm Huntertown FD was dispatched on a combine fire at Hathaway and Johnson Rd.  Prior to arriving on scene dispatch advised that the combine was fully envolved.  F-91 requested additional units from Washington Twp FD and Churubusco FD.  On arrival Engine 91 stretched an 1-3/4 and foam line to contain the combine fire as well as the field fire.  Fortunately the combine was close to the road, which made extinguisment more accessible.   Since the unit was full of corn, extensive overhaul was necessary.   Photos provided by Officer Gary Grant.

At approx 16:30 on Wednesday October 29th Huntertown units were dispatched on an MVA.  On arrival one vehicle was partially on the road but close to sliding down a hill.  The vehicle was secured with the side winch from Rescue 98, while the patients were checked on scene for injuries.  No transports were made and units returned to service.

On Tuesday October 28th Huntertown FD was dispacted to a house fire in the Perry Lakes Addition.  On F-91's arrival moderate smoke was visible from the garage area.  The source of the fire was from a trash can burning in the garage.  Hot embers were unintentionally thrown in the dumpster which ignited the rest of the trash.  The dumpster was removed from the garage and the house was ventilated.  Units then returned to service.  

Congratulations to Nate Messmann, Alex Leavitt, and Caleb Garman on officially attaining their EMS certificates.  Nate Messman obtained his EMT-B cert while Alex and Caleb recieved his EMT-A.  They are both excited about using their skills to help the community.  Thanks for your hard work

Additionally, Thanks to all who attended the Emergency Driving Operations Class on Oct 13, 15th.  This made up both classroom and practical skills which addresses the dangers we incur while responding to calls for help.   It is our goal to promote cautious and safe driving while responding on all emergency calls especially with the upcoming weather conditions we will be challenged with.

Some great ideas came up at the first awards committee meeting last week.  We're very excited to have a new format for 2008.  Categories will be finalized next week and announced and nominations made during the November company meeting.

For the committee:  Wednesday, 10-22 (following hose testing) will be our follow up meeting.  HAS BEEN POSTPONED--  Due to schedule conflicts.  Will meet next week.  Day tba, every member will receive a phone call.

For those not on the committee:  The committee is: Derreck, Glenn, Caleb, Rob and Dan.  If you have any ideas let one of us know soon.

At approximately 19:49 Huntertown FD and Churubusco FD responded to a structure fire on Carroll Rd.  Washington Twp FD was dispatched as a rit team response.  On Engine 201's arrival, heavy smoke was showing on a single story wood-frame structure.  Churubusco FD made an interior attack and extinguished the fire.  Engine 91 arrived on scene at 19:59 did a primary and secondary search, with nothing found.  Rescue 98 provided horizonal ventilation while Truck 67 secured utilities.  Fire was under control at 20:06.  Thanks to all for a great job!  Units were back in service at 21:00.

On Monday September 15^th Huntertown FD was asked to give drafting training to FWFD.  The purpose was to explain what the County departments will bring to the City if a tanker response is requested.  It also gave FWFD an opportunity to get some hands on experience drafting with their own rigs.  We also set up a “jet siphon” and explained its important use.  Additional tankers were used from Washington Twp Fd and St. Joe Twp Fd.  Thanks to all who participated. (Photo: Capt. Brian Peterson)

On Monday August 25th Capt. Jason Mueller and Jason Hale organized an SCBA Confidence Course at the Perry Hill Elementry School playground.  Several departments participated including Washingtown Twp FD, Northeast FD, and FWFD (station 15).  The training utilized search rope throughout the playground equipment so firefighters could practice different skills including the window bale out and confined space airpack removal, while wearing a blacked out face piece on air. 

The carry in was a big success for the firefighters and medics of the Huntertown Fire Department.  Lots of food and wings were eaten up along with some awesome home made dishes.  Plenty of people enjoyed many rounds of corn hole along with hill billy horse shoes along with just sitting back throwing the football around and having a good time.  A big thank you goes out to everyone who put their time into making this a success.  Also the HFD would like to send a special THANK YOU to all the wonderful companies that made donations for the many door prizes given away during the night.  Thank you to;  Cork N Cleaver, Logans, Home Depot, Mikes Carwash, Starbucks, Putt Putt, Glenbrook Square Mall, Pizza Hut, Penn Station and Crazy Pins. 

At approximatety 4am on Sunday August 17th Huntertown FD responded to an MVA at Shoaff and St. Rd 3.  On Arrival a single vehicle was on its side, and the occupant was out.  He was in fair condition and transported to Parkview Hospital.  The picture shows that the vehicle struck the guard rail and curled it back. 

The Huntertown Fire Department will be teaming up with MDA for this years "Fill The Boot" drive. We were honored this past Wednesday with meeting Sam. Sam like many other children benifit greatly from "Fill The Boot". Sam spoke with us, telling us about the benefits he has recieved from being able to go to Summer Camp. Huntertown Fire Department will be out beating the streets Aug. 15,16 and 17.

The Huntertown Fire Department will be teaming up with MDA for this years "Fill The Boot" drive. We were honored this past Wednesday with meeting Sam. Sam like many other children benifit greatly from "Fill The Boot". Sam spoke with us, telling us about the benefits he has recieved from being able to go to Summer Camp. Huntertown Fire Department will be out beating the streets Aug. 15,16 and 17.

Effective immediately, all work and training points must have sheets filled out and put in Chief Engineers Officers office.  All members are responsible for signing the sheet AND filling out the training books.  Don't just fill out one or the other.

Also, a new purchase order system is now in place.  Any expenses must have a pre-approved form filled out which is located in the computer room.  Direct any questions to Fire91

Huntertown Fire Department will be hosting an "Advanced Medical Life Support" class on August 23 & 24, 2008.

AMLS is similar to a BTLS or PHTLS class, but is targeted to medical patients instead of trauma patients.  It is a 4 year certification, and was created and is sponsored by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

http://www.naemt.org/AMLS/aboutAMLS/ProgramInformation

Download a course flyer for more information and registration instructions.

C Shift catches yet another run on Friday June 27th.  This was a R.I.T. response assist for St. Joe Twp FD on Horeshoe Bend in Cottonwood Lakes.  On St. Joe's arrival heavy smoke was visible.  On Engine 91 arrival, they were re-assigned to perform a primary search, while Huntertowns additional manpower still established a rapid intervention team.  No injuries were reported.  Fire damage was confined to the garage, but smoke damage was evident inside. 

On Friday June 27th just before 8am  Huntertown FD responded to a vehicle accident on St Rd 3 with 2 trapped.  On arrival a single vehicle was down a steep enbankment, wedged between a culvert and a tree.  The paitients were extricated within about 35 minutes.

On Sunday, June 22, Huntertown EMS was dispatched to a man down after being struck by an air compressor.  While responding dispatch advised that there are multiple patients down.  E-95 immediately had E-95 truck 2 dispatched along with E-65 from Washington Twp. FD.  Fire 91 arrived on scene and took command of the scene while Medic 91 took over Medical Incident Command.  Additional ambulances from Northeast Fire Department and St. Joe Fire Department were dispatched to assist.  All together there were 3 people transported to the hospital, two of which were serious condition taken to the trauma center.  Five other patients were treated at the scene and released.  The cause for the injuries came from when an inflatable moon walk was blown by very high winds and bystanders tried to stop it.  This was the first run for E-95 truck 2.  Great job by all!

We have created a page to keep you up to date with our Engine Committee. Please go to http://www.huntertownfire.com/NewEngine to see what we are up to!

Instructor II/III Regional PSA www.district3firetraining.com

Our new ambulance was delivered on June 18th, 2008. It was built by Medtec Ambulance Corporation. It will be placed into service in the  next couple of days. Nice job Ambulance committee!

Twenty year veteran Mike Feely has been hired as the full time Fire Chief of the Huntertown Fire Department. Mike will be transitioning from his current job over the next couple of weeks and be full time by the end of June.

Mike joined the department in 1989 and has served for over the last decade as a captain.

Congratulations to our newly elected Board postitions

Capt. Rob Tucker = President

Pvt. Dan Hutson = Vice President

On Monday June 2nd Huntertown FD responded to several calls.   A structure fire was dispatched just after 6pm on Lima Rd.  Engine 91 arrived 1 minute from the dispatched time.  Jason Hale rode out captain and reported heavy fire and smoke pushing from side 2 on the 2nd floor.   Chief Engineer Robert Boren took command in the front of the structure.  The fire was under control 30 minutes later.  Additional units responded from Washington Twp FD and Northeast FD.  Churubusco FD remained in service from Huntertown FD to cover any additional calls.  No injuries were reported.

Earlier in the day, a vehicle fire was toned out next to a house on Pulver Rd.  The van was approximately 30 ft. from the house and still melted a significant amount of siding on the new house under construction, despite the quick 7 minute reponse.  The challenging thing about this fire was that the magnesium used in the construction of the van, not only intensified the fire, but contributed to the need for additional water. 

The June day shift schedule is posted at the fire station.  If anyone has questions or concerns contact F92.  Also, Capt. Tucker is going to try to make it possible to view the work schedule on our website calendar so you can view it at home.  We look foward to that !!

Medic Brinker and EMS Chief Sellers travelled to Medtec on Monday (5/12) morning to perform a post-paint inspection of the new truck.  Delivery is expected on or about 6/17/08.

So far, everything looks good and we were pleased with the progress.  If you have any questions, contact Medic 91.

Any persons interested in a Captains position, sign up at the Fire Station.  Interviews will be granted to anyone who feels qualified to sign up.  Interview date to be determined.

On Monday April 14th, at approximately 09:00 Huntertown Fd and Northeast Fd responded to a car fire inside an attached garage.  On arrival heavy smoke and flames were visible on a 2 story residential structure.  As crews advanced lines inside the house to push the fire out, a secondary crew attempted to make a quick knock down without pushing the fire into the house or on the interior attack.  Additional assistance was requested from St. Joe Twp Fd, Washington Twp. Fd, New Haven Fd and Woodburn Fd.  One dog was sucessfully rescued from the house.  No other injuries were reported.  The house sustained significant damage.  Photos provided by P. Feely, J. Giszewski, and R. Gump.

On Sunday April 13th, Huntertown Fd responded to a reported house fire at the 2300 block of Chapman Rd.  On arrival light smoke was showing on a single story wood-frame structure.  It was discovered that there was fire in the attic resulting from electrical wiring.   Minor overhaul was initiated and units returned to service.  Northeast Fd assisted.

On Saturday April 12, Huntertown FD responded to a single vehicle accident on Dibold Rd just east of the Parkview North Hospital entrance.  On arrival 1 pt was pinned and 3 others were injured, which included 2 very small children in car seats.  Fire 75 was first on scene from St Joe Twp FD and assumed incident command.  Extrication was a challenge, due to the impact and the way the patient was positioned inside.  Other agencies involved included ACPD and AMR.

Members of the Washington Twp. and Huntertown Fire Department trained on search & rescue and ventilation skills utilizing a vacant structure. Crews were dispatched on a Signal 70 with entrapment. Firefighters worked together to complete search and ventilation skills in the smoke filled structure.

The following amendment to the HFD Constitution was proposed during the most recent regular quarterly company meeting:

Amendment to Article #2, Section #15:

Add the following paragraph to the end of Section #15:

“Dues shall not be accepted from any member that is currently suspended due to non-compliance with annual training required by the Company including, but not limited to, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials and SCBA proficiency.”

Per Article 6 of the HFD constitution, the proposed amendment will be studied by a committee, and a recommentation will be made at the next company meeting and may then be voted on by the members.

On Wednesday March 12th, Huntertown FD and St. Joe Twp. FD participated in joint mayday training instructed by Chris Walker.  The training took place in the former Leo Distributers building located at Dupont and I-69.  The building was scheduled for demolition, but fortunately was able to be utilized for FD training before that happened.  The evening started out with a brief powerpoint lecture identifying situations appropriate for calling the mayday, which initiates the rapid intervention teams.  Several skill stations were set up and part of the building was smoked up as well.  Some of those skill stations were: large scale oriented room search, ff entanglement in wires, floor collapse, ff drags, and following hoselines out as an exit strategy.  All the situations required the firefighter to "Call the mayday".  If you were unable to attend the training, a good accronym to use is L.U.N.A.R which stands for give your LOCATION, then your UNIT #, then your actual NAME, then your ASSIGNMENT you were on, and finally what RESOURCES you need.  It was a good opportunity for Huntertown FD and St Joe FD to work togather.  We hope we never need to initiate this tactic, but it is essential to know for your safety and the safety of our fellow firefighters. 

PHTLS Class at Huntertown Fire Department

Huntertown Fire Department will be hosting a PHTLS class on Feb. 23 & 24, 2008.  Class times will be 08:00 - 16:30 +/- each day.

PHTLS = Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support.  Class is limited to 24 students and is open to EMTs from surrounding departments.

Cost of the class is $100, which includes books, snacks and soft drinks and lunch on both days.

On Tuesday February 12, Huntertown FD was dispatched to a possible house fire on McComb Rd.  On arrival Engine 91 reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing.  Capt. Mike Feely assumed command as units advanced lines to the basement, which appeared to be the point of origin.  The structure sustained significant damage throughout.  No injuries were reported.  The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious.  Our Thanks to the mutual aid Departments that assisted Huntertown FD : Washington Twp FD, Churubusco FD, Laotto FD, Allen County F.A.S.T. and Rehab 70.

Huntertown Fire Department was called to an electrical fire on Coldwater Rd. Engine 91 reportes smoke coming from the roof. Huntertown crews quickly made an interior attack, while Washington TWP. crews went to the roof. Crews made a quick stop, containing damage to a upstairs bathroom.

ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
Course Description:
The Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents course provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. The course expands upon information covered in the ICS 100 and ICS 200 courses

ICS-400: Advanced ICS Command and General Staff— Complex Incidents
Course Description:
The course goals are as follows: Explain how major incidents engender special management challenges; describe the circumstances in which an Area Command is established; describe the circumstances in which multi-agency coordination systems are established.

The two courses will be conducted, together.

Who Should Attend?

ICS 300 is designed for candidates that have also successfully completed the ICS 100 and ICS 200 courses offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). Command or General Staff experience is recommended.

ICS 300 is targeted towards Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Agency, and Fire Service, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), Public Works, Government Administrative, Public Safety Communications, Health Care, and Public Health.

The target audience for the ICS 400 course is senior personnel who are expected to perform in a management capacity in an Area Command or Multi-agency Coordination Entity. This course expands upon information covered in ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses. These earlier courses are prerequisites for ICS-400. 8am-5pm

Now is your chance to use the skills you learned in NIMS 100, 200, and 700. This class will start with a quick review of NIMS 200 and then we will break into groups to tackle multiple scenarios. Groups will work together to develop a true ICS system with all components needed for a successful resolution to the event. This class is geared towards Officers, Public Works, Government Leaders, and those involved in front line leadership positions. This class will also help prepare you for the NIMS 300 and 400 class.

On Saturday January 19th at approximately 11:09 Huntertown FD and WashingtonTwp FD were dispatched to a working house fire in the Homestead Acres neighborhood.  Capt. Tucker was first on scene and assumed command with heavy fire showing from an attached garage.  Engine 91 arrived at 11:15 and advanced an 1-3/4 attack line into the house to push the fire out of the garage.  A second line was stretched to make a quick knock down as interior crews made there way through the heavy smoke to find the door leading to the garage.  Command requested additional units from Northeast FD, Churubusco FD and St. Joe Twp FD.   The fire was marked under control approximately 30 minutes later.  Double click on the picts to get a better view.  Our thanks to Officer Jason Giszewski with ACPD, and is also a Northeast Firefighter, for providing the photos.

At approximately 05:45am on Saturday January 19th, Units responded to an MVA at Bethel and Hathaway Rd with a party pinned.  On arrival at 05:51 units found  a single vehicle that went through the intersection and slammed into a tree, pinning the single occupant.  He was heavily pinned.  The patient was extricated at 06:06 and all units returned to service at 06:20.  Samaritan Helicopter transported the patient.   TRAA, and ACPD also made the scene.