The Officers and Firefighters here at Fort Myer would like to say "Farewell" to Firefighter Eric Taylor who took a Firefighter position at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Fire Department.  Firefighter Taylor worked with us here at the Fort for a little over 3 years.  We would also like to say Good Bye to Sgt. George Smith.  Sgt. Smith started at Fort Myer in 1973 at the ripe ole age of 18.  Smith spent his entire 37 year Career here which is almost unheard of in any Federal Fire Department.  We know George will enjoy his retirement as he is the President of Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club which he is very involved in. 

The Firefighters and Officers of the Fort Myer Fire Department would like to Congratulate Firefighter Chris D'Agostino and his wife Beth on the birth of their son Nicholas Anthony.  Baby Nick came in at 0950 hrs weighing 6lbs 14 oz measuring 18 inches long.  Beth and Nicholas are at home doing well.

The Officers and Firefighters would like to welcome Captain McGillin back to full duty. Captain McGillin had to take off for about two weeks because of an illness.  He returned to work on Monday the 21st. Glad to see you back in action "Big T".

Engine 161 was alerted 4th due to the area of 1800 Crystal Drive for a structure fire  Units arrived on the scene reported smoke showing from Side C.  Engine 161 arrived on scene with the crew taking its high rise packs to the floor above.  While en-route the the floor above, command ordered Engine 161's crew to assist Engine 301 with suppression operations on the fire floor.  A small fire was found on the balcony, which was quickly extinguished.  All crews returned to service.

Engine 161: D/O Harris, Capt. Pine, F/F Parise, F/F D'Agostino

Personnel here at Fort Myer Fire Department found out early Thursday morning that Firefighter James McConkey was transported to Civista Hospital in La Plata, MD for a possible heart attack.  We received an update a few hours later that he was transported from Civista to Washington Hospital Center via Med Star.  Firefighter McConkey underwent surgery and is doing well.  We expect him to be home any day now.  We wish both him and his family well.

Fire Inspector Mike Bailey's son Matthew recently underwent surgery at Children's Hospital.  The surgery went well and he is currently recovering.  The Officers and Firefighters at Fort Myer wish him well and hope this is his last trip to the hospital.

Engine 161's crew just sat down after cleaning up dinner when they were alerted for a possible vehicle fire in the 2300 block of  North Pershing Drive.  After leaving the station, the crew could see a colum of smoke from Washington Blvd.  Arlington ECC advised they were receiving multiple calls and added an additional Engine and Rescue on the call.  Engine 161 arrived on the scene to find a small passenger bus fully involved.  Engine 161's crew advanced the 150' Bumper Line and went to work knocking the fire.  Engine 101 arrived on scene and stretched a 200' cross-lay to assist with mopping up the hot spots.  Crews checked the building for any possible extension and found that to be negative.  All units cleared the scene shortly after.

Engine 161 Crew: D/O Strybing, Capt. Angerett, F/F Dansereau, F/F D'Agostino

The Officers and Members of the Fort Myer Fire Department would like to Congratulate Firefighter Cliff Montgomery on his marriage to Karen Toder.  Karen is a Firefighter with the Walter Reed Fire Department in Washington, D.C.  The couple was married on May 1st in Ridge, MD.  We wish the couple a long and happy marriage and can't wait to see some future firemen or firewomen running around.

Around 1400 hours, Engine 161 was in Company 5's 1st due when a House Fire Assignment was struck for the 2800 block of Arlington Blvd.  Box 7107 was struck for a report of smoke coming from a house.  Engine 101 arrived on the scene and reported "Fire Showing" from Side Delta.  Engine 161 arrived on the scene 3rd and laid a secondary supply line.  Crews found the fire to be on the exterior siding only with no extension.  Engine 161 cleared the scene within 30 minutes.

Engine 161: D/O M. Humphreys, Capt. Rearden, F/F Drake, F/F Nordstrom

At 0944 hours, Arlington ECC dispatched Engine 161 1st due to the Navy Annex (Box 7561) for a Fire Investigation.  While en route, Arlington ECC advised they were receiving reports of "Heavy Smoke" in the building as well as people trapped on the roof of the building.  The box assignment was filled as Engine 161 arrived on scene reporting "Nothing Evident" from Side Alpha.  Engine 161's crew made their way to the 4th floor as workers in the building advised them the fire was in the Penthouse (5th floor).  The crew hooked up to the Standpipe System and charged the attack line.  Units found a motor on top of a elevator that had burned up and created moderate smoke in the building.  The elevator was also stuck between floors and 2 people were removed.  No injuries were reported and Engine 161 cleared the scene at 1043 hours.

Engine 161: D/O Strybing, Capt. McGillin, F/F Valenzo, F/F D'Agostino

The Officers and Firefighters of the Fort Myer Fire Department would like to send our condolences to the Higgins family as well as the Arlington County Fire Department on the passing of Frank Higgins.  Frank used to visit the guys here at the old station on Jackson Avenue, drinking coffee, reading the paper, and trading fire stores with the guys.  The younger guys here in the Department would look forward to listening to the stories Frank told as well as learn some history from Frank.  Frank started as a Volunteer Firefighter in Arlington at the Clarendon VFD (Station 4) in 1949.  In 1956 Frank began his Career as a Firefighter in Arlington and served in the Department until 1979.  Frank's sons are also in the Fire Department, Randy is a Captain here in Arlington, and his other son works for the Fairfax County Fire Department. 

Inspector Tom Hodge spent his last shift with us on March 31st after a long tenure with the Fort Myer Fire Department.  Tom started his career in the Fire Department at MWAA FD (National Airport).  Hodge spent 9 years there and was a Paramedic with the Department.  Tom then came to Fort Myer in 1987 as a Firefighter.  He became an Inspector in 2006 and ended his career in the same position.  Tom responded to 2 historical incidents involving aircraft in the D.C. area.  He responded as a Medic with the Airport FD to the Air Florida crash at the 14the Street Bridge on January 13, 1982.  He also responded to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 where he was the Driver/Operator of Rescue Engine 162.  All combined Tom retires with 32 years of service, 23 of which were spent here at Fort Myer.  The Officers and Firefighters wish Tom a "Happy Retirement" and "Good Luck" with his next endeavor. 

At 1204 hours, Arlington ECC alerted Engine 161 3rd due, to the area of North Pershing Drive and North Moore Street for a house fire.  While units were enroute, ECC advised that the caller saw flames and smoke coming from the window of a house.  Engine 101 arrived on the scene, Side Alpha with "Light Smoke Showing".  Engine 161 arrived 3rd and laid a line from a secondary hydrant.  Crews found workers in the home burning a pile of wood slates in and around a fireplace.  Units racked up and Engine 161 cleared the scene at 1244 hours.

Engine 161: D/O M. Humphreys, Capt. Long, F/F Drake, F/F Taylor

On January 23rd, Fire Inspector Tom Hodge was presented the Firefighters Gold Medal Award from the Veteran's of Foreign Wars John Lyon- Post 3150 here in Arlington, VA.  Inspector Hodge was selected from a pool of applicants that were submitted for the award by their departments.  Post 3150 also gave awards for EMS member and Police Officers Gold Medal which was awarded to a JBMHH Police Investigator.

Around 1230 hours, Fort Myer ECC received a phone call from the Military Police asking for Battalion 161 to come to the Hatfield Gate for a possible explosive device found in a vehicle.  During a normal search of a vehicle, a Military Working Dog picked up on a scent on the driver's seat of the car.  Battalion 161 arrived on the scene and specialed Engine 161 to the scene to stage.  A second Dog was called into the scene and picked up the same thing the first Dog did.  A local Military EOD Team arrived on the scene and investigated the vehicle.  The EOD "Robot" cut a hole in the seat to get to a possible device.  After further investigation it was found that the driver of the vehicle was at a landfill where they had explosive waste.  Engine and Battalion 161 returned to service at 1341 hours.

Engine 161: D/O Strybing, Capt. McGillin, Capt. Long, F/F D'Agostino

Battalion 161: A/C Willett