SSVFD Actively Recruiting Members
The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department is actively recruiting new members. We offer 3 categories of membership: Auxiliary, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and Firefighter/Rescuer. Those applying as a EMT or Firefighter/Rescuer will be required to undergo a physical (free of charge) and background check. No experience is needed, however members must be at least 16 to apply.
Benefits:
- Uniforms
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Retirement Benefits (LOSAP)
- Maryland State Tax Deduction of $3500
If you are interested in joining, please fill out our application which can be found in the downloads section. For more information please email join@ssvfd.com and the membership chair will contact you shortly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Swift Water Rescue
Photo by Deputy Chief Mike Kelley
Sandy Spring units responded to 1901 Brighton Dam Road early Saturday morning December 26, 2009 for a report of a vehicle stranded in swift water. Company 4 units arrived on scene on River Left to find a single vehicle with one occupant indeed trapped in the flooded waters of the Hawlings River. Fire-Rescue Chief George Brown (Chief704) established command on River Right and coordinated the rescue effort. The department’s SRT (Swift Water Rescue Technician) Team responded with Boat 704, Boat 704-Bravo, and Airboat 740. Upon arrival SRT members set up Boat 704-Bravo with a three point tether, made contact with the vehicle’s occupant, performed a rapid patient assessment, then placed him in a P.F.D. (Personal Floatation Device) and helmet. SRT members then loaded the victim into Boat 704-Bravo and brought him safely to shore. Pictured are members of the SRT Team from L-R… Firefighter William Bianchi, Deputy Chief Mark Brown, Victim, Firefighter Brendan Bonita, and Firefighter Carrick Robertson. Just outside of the frame to the right is Medical Attendant Ryan Smet who was assigned as the “Downstream Safety”. Also assisting in the rescue on shore were SRT members Chief George Brown, Deputy Chief Mike Kelley, and Medical Attendant Jessica Salah. Units responded to River Left- Medic 704, RS 704, HC Boat 11. Units responded to River Right- A 740, Airboat 740, Boat 704 & Boat 704-Bravo, Strike Team 30, Chiefs 704, 704-charlie, 704-Echo, and Battalion Chief 704.
Sandy Spring VFD would like to remind citizens that it is extremely dangerous to drive through water on flooded roadways. Depths can be deceiving, currents can be high, and the soil supporting the roadway could be washed away thus leaving the pavement unsupported. If you do find yourself trapped in your vehicle in swift or flood waters, please stay with your vehicle, do not get out unless you absolutely have to! It may appear that you can just walk to shore, however many people have been swept away by unsuspecting currents. Remember… “Don’t Drown, Turn Around” and take that extra few minutes to go a different way, it may save your life!
Sandy Spring members participated in a Swift Water Rescue Course hosted by the Cabin John Park Vol. Fire Dept. Cabin John is well known for their swift water rescue skills due to their close proximity to the Potomac River. Sandy Spring members… Mark Brown and Ryan Smett as well as Hillandale member Mark Lamb spent several days down in Cabin John taking instruction from MFRI instructor Mike Berna. Other SSVFD members including,
Carrick Robertson, Brendan Bonita, and Will Bianchi took the same course earlier in the year.
Members put this training to use on Tuesday Nov. 3rd 2009 when Sandy Spring’s Boat 704 and Cabin John’s Strike Team 730 responded to 1901 Brighton Dam Rd. for a report of a vehicle in swift water. Units arrived to find two vehicles in rising water with one patient stranded in her car. Sandy Spring and Cabin John members worked together to rescue the woman utilizing Sandy Spring’s Inflatable raft… Boat 704-Bravo. The victim was safely taken to shore and evaluated by medical crews on Ambulance 740.
Sandy Spring Members participated in an operators class designed to teach them the fundamentals of piloting the department's new airboat. The craft was designed to supplement the department's two existing inflatable rescue boats. The current boat's operated by Sandy Spring are limited to their ability as they are unable to operate in very shallow or swift water situations. The airboat will allow members to operate in these environments as well as use the craft for floods, snow and ice rescue, and even ventilate large structures such as mall and large office buildings, should they fall victim to fire. This class was instructed by Ron Miller of Search and Rescue Airboats Inc.
Pictured is Chief George W. Brown, Jr., Deputy Chiefs Michael Kelley and Mark Brown, Master Firefighter Paul Brubacher, Firefighters II Carrick Robertson and Brendon Bonita and instructor Ron Miller. Photo courtesy of Jason Luksis
Sandy Spring VFD participated in the Annual Olney National Night Out on Tuesday, August o4, 2009.
On July 27, 2009 at approximately 1730 hours, E728, E740, & A728 were dispatched to Bowie Mill Road for a report of a Ride On bus on fire. Fire was extinguished quickly, units then cleared.
On June 21st Ambulance 740, Rescue Squad 717, Engine 740, and Chief 740F responded to the intersection of Georgia Ave and Gregg Road for the report of a car into a tree. Units arrived to find a single vehicle pinned against a bundle of trees. The driver was pronounced dead on arrival.
Sandy Spring VFD would like to congratulate Sean Purcell for the completion of EMT-B, Andy Uza & Jason Illowite for the completion of Fire Fighter I & II.
Andy Uza was the recipient of the Chief A. Marvin Gibbon Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement!
Pictured:
Front row from Left to Right: EMT S. Purcell, FF2 A. Uza, and Chief B. Newcomer.
Back row from Left to Right: Chief M. Kelley, FF3 J. Musgrove, FF2 B. Bonita, MAC J. Illowite, and Chief M. Brown
Picture courtesy of MCVFRA Photographer Ed Tenney.