10/27/02 23:31 Building Fire @ 2496 Pulaski Hwy

An apparant arsonist caused Aetna to respond to a working building fire Sunday night. Singerly (Elkton, MD) and Christiana (3,6,12) were sent as engine and truck mutual aid. First units found a restaurant with smoke showing from all sides and roof. E8-2 initiated an interior attack with 1-3/4" handlines making quick work of a smoldering fire that apparantly had "burned itself out". Roof operations were initated by E3-7 and engines 7-4, 7-2, 6-5, and R-8 performed interior assignments. Heavy damage was sustained to all rooms of the building from the length of time the fire went unchecked. Chief 98 (Kavanagh) had command and all units cleared by 0215hrs.

10/26/02 07:06 Fatal MVC w/ Entrapment on I95

Aetna units responded to a single vehicle MVC with entrapment on I95 early Saturday morning. B9 was first to arrive finding the car wrapped around a tree with the driver DOA and passenger entraped. E9-1, E7-4, Rescue 8 made the response completing the extrication in a little under 15 minutes. Chief 98 (Kavanagh) had command and Assistant Chief 98C (Bowerson) had the extrication.

10/22/02 11:49 Basement Fire @ 258 Delaplane Av

Just before lunch, Aetna was alerted to a house fire with Mill Creek (2,21) as mutual aid. Deputy 7 (Welch) arrived soon after to find smoke showing from an apparant basement fire. Squirt 21 pulled a 1-3/4" line while E8-2 laid a 5" supply line. E8-2 advanced to the basement with S21 assisting to make quick work of the fire. E9-3 provided a back-up line with E2-7 searching the floors above. No injuries were reported and all units cleared by 1419 hrs.

The old brass bell at Station 9 on Academy Street rang a mournful 446 times this past Sunday in rememberance of all those who died in the Line of Duty the past year. The bell has been in Newark since the early 1900s when it was used to alert firefighters to emergencies. The resonant sound can be heard for miles.

The News Journal

Just past midnight, Aetna was dispatched to an MVC with entrapment on Pencader Drive just off of Rt 896. E9-1 and Rescue 8 made the response and arrived to find a car that had rear-ended a tractor-trailer at a high rate of speed. The driver was pinned under the dash which had to be rolled after roof and door removals. The driver was transported by LifeNet (medi-vac) and Medic 3 as a trauma code (Priority 1). 8-8C (Hendricks) had command.

9/30/02 14:48 MVC w/Entrpmnt @ Library/Wyoming

Just after being alerted to a collision involving two school buses, Aetna was dispatched to a vehicle collision with reported entrapment. E9-1 while enroute to the bus collision, arrived within minutes to perform a quick stabilization and door pop. A7 transported the driver to CER. 9-8C (Bowerson) had command.

9/26/02 13:02 Tractor-Trailer vs Tour Bus @ I95

The News Journal/CHUCK McGOWEN

The News Journal

9/24/02 00:27 House Fire @ 103 Witherspoon Ln

At 0027 hours, Aetna was alerted to a house fire reported as the roof with Christiana (3,6,12) as ladder and engine mutual aid. Assistant Chief 98C (Bowerson) arrived to find a row of single story attached occupied dwellings with smoke showing from units 101-107 along the roof. E8-2 laid in with 5" and advanced an 1-3/4" line while E9-3 did the same advancing to the rear. S7 began ventilation of the roof while crews operated inside trying to find the fire. A small fire was found in the walls of 103 and 105 and quickly extinguished. 98C had command, Deputy 8 had the interior, and no injuries were reported.

9/3/02 04:40 Building Fire @ 2677 Capitol Trail

At 0440 hours, Aetna was dispatched to assist Mill Creek (2,21) on a working building fire. Chief 21-8 arrived on-scene with heavy fire showing from the rear of a one-story commercial. First-in units laid 5" supply lines and initiated an interior attack. Ladder 9 arrived as the second truck, laddering the structure and proceeding to the roof to assist 2,21 units with ventilation. Ladder 9 cleared at 0610 hrs. Heavy damage was sustained to the restaraunte. 21-8 had command and 21-8B had the interior. No injuries were reported.

8/14/02 05:15 3-Alarm Building Fire @ 511 Edison

Just before 0500, Christiana (3,6,12) was dispatched for a building fire at the Lexington Green apartments. First in units found fire coming through the roof of a garden-style apartment building and residents jumping from their windows. A8 responded on the initial alarm and a second alarm brought E9-1. A third alarm brought both E8-4 and Ladder 9. A collapse of a stairway in the rear hampered efforts as crews pressed an aggressive interior attack on a fully involved 3rd floor. Fire spread was halted at the 2nd floor and no extention into either the B or D attached exposures. Several residents were treated for injuries from jumping or smoke inhalation. One firefighter suffered heat exaustion. Deputy 12 (DuHaduway, III "Bub") had command and all units cleared by 0830. [The News Journal] [2]

At 0216 hrs, Aetna was alerted to a house fire with Christiana (3,6,12) as engine and ladder mutual aid. E9-3 arrived on-scene with Assistant Chief 98C (Bowerson) finding smoke showing from the rear of the residence. Further investigation found a large exterior portion of the house to be on fire. An 1-3/4" hand line was utilized and the fire was knocked down in minutes. Very little fire extended into the residence. Chief 98 (Kavanagh) had command and no injuries were reported. Arson is believed to be the cause of the fire, possibly due to a Molotov cocktail.

7/28/02 23:49 4-Alarm Building Fire @ Marina Plaza

CECILWHIG/Adelma Gregory

7/23/02 19:48 House Fire @ 5 Argyle Rd

About an hour after clearing Chrysler Corp., Aetna was dispatched to a reported attached garage fire with Christiana (3,6,12) sent as engine mutual aid. Assistant Chief 98C (Bowerson) arrived to confirm fire showing from the rear of the garage while initial units were responding. Utilizing a "green line" garden hose, 98C knocked down much of the fire until E82 arrived and completed the attack. The scene was under control by 19:58 with units clearing 20 minutes later. Deputy 8 (Kreer) had command, 88B (Witzke) had operations, and 98C had the interior. The fire is believed to be arson.

7/23/02 18:01 Industrial Explosion @ Chrysler Corp.

At 18:01 hours, Aetna was dispatched to a reported explosion at the Chrysler Manufacturing plant off of South College Avenue (Rt. 896). Christiana (3,6,12) was sent as engine and ladder mutual aid as was Mill Creek (2,21). First units arrived to find two severely burned workers from high voltage electricity. E93 and E82 assisted A7 and B9 with EMS prior to Medic 6 and 7 arriving. One patient was transported to Chester Crozier burn center and one was transported to CER, both in serious condition. Due to electrical nature of the explosion, very little suppression effort was needed and all units cleared by 1855hrs.

7/18/02 08:39 MVC w/Entrapment @Christina Pkwy

At 0839 hours, Aetna was dispatched to an MVC with entrapment at the 400 block of Christina Parkway. Assistant Chief 78B (Debold) arrived to find three subjects trapped in two vehicles from a head-on collision. Trooper 4 and LifeNet (MediVacs) and an additional rescue were requested to the scene. E9-1 began extrication while A8, B9, Medic 3, Medic 7, and Command 7 treated the patients. With the arrival of Rescue 8 and Elkton's Rescue 371, E9-1 was able to finish the extrication with door, roof removals, and a dash displacement. All patients are being treated at CER. All units cleared by 0957 hours.

7/2/02 17:07 Building Fire 236 Elkton Rd

6/14/02 06:15 Fatal MVC w/Building Fire 2905 Pulaski Hwy

6/6/02 00:52 Fatal MVC w/Entrpmnt 1100 Ogletown Rd

After a month with an above average call volume and several minor extrications, Aetna was dispatched to the 1100 block of Ogletown Road just before 1 am for a MVC with entrapment. Initial reports stated a single vehicle had left the roadway striking a bulldozer and upon arrival of B9, the crew found the driver in critical condition with the passenger entrapped and in respiratory arrest. Rescue 8 responded from Station 8, only several hundred yards away, and assisted in a rapid extrication. Unfortunately, the passenger succumbed to his injuries with the driver in critical condition at Christiana Hospital. 9-8-C (Bowerson) had command.

5/6/02 13:12 House Fire Leeds Rd @ Simpers Rd

At 13:12 hours, Aetna was requested to cover-up Station 13 in Cecil County, MD. Soon after, E9-1 was called into the scene of a working one-story house fire. Upon arrival, E9-1 split into two crews for roof ventilation and extinguishment in the basement. Crews assisted with salvage and overhaul to the heavily damaged house and cleared shortly after 14:30 hours.

Chief Kavanagh Graces Fire Service Painting

Recently, Aetna Fire Chief Steve Kavangh was chosen along with several other firefighters from FDNY, DCFD, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to be one of the faces in a recent painting by artist Chas Fagan. Chas Fagan has produced many other works for the government, most notably one that also appeared on the cover of Firehouse magazine in September of 1998. This current painting is expected to appear in Firehouse magazine as well as obtain a permanent place in the White House. Chief Kavanagh is on the far right of the painting.

5/4/02 01:35 Building Fire 59 East Main Street

Shortly after 1:30 am, Aetna was dispatched for a building fire at the Italian Bistro restaurant on Main St. Assistant Chief 7-8C (Palermo) arrived on scene with a light smoke condition in the closed restaurant. E12-4 was directed to force entry into the back kitchen where heavier smoke and an activated sprinker were found. Advancing and 1-3/4" handline, remaining fire was quickly knocked down while primary searches of the apartments above were conducted by Squrt 7. The fire is currently under investigation, but appears to be arson. Deputy 9 had command, Deputy 7 had operations, and no injuries were reported.

5/2/02 20:53 MVC w/ Entrapment 907 S. Chapel St

Aetna units responded to an MVC with reported entrapment a little before 9 p.m. Rescue 8 arrived onscene with one driver trapped and several others injured. While Rescue 8 was removing the driver's side door, E9-1 made patient contact and triaged several others. A9, B6, and A12 all transported to CER. Deputy 8 had command.

Newark Welcomes FDNY in Hockey Game

The FDNY Engine 45/Ladder 58 and Batallion 8 played the Wilmington Fire and Police department April 20th in a fundraising event at the Fred Rust Ice Arena on the University of Delaware campus. Multiple organizations were involved in a parade down Main Street, Newark as well as stops at a local fraternity house and restaurant. Aetna provided engine and ladder escorts for the caravan throughout the day.

4/18/02 15:21 MVC w/ Entrapment Rt. 2 @ Polly Drummond Hill

At 15:21 hours, Aetna was dispatched to a MVC with entrapment in the intersection of Capitol Trail and Polly Drummon Hill Road. E9-1 and Rescue 8 made the response along with A-9. While enroute, Deputy 7 arrived on-scene confirming one person trapped in the driver's seat. A-9 initiated patient care while crews from Rescue 8 and E9-1 worked to extricate the patient via paladin and 32B Hurst tools. The patient was extricated approximately 8 minutes after arrival of Rescue 8 and E9-1 and was in stable condition on transport to CER.

4/15/02 11:37 House Fire @ 1024 Elkton Road

4/11/02 14:33 MVC w/ Entrapment Rt. 273 @ Red Mill Road

At 14:33 hours, Aetna was dispatched to a MVC with entrapment in the intersection of Rt. 273 and Red Mill Road. A8 arrived onscene with four patients, one of which was trapped in the middle seat of a mini-van. E9-1 worked with a paladin tool for approximately 10 minutes extricate the patient who was transported to CER as a trauma alert. 9 Captain 1 (Daniels) had command and all units cleared by 15:19 hours.

While training for vehicle rescue at a local junkyard, Aetna was dispatched to an MVC with entrapment. Chief 9-8 (Kavanagh) arrived on scene reporting one subject trapped while E9-1, E7-4, and Rescue 8 were responding. Units utilized multiple rescue tools for nearly 30 minutes to free a rear seated passenger from a car on its side and wrapped around a telephone pole. While working to free the victim, he stopped breathing and artificial ventilation had to be initiated. The driver was treated for minor cuts and bruises, the front passenger is paralyzed from the waist down, and the extricated patient succumbed to his injuries two days later. Police are currently investigating the accident, but have determined the driver was traveling well in excess of the 25 mph speed limit. Chief 9-8 had command, Assistant Chief 9-8C had the extrication, and all units cleared by 2200 hours. The News Journal article [1] [2] [3]

3/10/02 15:00 hrs House Fire @ 448 Muddy Lane (Cecil, MD)

3/3/02 11:13 hrs House Fire w/Rescue @ Rt. 40/Delaware Av (Cecil, MD)

At 11:13 hrs, Aetna was dispatched as an engine company assist to Cecil County, MD for a working house fire. Squrt 7 and Engine 9-1 made the response and arrived after several local FD units. E9-1 and Squrt 7 began shuttle operations while manpower was sent to the scene. Crews were instructed to assume external operations due to the abandoned status of the house. Soon after, firefighters noticed motion in a third floor window and hastened to rescue a 57 year old man from the window with the room nearly fully invovled. After the rescue, crews resumed an external attack, eventually bringing Squrt 7 to the scene. The house recieved extensive damage as the fire progressed from the rear, into the attic, and dropping down floor by floor. Estimates of damage were not available as the owner planned to demolish the structure. One firefighter from Northeast, MD recieved 2nd degree burns to a finger and the rescued man recieved 2nd degree burns to 35% of his back and legs. Aetna units were released by 14:30 hrs.

2/24/02 22:14 hrs MVC w/ Fire @ Otts Chapel Road

At 22:14 hrs, Aetna was dispatched to a MVC with reported fire and subject not alert. A8 and E7-4 made the initial response with A7 and A9 following soon after. Assistant Chief 8-8C (Hendricks) arrived on-scene confirming an involved vehicle and multiple traumas. Trooper 4 (MediVac) transported one priority 1, and A7 and A8 each transported one to CER. E7-4 extinguished the car on fire. All units cleared by 0030hrs due to accident investigation.

2/16/02 09:45 hrs Working Church Fire @ 250 Booth St (Cecil, MD)

While on a cover-up assignment in Cecil County, MD (3,13,14), E7-4 was dispatched to a building fire reported as a church on fire. E7-4 arrived on scene with fire showing from the front and collapse of an exterior porch/overhang. Due to the local company working on another fire, Aetna was also dispatched on the first alarm, providing Squrt 7 and Ladder 9. While additional companies were enroute, E7-4 advanced a 3" attack line to knockdown all exterior fire before taking an 1-3/4" handline to the interior. Ladder 9 provided ventilation and Squrt 7 assisted with interior overhaul. The church was occupied at the time of the fire, however all occupants were able to evacuate through exits in the rear. No injuries were reported.

1/31/02 16:35 hrs MVC w/Entrapment @ E. Cleveland Av/McKees Ln

1/30/02 19:38 hrs House Fire @ 216 Barnwell Lane

1/27/02 02:39 hrs MVC w/Entrapments @ 1900 S. College Av (Rt. 896)

1/26/02 14:45 hrs Helpless Feline Rescue @ Anglin Drive

1/18/02 08:07 hrs MVC w/Entrapment @ I95 NB/South Chapel St.

The News Journal/BOB HERBERT

The News Journal [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] - CNN - Philadelphia Inquirer - The Review (UofD)

1/11/02 17:27 hrs MVC w/ Entrapment @ 931 South Chapel Street

At 17:27 hrs, Aetna was dispatched to an PI 10-10 (MVC). With multiple occurring alarms in other areas of the district, only B9 and E9-1 made the initial response. While en route, it was reported that subjects were trapped and B9 arrived to find two vehicles with both drives entrapped. E9-1 began extrication on one vehicle while crew members from B9 and E9-1 worked on the second. Rescue 3 was requested due to the length of time required to extricate one patient, but was not utilized. 8-8B (Witzke) had command and all units cleared by 18:25 hrs.

At 13:15 hrs, Aetna was dispatched to a building fire with a report of a kitchen on fire. Mill Creek was dispatched as mutual aid. E9-3 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a rear third floor window. Police officers on scene stated they had been unable to make the third floor due to smoke, but stated occupants of the apartment had exited. An 1-3/4" hand line was advanced and all remaining fire was extinguished in the kitchen. E21-7 and Squrt 7 also made the response. Incident was under control at 13:26 hrs and all units cleared by 13:55 hrs.

At 12:23 hrs, Aetna and Christiana (3,6,12) units were dispatched as third alarm units on a marina fire in Northeast, MD. While en route, Christiana units and Squrt 7 were assigned to station cover-ups and E9-1 was requested continue to the scene. E9-1 assisted with minor extinguishment and overhaul. No injuries were reported. The marina was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

12/5/01 16:24hrs Fatal MVC w/rollover & ejection @ 896/Four Seasons

At 16:24hrs, Aetna units were dispatched along with Medic 6 and Trooper 4 to a MVC with rollover and ejection. A8, B9, and E9-3 made the initial response and arrived on-scene to find two vehicles located approximately 100 yards apart with one vehicle on its roof and its driver laying on the ground 50' away. B9 treated the driver with M6, who was unconscious with labored breathing and packaged him for transport in T4 while A8 transported the other vehicle's occupants. The ejected patient was later pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital. This was the second fatal for Aetna and the seventh for Delaware on Wednesday. 9-8C (Witzke) had command.

12/5/01 13:46hrs Fatal MVC @ Frazer/Frenchtown Rd