Cardiac arrest victim makes a full recovery

 

The Rockledge Professional Firefighters would like to recognize the police officers and firefighters who responded last month to a patient suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, and ultimately provided the victim with the life saving care that he needed.

Brian Schrader collapsed during a sporting event in the Rockledge High School gymnasium, at which point the bystanders initiated CPR and called 9-11. The responders (pictured below, from your left to right) were:

Rockledge Police Officer Brian Simmons
Rockledge Firefighter / Paramedic Jacob Lee
(the victim pictured center)
Rockledge Firefighter / Paramedic Scott Clark
Rockledge Battalion Chief Jim Russo
Rockledge Firefighter / EMT Joel Pickel

The two paramedics with Brevard County Fire Rescue (unfortunately not pictured) were also a critical link in the chain of care.

Great job to all the responders

 

Rockledge Fire Department says goodbye to one of their finest

On October 15^th, 2015, after 34 years of loyal service, our longest standing member served his last shift with the Rockledge Fire Department.  Chief Jeptha Sunday is now retired and free to spend his days on his own accord, having more than earned the liberty to indulge in every recreation and pleasure possible to him. 

While in his service to the department, Chief Sunday conducted matters in such a way that would inspire nothing less than the highest esteem from all who crossed his path.  His demeanor boldly conveyed the purest honesty, with no trace of the crude deceit which is such an unfortunate and common hindrance to interpersonal dealings. 

He led his people with compassion, humility and empathy, and he never gave the impression that he thought he was any better than anyone else.  He had a policy of an open door, an open mind, and an open heart, and treated the members of his department as if they were his own family. 

He was a true leader because these traits inspired a desire within people to follow him, even when they thought he was wrong.  He is quoted as saying that the people around him were the best part of his career, and it certainly shows by the way that he treated all of them. 

As chief Sunday moves on to the next chapter, so it will be for the department.  The calls will keep coming and the wheels will keep turning.  But those of us who had the privilege of serving under Chief Sunday’s leadership will always regard his time as some of the best times.  His tenure as chief – short lived as it was - has left an example for future leaders which will live on for many years to come. 

With all sincerity, the Rockledge Professional Firefighters would like to wish Chief Sunday a happy, healthy, and lengthy retirement. 

 

 

 

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department responds to motorcyle accident at US 1 and Bouganvilla Dr.

On 10/14/15 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Rockledge fire department engine 35 and BCFR rescue 41 responded to a MVC involving a car and motorcycle. The motorcyclist was airlifted to HRMC with several injuries.

Posted by Rockledge Professional Firefighters on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Firefighter and Officer of the year named at 2015 awards banquet

Congratulations to Lt. Steve Curry and firefighter Scott Clark, who were chosen as Officer of the year and Firefighter of the year, respectively, at our annual awards banquet on October 8th, 2015. Both are highly competent and dedicated professionals and are highly deserving of their awards.

 

Posted by M. Clark 

Burn building complete and members certified as instructors

On Wednesday, 9/9/15, The Rockledge Fire Department completed a series of live fire exercises in their recently completed burn building, enabling several members to achieve their live fire training certifications.

Special thanks go out to the members of Brevard County Fire Rescue who assisted with the training, as well as all of our members who's hard work and dedication in the construction of the prop made it all possible.

Rockledge Fire crews respond to a lightning strike to a residence

 

On Monday, September 7th, Rockledge Fire Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of Bridgeport Circle for a lightning strike to a house.  The strike did not cause a fire, however there was significant damage to the roof.  Rockledge E36 patched the roof to limit water damage. 

 

 

RFD responds to kitchen fire

On Friday, August 21st at approximately 5:00 pm, RFD units were dispatched to the 700 block of White Pine Ave. for a kitchen fire.  RFD Engine 37 arrived on scene to find all residents evacuated, and a heavy smoke condition inside the home.  Upon further investigation, personnel found that there was no longer any active fire, however there was significant damage in the kitchen from smoke, fire and running water. 

Ceiling and upper level of kitchen severely damaged from smoke and fire 

Crews ventilated the house and removed all of the standing water to minimize the damage.  Upon interviewing the homeowner, it was found that the cause of the fire was ignition of cooking oil on the stove top. 




Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to head on collision with entrapment

On Friday, August 28th at approximately 10:00 pm, Rockledge Fire Department Engines 35, 36, 37 and District Chief 35 were dispatched to the intersection of Murrell Rd. and Barnes Blvd. for a head on crash.  BCFR rescues 45, 47 and 48, truck 48, and district chief 45 were also dispatched for additional assistance.  Crews worked tirelessly for approximately 45 minutes to remove the single occupant of one vehicle from the wreckage using specialized extrication equipment. 

Of the two occupants of the other vehicle, one was flown by helicopter to HRMC with serious injuries while the other was uninjured.  All responding agencies worked professionally and as quickly as possible to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.  The members of IAFF 3138 wish to extend our sincere condolences and well wishes to all of those involved in this unfortunate accident. 



Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department first on scene to a house fire in Viera

On Wednesday, July 22nd at at approximately 3:00 p.m. Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 responded to West Viera in unincorporated Brevard County for a reported house fire.  Rockledge E37 arrived to find heavy smoke coming from within the structure, but no visible fire.  The crew from Rockledge, along with members from BCFR Rescue 48 initiated an offensive interior attack, however they were quickly ordered to evacuate due to heavy fire conditions in the attic.



BCFR Truck 41 used an elevated master stream to continue fighting the flames, along with several other crews using hand lines from the exterior.  Unfortunately the home was deemed a total loss.  The official cause is under investigation, although several witnesses reported a lightning strike to the home just prior to the fire.

Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to brush fire near Rockledge Community Park

On Friday, June 19th at approximately 8:00 p.m., RFD Engine 36, Engine 35, District Chief 35, and Brush 37 responded to a reported brush fire north of Rockledge Community Park on Gus Hipp Blvd.  Upon arrival, crews found approximately one acre of medium-density brush just north of the soccer fields involved in fire, likely from a lightning strike. 

Crews quickly applied water to contain the spread while waiting for specialized brush apparatus to arrive.  Brush 37, a specialized military style truck carrying 750 gallons of water, was able to penetrate the brush and completely contain the fire, while the remaining brush between the fields and the fire was intentionally burned in a controlled manner (seen above) to limit future fire risk. 


Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to a vehicle into a pond

 

On Wednesday, June 17th at approximately 6:30 p.m., RFD Engine 36, Engine 35 and District Chief 35 along with BCFR Rescues 45 and 46 responded to the intersection of Huntington Ln and Eyster Blvd for a car reported to be rolled into a ditch.  Further information from dispatchers advised that two patients had been thrown from the vehicle, and one person was still trapped. 

Upon arrival, crews found that the vehicle had gone through the fence into a retention pond, and there were in fact only two patients who had crawled from the vehicle after impact.  One person was uninjured and was able to climb fire department ladders out of the pond.  The other patient was carefully removed by securing him to a backboard and hoisting him up on a ladder with ropes.  He was then transported from the scene in stable condition by helicopter to the nearest trauma center.

Posted by M. Clark

RFD crews respond to a two car accident with rollover

On the morning of Saturday, June 13th, RFD Engine 36, Engine 37 and District Chief 35 along with BCFR Rescues 45 and 44 were dispatched to the intersection of Huntington Ln and Eyster Blvd for a motor vehicle crash with 1 car reported to be rolled over.  Upon arrival crews found two vehicles involved with one rollover and three total patients.  Two patients were treated and transported to local hospitals in stable condition, and one patient was uninjured.  Another job well done.

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department works an MVC with extrication

On Wednesday, May 27th at approximately 5:00 p.m. Rockledge Fire Department Engine 35, District Chief 35 and Engine 36 responded along with Brevard County Fire Rescue 45 to a two vehicle crash along the 2100 block of Fiske Blvd. in Rockledge.  Upon arrival crews found that one of the vehicles had rolled and the pt was trapped inside.

Crews used specialized extrication equipment to make access to the trapped person.  Due to serious injuries, crews called for a helicopter to transport the patient to Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, which specializes in trauma care.  The occupant of the other vehicle was uninjured.  

Another job well done by the Rockledge Professional Firefighters, Brevard County Fire, and the crew aboard First Flight. 


Posted by M. Clark

Firefighters participate in 2015 "Trash Bash"

The Rockledge Firefighters participated in the 2015 "Trash Bash" on Saturday, 4/18.  The program - sponsored by the Rockledge Environmental Enhancement Board and Keep Brevard Beautiful, INC - Took place from 8 - 10 a.m., and several volunteers helped clean up trash city wide. 

Excellent job "B" shift, for taking pride in the community, and creating a positive image of the Fire Department for the city officials and the public. 

City approves purchase of new extrication tools to better serve the citizens

The City of Rockledge has approved purchase of a full compliment of new extrication tools to serve the public more efficiently in emergencies.  The tools, called "eDRAULIC" by Hurst Tools, will replace the current tools being used by the Fire Department which are over 16 years old. 

These tools are fully operated by battery power, reducing setup time and other potential complications during use.  In addition, the potential for more rapid deployment and increased mobility allow for application in more types of emergencies.

The Rockledge Firefighters would like to thank and commend the city for their willingness to make the necessary expenditures to maintain the highest level of service to the citizens in an emergency.




Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Rescue Engine 37 responds to a motorcycle Vs. Car

On Monday, March 9th 2015, Rockledge Fire Department along with Brevard County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the intersection of Carver Rd. and US1 in South Rockledge for a MVC involving a motorcycle and a single car.

Upon arrival crews found a single motorcyclist with severe injuries.   In addition to multiple open long bone fractures, the pt displayed an altered level of consciousness.

Crews called for a helicopter for the motorcyclist to be airlifted to the closest trauma center, and one other pt was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Update (03/15)
The motorcyclist unfortunately died of his injuries 


Posted by M. Clark

Another round of promotions

Congratulations to our two newest brothers, Connor Hurley and Joel Pickel (pictured front).  They both show a level of enthusiasm and dedication that will shape the future of our department for the better.  

Congratulations are also in order for our most recent promotions:

Steve Mahaffey, promoted to the rank of EMS Chief

Jeff Hughey, promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief

Matt Clark, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

Best of luck from 3138!

Rockledge Fire Department works a two car crash with entrapment

On Friday, 1/30/2015 at approximately 2100 hours,  Rockledge Fire Department Engine 36 responded to a motor vehicle crash with reported entrapment at the corner of Fiske Blvd. and Eyster Blvd.  Engine 35, District Chief 35 and BCFR also responded. 

Using specialized hydraulic equipment, crews quickly extricated 1 patient from the wreckage with no further injury or incident.  The patient was transported to Wuesthoff Hospital in stable condition. 

Another professional and exemplary job by Rockledge Fire Department crews to ensure the safety of the public. 


Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department battles detached garage fire

On Friday, January 9th 2015 at approximately 12:00 pm, Rockledge Fire Department was dispatched along with Brevard County Fire Rescue and Rockledge Police Department to Laurel Oak Dr. in the Timbers West subdivision of Rockledge for a residential structure fire.  Rockledge Engine 36 arrived to find a large detached garage involved in fire.  Crews worked diligently to bring the fire under control and eventually extinguished the fire.  No adjacent structures or property were damaged.  Unfortunately, several chickens were killed, and the entire contents of the garage were destroyed. 

Posted by M. Clark