Mark your calendars for October 3, 2009.  We will be hosting a bull roast in memory of Joe Humphreys at the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department.  Tickets are in, please contact the Station or any member for details or purchases.  See attached flyer for more information.

Station 37 - 301-336-3731

Tickets are still available.

The Engine just passed a Maryland State Inspection.

 

We have reduced the price of the tickets to 25 dollars each.  Those people that have previously purchased tickets have been mailed two new tickets.  We will once again be sell tickets in Ocean City at booth # 1130 in the convention center were we will also be selling tickets to our Bull Roast and raffle tickets for a Pair of Globe Boots and a Leather Helmet.  As always tickets are available from any member or at the firehouse.




We are raffling off our 1987 Seagrave Pumper. Where else can you buy a Fire Engine in this shape for only $25? You have a better chance of winning with us than the Maryland State Lottery...and you don't have to find any loose change to scratch your ticket! So if you are wondering the specs of the Engine, we got you covered, just look below: 1987 Seagrave Pumper 1250 GPM Pump 400 Gallon Tank Poly-Tank Total Pump Replacement 3 Years Ago Cosmetic Rehab 3 Years Ago Detroit Diesel 6V92 Allison Automatic Transmission 123,000 miles Updated Light Package 4 Door Cab and Seating For 6 EVERYTHING WORKS!!!! For More Information Contact The Station: 301-336-3731 and ask for an Officer! 

If you would like to purchase a ticket and are not in the area you can send a self addressed stamped envelope along with a check to the firehouse. 1415 Ritchie Marlboro Rd. Capital Heights MD 20743. Once the check has cleared the bank your tickets will be mailed.

The Officers and Members of the Ritchie Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department and to the family of William Smith. Known to all as "Smitty", he was a great asset to the Volunteers of this county. Not only did he serve over 50 years of service, but held numerous ranks, including Fire Chief of Co. 33. He started his service with Glenn Dale VFD, and later joined 33 to finish out his years as a VOLUNTEER. Smitty also served on numerous committees for the PGCVF&RA, as well as being appointed to the Office of Association President in 2001. He truly was a devoted member and dear friend to everyone in the Volunteer system and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral Info Can Be Found at www.kentland33.com

Just before 0730 hrs, Co. 20 was alerted to 5030 Brown Station Road for an AFA.  The Engine from 20 arrived on scene side A with "Fire Showing" and requested the Box Assignment.  Engine 373 was responded on the run with 4 Volunteers.  Engine 373 laid a line from the entrance to the shopping center to side C.  The crew advanced the 400' and forced entry to door in the rear.  The crew stretched the line in the building and crews located a fire that had been partially put out by sprinklers in the A Quadrant of the structure.  Crews ventilated the remained on scene to check for extension and ventilate the building.  The Engine from 37 returned to service at 0852 hrs.

Just after 0230 hrs, units in the Bowie/Upper Marlboro area were dispatched to 105 Stan Fey Drive for the House Fire.  The Engine from 43 arrived on scene to find "Heavy Fire Showing" from the 2nd floor.  Due to structural collapse an Exterior Attack was initiated.  Engine 373 was transfered to Company 43 when they were specialed to the scene.  The Engine staged and then returned to service at 0324 hrs.  Around 0945 hrs, units in the 3rd battalion were alerted for the Apartment Fire at 6429 Pennsylvania Ave.  Battalion Chief 3 (White) arrived on the scene reporting "Heavy Fire Showing" and requested the 2nd Alarm.  Engine 373 responded as the 1st Due Engine on the 2nd and upon arrival was given RIT with Quint 22.  With the fire possibly advancing to exposure apartments, Engine 373's crew were directed to bring a line to the 2nd floor of 6427 and perfrom a primary and secondary search with Rescue Squad 33's crew.  With no fire advancing and the searches proving negative, the crew was re-directed to the fire building to perform overhaul and wet down the apartments.  The crew operated for almost 2 hours before returning to service at 1149 hrs.

At 2338 hours, Engine 373 and the Fire Chief responded with 6 Volunteers to Woodlawn Blvd for the house on fire. PSC advised units enroute that they were receiving calls of possible structural collapse and were unsure if occupants were still inside. Engine 461 arrived reporting Heavy Fire through the roof, Level 1 Ops for all units. Engine 373 arrived laying a line to side Alpha. The crew stretched the 250' 1-1/2" attack line to Division 1. Chief 37 arrived and established the Command. The crew made good work of the fire and opened up along with other units. All searches proved negative with no occupants being home. Chief 37 took over Operations with the arrival of Duty Chief 800 and coordinated units operating. The crew stood by while units overhauled and investigators seached for a cause. Units picked up and E373 cleared at 0316 hours.

PHOTOS COURTESY www.PGFDFIRE.com

Engine 372 with 5 volunteers was dispatched 3rd due to 2503 Edfeldt Dr. for the house on fire.  E372 arrived second picking up E261's lay out. The crew advanced a 2 inch attack line and was assigned to Division 2 but after confirming it was a single story house, the crew was reassigned to Division 1 to back up Engine E261's crew. Both crews encountered heavy fire conditions and worked together to extinguish the bulk of the fire. The crew then assisted the truck companies in opening up and extinguishing the fire in the attic area. The crew operated for 2 hours before returning to service. AUDIO

Today the group of riders participating the National EMS Bike Ride from New York to Roanoke VA made a stop by the firehouse.  After about an hour of prepping the bikes and discussing the days events. Engine 372 and 373 led the group of riders to Walker Mill Park for a memorial service for Trooper 2 and the events that took place on September 28, 2008.  The Officers and Members still keep those involved in our thoughts.

At 2256 Hours, Engine 372 responded with 4 Volunteers to Royal Oak Circle for the house on fire with people trapped. Engine Co. 8 arrived on scene reporting heavy fire conditions. Engine 372 arrived 2nd and secured 8's water supply. The crew stretched a "stack tip" line off 8's wagon to the interior, while the Officer established the Command and coordinated units operations. Moments later, 2 occupants were removed from the structure and Command called for EMS to side Alpha. The Officer was relieved of Command and joined his crew on the interior to assist in extinguishing the bulk of the fire. After some rehab, the crew assisted with overhaul and picking up lines. The crew cleared at 0044 hours.

PHOTOS COURTESY www.PGFDFIRE.com

AUDIO

While units were working a box alarm in the Clinton area, the tones were dropped for 2801 Hempstead Dr in company 32’s area for the house on fire with people trapped inside. Engine 372 with 5 Volunteers along with the chief were alerted 3rd due on the box. Chief 32A went on the scene with a working fire in the bedroom. Engine Company 37 arrived 3rd due and stretched the 400’ and backed up engine 42 with a room off on the first floor, the company worked for just over an hour opening up and hitting hot spots before returning to service.