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- Station 32: The Reconstruction (Part II)
-
Posted on
October 1st
, 2009
Pictures of the progress of the construction of Station 32.
 PBCFR Provides Skid Control Training for North Lauderdale- Story and photos by Captain Doug Watson, Training and Safety Division.
Posted on
November 18th
, 2009
North Lauderdale's Ladder 44 navigates on wet pavement through the
EVOC course as part of a 6-hour re-certification curriculum being held at PBCFR. All members
of the North Lauderdale Fire Department will be attending the training during November which consists of
3-hours of classroom instruction, 1 1/2-hours on the driving simulator and 1 1/2-hours on the driving
range. Similar skid control training is planned as on-duty training for PBCFR in early 2010.
 Crash in Fog on US 27 Near Okeelanta- Story and photos by Captain Craig Prusansky.
Posted on
November 18th
, 2009
At 5:22 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, crews from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 74 responded to a reported crash involving 2 semi-trucks and a minivan, in front of the Okeelanta Sugar Mill. Crews arrived to find a minivan pinned between the two trucks. Fortunately, the driver of the minivan was able to remove himself from the van before the crews arrived.
One person was taken to a local hospital. The crash is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
 Crews from Station 31 Receive PBSO Honors- Story and photos by Captain Don Delucia, PIO.
Posted on
November 16th
, 2009
On Friday, November 13, members of two crews from Station 31 received awards at the Annual
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Awards luncheon held at the Kravis Center. Captain
Ed O'Berry received the Combat Cross for his heroic effort in saving the life of a police
officer (the first civilian, non-law enforcement type to ever receive one). The other PBCFR
individuals received the PBSO Samaritan Award. Over 750 people were in attendance and
the local media covered the event. Captain O'Berry received a standing ovation.
 3 Semi-tractor Trailer Signal 4 in the 7th Battalion- Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice.
Posted on
November 13th
, 2009
On October 27th, units from the 7th Battalion were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving 3 big rigs. The location of the accident was at the Martin/Palm Beach county line on US Hwy 441, a long distance from the nearest station.
E72 with Capt. Jennifer Johnson was first to arrive. Arrival report indicated two semi-tractor trailers and one low-boy were involved. All hands were busy until units from Station 73 arrived. One person was trapped and required extrication. Two of the trucks suffered heavy damage and the low-boy was reported to have had its trailer thrown through the air, landing in a construction parking lot. The truck without the driver trapped also had a small engine compartment fire shortly after initial arrival of units. One saddle tank was torn off a truck and another was ripped open.
Command was established, a protective hoseline pulled, scene and patient evaluation initiated and extrication was begun by Station 72 personnel. Trauma Hawk arrived and determined its best LZ was on top of the Levee just north of the incident. Units from Station 73 along with command staff arrived to assist units on scene. One person was airlifted to the regional trauma center.
Units on scene, E72, R72, T72, E73B, R73, DC7, EMS7, TH1.
 New District Chief Vehicle for Battalion 7- Story and photos by District Chief Curtis Rice.
Posted on
November 13th
, 2009
The 7th Battalion "The Glades" took delivery of their new District Chief's vehicle last month.
Realizing things are different in the west and off road trips are common, Battalion Chief Michael
Arena decided to go with something more suited for the cane fields and rural roads than the standard
Suburban. The answer was a 3/4 ton, Ford F250, 4 doors, 4 wheel drive.
The basic platform was selected as it has increased ground clearance and load carrying capabilities.
It better accommodates off road operations and towing of the various vehicles that may be used out
west, such as Airboat 73 or the Mule for search and rescue in the Holey Lands.
Shop Mechanic John Vasko was responsible for putting the whole package together. The three DC's worked
on the basic layout that they felt would allow maximum use of the space available. John was invaluable
in making suggesting that allowed the DC's ideas to work much better. He prefabricated the top shelf
which doubled the storage capacity and features a backboard storage area for MCI's.
By selecting a pickup instead of the Suburban, we were given more options. There is no longer any
equipment or contaminated gear stored inside the cab. There are no storage compartments that open
into the cab requiring gear to be moved to gain access. People can be transported in each seat.
The rear seat area can be utilized for a command center when a controlled environment is required. All
the gear that the DC carries is now easily accessible from the two side doors on the topper. A
white Plexiglas sheet was installed on the inside of the rear tailgate. This allows it to be used
as a huge command board or a platform for maps when Airboat 73 is deployed.
The truck features additional LED emergency lights, PIAA fog lights, a Rumbler siren, a slide out
tray in the bed and a 9,000 lb winch. Due to the potential for MCI's and extreme response times with
limited backup, the top deck has a special compartment to transport disposable backboards. It is a
welcome addition to the Tri-cities area.
- 2009 Golden Palm Award Nomination for Captain Craig Prusansky
- Battalion Chief Michael Arena.
Posted on
November 10th
, 2009
Captain Prusansky has been with Palm Beach County since 1991 and has been in the Glades since
2007. He presently serves as an EMS Captain overseeing the paramedics on his shift for the Glades
response area.
As is typical of him Captain Prusansky always takes on additional work not necessarily related with
his primary job functions. He is a key person in the Battalion 7 Hurricane/Disaster planning staff.
He organized the Command staff and set up a communication process which routinely keeps everyone in
the communication loop when a storm is possibly threatening Palm Beach County. He maintains this
24/7 even when he is off duty. I could go on describing all of the additional duties and
responsibilities he has taken on but I would like to highlight the addressing project he is working on.
His most recent and notable accomplishment has received recognition in the entire Glades community,
local media and recognition from other county departments. He took it upon himself to correct incorrect
addresses in the Glades. This is a tremendous undertaking since emergency calls were delayed because
of improper addresses.
He started out by working with the GIS folks in improving the maps; this quickly evolved in is
attendance of several home owners meetings and involvement with the GTAC (Glades Technical Advisory
Committee) which is coordinated through the OCR (Office of Community Revitalization). He has received
several public accolades in meetings from Mr. Houston Tate and his office, the Canal Point Community,
The Palm Beach Post, The Sons of the American Revolution and the Palm Beach Sheriff's office.
He took it upon himself to personally visit every residence in the Canal point and Lake Harbor areas
and one by one is correcting their addresses. He has even been working with the United States Post
office.
The bulk of this effort has been on his own time and utilizing his worn resources. Several news
stories have been done in the Glades and I have attached a packet illustrating an example of some
of his efforts.
In fact he maintains a website for people to contact him in order to continue this project for all
of the Glades. The site is http://can911findyou.kkpss.info
Captain Prusansky is a go to person and truly deserving of this recognition and consistently goes
the extra mile to benefit the Citizens and employees of Palm Beach County.
 Busy Weekend for the Honor Guard and the Pipe and Drum Band-
Posted on
November 10th
, 2009
On Saturday Nov 7, the honor guard and Pipe Band presented colors on the track at the Palm
Beach Kennel Club for the kick off of South Florida Fire Fest. That night the band split and
half went to play at Slaintes for the after burner party for Fire Fest. The rest of the band
were the guests of the United States Marine Corps. 4th ANGLICO. The band played at the USMC
2009 Birthday Ball celebrating 234 years of the USMC. PBCFR's own Tony Acosta and Lee Bronco
were in attendance also.
The band than went and played at the Combat Challenge Teams fundraiser in PB Gardens. On
Sunday, Nov. 8. both groups went and marched in the Veterans Day parade down Clematis St.
in West Palm Beach. Special thanks to the Black Pearl , Browards Bravest Pipes and Drums
and Engine 24 "C" for the help over the weekend.
 Funhouse Fright Night- Story and photos by Captain Sean Pamplona.
Posted on
November 9th
, 2009
Halloween night was extra special for the Amberwoods neighborhood just east of Station No.
55. A-shift personnel decided to take it to the streets and hand-out treats
making it a night to remember. Getting into the spirit of things, our very own
FF Kevin Loaiza was transformed into the "Tin Man" due to the creative
efforts of PM Dominick Potenzano. This Tin Man proved to have a big heart handing out
treats to nearly 100 neighborhood revelers.
 Operation Trick or Treat: Halloween '09- Story and photos by Captain Kevin Kimberly.
Posted on
November 3rd
, 2009
Station 32 went out on Halloween night and gave out candy in two of our local neighborhoods. Both engine and rescue
had a great time. The children liked getting the candy and the parents were absolutely amazed at what we were doing.
They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They liked it a lot!!!! I hope that we get some good feedback from this.
We had a great time doing it and are thinking about making it an annual thing to do ,for the station. We went to the
neighborhoods of Florida Gardens and Palm Beach National and ran out of candy after only two streets in Fla. Gardens.
Next time we'll have more candy.
 PBCFR Basketball Team Wins Gold in National Firefighter Games- Story and photos from Joe Bostic.
Posted on
November 2nd
, 2009
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Basketball Team won the gold medal in the National Firefighter Games this past weekend
(Oct 31 / Nov 1) for the second consecutive year. During the games, we beat the likes of Orlando Fire Rescue, West
Palm Fire Rescue and former reigning champs Metro Dade fire rescue- twice to bring 'home' the Gold for back-to-back
championships! There was a great display of support from PBCFR employees and family members during the tournament and
happily- No Injuries! We are excited about this accomplishment and eager to win more in representation of Palm
Beach County!
The team consists of Chad Snyder, Lee Bronco, Joe Bostic, Lamar McThay, Casey Maher, Ray Gordon, Pierre Simbert, John Mends
and Coach Bryan Lancey. Congrats to all involved!!!!
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