"Fire Selfie" Arsonist Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

May 31, 2016

"Fire Selfie" Arsonist Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison

Annapolis, MD -- Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams announced today that Justin Michael Clum, 26, of Pasadena, was sentenced Friday to 55 years in jail by Circuit Court Judge Ronald A. Silkworth for attempted first degree murder, first degree arson, first degree assault, and 22 other related counts, after intentionally setting fire to a house on Wendover Road in Glen Burnie. Clum pled guilty to all 25 charges on February 9, 2016. "I am pleased that Judge Silkworth recognized this repeat offender as a threat to the citizens of Anne Arundel County," said Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney. "Mr. Clum's intentional and reckless actions in his attempt to kill one intended victim, almost killed another man, woman and child as they slept. His actions also put 23 of our first responders in harm's way as they battled this blaze in the middle of the night." In the early morning hours of July 17, 2015, Clum and his girlfriend were drinking vodka on a community pier when Clum learned of a past sexual relationship between his girlfriend and another man. Clum obtained gasoline and drove to the man's home with his girlfriend. He poured gasoline on the front porch and set the home on fire, intending to kill the man. The intended victim was not home when the fire was set; however, three other people inside the single-family home escaped after working smoke alarms gave warning. It took 23 firefighters about an hour to control the fire. The house was destroyed. Clum fled the scene and returned the same day to take pictures of the destruction. These photos have been referred to in the media as "fire selfies." "Through his willful actions, the defendant put the lives of the occupants of the home, responding firefighters and the public at risk," said Fire Chief Allan Graves. "This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and reflects the continued high level of cooperation between the fire department arson investigators and the State's Attorney's Office." "I am grateful for Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Graves and his courageous team of firefighters who work hard to keep our citizens safe every single day," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams. Assistant State's Attorney Jason Miller prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. Judge Ronald A. Silkworth presided over the case. Related Information and Photos: Clum pled guilty in February to all 25 counts in his indictment including: 4 counts of attempted first degree murder 4 counts of attempted second degree murder 2 counts of first degree arson 1 count of second degree arson 4 counts of first degree assault 4 counts of second degree assault 4 counts of reckless endangerment 1 count of malicious burning 1 count of malicious destruction of property Caption: Booking Photo, Justin  Michael Clum

Caption: Photos recovered from Justin Clum's phone

Daily Media Briefing May 31, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 24 hour period beginning at midnight on Monday, May 30^th the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 196 incidents (daily average is 220).

Incidents of Media Interest Monday, May 30^th:

Injured Person                                              Odenton

One person was transported to Shock Trauma Monday afternoon following a biking accident on the WB&A Trail in Odenton. Just before 12:30 p.m. firefighters responded to an injured person on the trail, approximately one-half mile south of the intersection of Conway Road and Two Rivers Boulevard. Firefighters located an injured bicyclist, a 50-year-old male, and his bike at the bottom of a hill. The patient had no recollection of an accident, and there were no witnesses. The patient was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening.

Daily Media Briefing May 30, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 72 hour period beginning at midnight on Friday, May 27^th the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 700 incidents.

Incidents of Media Interest Sunday, May 29^th:

The department responded to 235 incidents (daily average is 220).

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Linthicum

Two patients were transported to Shock Trauma following an auto accident in Linthicum Sunday afternoon. Around 4:50 p.m. firefighters responded to a motor vehicle collision in the area of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and Edgewood Road. Arriving firefighters found a two vehicle, T-bone style auto accident in the intersection. Two patients, a 30-year old female and a 41-year old male were both transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening. An additional patient, a 78-year-old female was transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center with minor injuries.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Glen Burnie

One person was transported to Shock Trauma following a motorcycle accident in Glen Burnie Sunday afternoon. Just after 12:40 p.m. firefighters responded to the area of Heritage Crossing and Hopkins Corner for a reported auto accident. Firefighters found a single vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. The 44-year-old operator of the motorcycle was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life threatening.

Incidents of Media Interest Saturday, May 28^th:

The department responded to 222 incidents.

Dwelling Fire                                                 Pasadena

One person has been displaced from his home following a dwelling fire in Pasadena Saturday afternoon. Just before 6:00 p.m. firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a house in the 7900 block of Liberty Circle. Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a split-foyer, single family dwelling. A fire in the kitchen area was brought under control by 30 firefighters in just under 20 minutes. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no estimate of dollar loss has set. There were no injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupant.

Incidents of Media Interest Friday, May 27^th:

The department responded to 243 incidents.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision                      Millersville

One person was killed and another seriously injured in an accident involving a motorcycle Friday evening in Millersville. Just before 9:30 p.m. firefighters responded to the KOA Campground, located in the 700 block of Cecil Avenue North, for a motorcycle accident with callers to 911 reporting two people seriously injured. Arriving firefighters found a single vehicle accident in which a motorcycle had struck a tree. The passenger of the motorcycle, a female estimated to be in her late 60s, was declared deceased on the scene. The 47-year-old male operator of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported to Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police helicopter with injuries that were believed to be non-life-threatening.

Assault                                                            Harwood

One person was flown to Shock Trauma following an assault in Harwood Friday afternoon. Around 4:50 p.m. firefighters responded to the area of Muddy Creek Road and Lansdale Road for an injured person. Firefighters found n 22-year-old female with possible stab wounds. The patient was not cooperative in providing paramedics information on how the injuries occurred. A Maryland State Police helicopter was requested and landed at South River High School. The patient was transported by helicopter to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life threatening.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department Encourages You to Make Safety a Part of your Weekend

MILLERSVILLE, MD – The first three-day holiday weekend of the summer is upon us. We all have various activities scheduled for the weekend, including cookouts, picnics, boating, swimming, and work around the house. No matter what you have planned, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department encourages you to make safety a part of your weekend.

The following tips are offered to make your weekend an enjoyable and not a weekend of tragedy:

Fire Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2014, 16,600 patients went to the emergency department for injuries related to gas grills. A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in nearly one–fifth of all grill structure fires (19%). In 17%, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.

• Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only.

• Place the grill well away from your home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Put safety rules for kids in place. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Clean your grill often, removing any grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below.

• Stay next to your grill at all times while cooking; never leave the area unattended. 

Water Safety

The Maryland Natural Resources Police offer the following advice:

• Make sure everyone on board has a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket aboard a boat less than 21 feet long.

• Never boat while impaired. The sun, wind and water can take their toll on boaters. Alcohol and drug use magnifies fatigue and impairs judgment.

• Check weather and tides before heading out. Storms come up suddenly. Don’t think you can outrun a fast-moving squall. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.

• Supervise small children and other individuals who cannot swim.

• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch or have a marine radio and monitor VHF Channel 16. Let someone on land know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Sun Safety

If spending the day outdoors, follow these tips to prevent sun damage to your skin:

• Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest 

• Wear a wide brimmed hat

• Seek shade whenever possible

• Wear protective clothing

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Food Safety

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw poultry or meat. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods.

• Cook foods thoroughly, especially ground beef, poultry, and pork.

• Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours.

Travel Safety

• Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking.

• Wear your seatbelt at all times.

• Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.

• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest emergency room is in the case of an emergency.

Enjoy the holiday weekend with friends and family! And, remember to pay your respects to those who have given so much so that we can enjoy the liberties we have today.

Daily Media Briefing May 27, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 48 hour period beginning at midnight on Wednesday, May 25^th the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 502 incidents.

Incidents of Media Interest Since Midnight:

Dwelling Fire                                                 Severn

Two people were transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center this morning after being injured while attempting to extinguish a kitchen fire. Around 4:50 this morning firefighters responded to a reported dwelling fire in the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue. Arriving firefighters found a fire which had originated in a toaster and extended to kitchen cabinets had been extinguished before their arrival. An adult female patient was transported to BWMC with a minor burn and smoke inhalation received while trying to extinguish the fire with a blanket and an adult male patient was transported to the same hospital with minor smoke inhalation injuries. The cause of the fire is accidental. Damage is estimated at approximately $6,000.

Incidents of Media Interest Thursday, May 26^th:

The department responded to 246 incidents (daily average is 220).

Dwelling Fire                                                 Severna Park

An accidental fire Thursday afternoon did an estimated $30,000 damage to an unoccupied house under renovation in Severna Park. Just after 5:50 p.m. firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from the attic of a dwelling in the 1100 block of Bellevista Court. Arriving firefighters reported smoke from the attic area of a two-story single family home. The fire was brought under control in 15 minutes.  Members of the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit determined that the fire was accidental in nature caused by welding being done in conjunction with the renovation. There were no injuries.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision                      Maryland City

One person was critically injured in an auto accident Thursday afternoon in Maryland City. Just after 5:00 p.m. firefighters responded to the area of Brock Bridge Road and Laurel Fort Meade Road for a reported auto accident. Arriving firefighters located a single vehicle accident in which the vehicle left the roadway and was approximately 40 yards into the woods. The driver and sole occupant, a 73-year-old male, was trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters extricated the patient in about 20 minutes, and he was then transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with critical, life-threatening injuries. The Anne Arundel County Police have released that this accident has resulted in a fatality.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Harmans

Two people were transported to Shock Trauma following an auto accident Thursday afternoon on the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Just before 4:40 p.m. firefighters responded to an auto accident in the area of Southbound Route 295 and Harmans Road. Arriving firefighters located a two-vehicle auto accident in which one car impacted the second car from behind and then rolled over several times. All patients were out of the vehicles prior to the arrival of firefighters. Paramedics transported the 42-year-old male driver and 45-year-old female passenger of the striking vehicle to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening. The driver of the vehicle that was struck did not require transport to the hospital.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision                      Gambrills

One person was critically injured Thursday afternoon in an auto accident on Route 3 in Crofton. Just after 1:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a reported auto accident in the area of Southbound Route 3 near McKnew Road. Initial calls to 911 indicated a truck struck a tree, and the driver was partially ejected a trapped. Arriving firefighters found a single vehicle accident involving a box truck which had left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was severely trapped in the vehicle and access was limited by the tree. The patient, a 52-year-old male was extricated by firefighters in about 20 minutes and then transported by paramedics to Baltimore Washington Medical Center with critical, life-threatening injuries. The Anne Arundel County Police have released that this patient has died as a result of the accident.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Pasadena

One person was transported to Shock Trauma following an auto accident in Pasadena Thursday morning. Around 7:40 a.m. firefighters responded to the Extra Space Storage, located in the 8900 block of Fort Smallwood Road for a reported auto accident with a vehicle into the structure. Arriving firefighters located a single vehicle accident in which the vehicle left the roadway, went through a barbed wire fence and struck the building. The driver and sole occupant, a 64-year-old male, may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the accident. Paramedics transported the patient to Shock Trauma with injuries that were possibly serious. A building inspector was requested to assess damage to the building.

High Elevation Rescue                                  Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Members of Anne Arundel County Fire Department Special Operations rescued a patient from an overhang of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge early Thursday morning. Just after 6:30 a.m. firefighters responded to a report of a person in the water in the Chesapeake Bay near the center span of the Bay Bridge. Responding units to this initial call included personnel from the Jones Station Fire Station, the department’s Special Operations station. While responding to the call, updated information relayed to firefighters indicated that the individual was not in the water, but was stuck at a high elevation on a catwalk below the road surface of the bridge. Personnel from Special Operations arrived on the scene and with the assistance of other firefighters constructed a rope system to enable them to safely lower a team member to the patient, secure the patient and lift him safely back to road level. The uninjured adult male patient was then transported by paramedics to Anne Arundel Medical Center for evaluation.

Incidents of Media Interest Wednesday, May 25^th:

The department responded to 256 incidents.

Injured Person                                              Glen Burnie

One person was seriously injured after being burned by hot grease at a Glen Burnie restaurant Wednesday morning. Around 9:20 a.m. firefighters responded to Mikie's Diner, located at 1201 North Crain Highway for an employee with burns. Firefighters located a 39-year-old female patient with burn injuries to 50% of her body which occurred while she was carrying hot grease from a fryer to a dumpster. She was transported by paramedics to the Burn Center at John Hopkins Bayview with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening. 

Daily Media Briefing May 25, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 24 hour period beginning at midnight on Tuesday, May 24^th the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 211 incidents (daily average is 220).

Incidents of Media Interest Tuesday, May 24^th:

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Annapolis

One person was seriously injured in an auto accident on Solomons Island Road Tuesday afternoon. Just after 5:00 p.m. firefighters responded to the area of Solomons Island Road and Homeport Drive for a reported auto accident. Arriving personnel located a three-vehicle chain reaction accident. Paramedics transported a 55-year-old male occupant of the middle vehicle to Shock Trauma with injuries that were possibly serious. A second patient, a 31-year-old male was transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center with minor injuries. 

Daily Media Briefing May 23, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 72 hour period beginning at midnight on Friday, May 20^th through Sunday, May 22^nd, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 671 incidents.

Incidents of Media Interest Sunday, May 22^nd:

The department responded to 214 incidents (daily average is 220). There were no incidents of media interest.

Incidents of Media Interest Saturday, May 21^st:

The department responded to 233 incidents.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Pasadena

One person was seriously injured in an auto accident Saturday afternoon in Pasadena. Just before 4:00 p.m. firefighters responded to the area of Duvall Highway and Woodlawn Avenue for a reported auto accident. Responders located a single vehicle accident in which a sedan had struck a tree head-on. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, an 18-year-old male, was able to remove himself from the vehicle before the arrival of firefighters. He was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with serious but not believed life-threatening injuries.

Dwelling Fire                                                 Lothian

Two occupants have been displaced following a trailer fire in Lothian early Saturday morning. Just before 2:20 a.m. firefighters from Anne Arundel, Calvert, and Prince George’s Counties responded to a reported trailer fire in the unit block of Patuxent Mobile Estates. First arriving units reported a trailer 50% involved in fire. The fire was discovered by an awake occupant of the trailer, and both occupants were able to escape without injury before the arrival of firefighters. Thirty firefighters brought the fire under control in about 30 minutes. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at approximately $65,000. The fire has been determined to be accidental and was caused by an electrical failure in the living room. The Red Cross assisted the two displaced adults. One firefighter was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center after experiencing a minor medical issue.

Incidents of Media Interest Friday, May 20^th:

The department responded to 224 incidents. There were no incidents of media interest.

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Anne Arundel County Fire Department Personnel Recognized at Maryland EMS Awards

Anne Arundel County Fire Department Personnel Recognized at Maryland EMS Awards

Three members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department were recognized this week at a Maryland EMS Awards program sponsored by the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems. Two members, Dr. Roy Myers, and Division Chief Michael F.X. O’Connell were recognized for a lifetime of contribution and achievement to the citizens of Anne Arundel County and the State. Additionally, Firefighter/EMT Harvard Hohensee was recognized for actions he performed while off duty and as a participant in the Across the Bay 10K event.

MIEMSS Director's Award for Excellence in EMS

• Roy Myers, MD

Dr. Roy Myers, the Medical Director for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACoFD), received the MIEMSS Director's Award for his vocal advocacy on behalf of EMS providers and the citizens of Anne Arundel County. He helped develop the paramedic program at Anne Arundel l Community College in 1981 and had been the Medical Director there ever since. He has actively taken part in the initial education, mentorship, and continuing education of AACoFD personnel who want to become paramedics, and has supported all providers by attending all ALS and RLS recertification classes for the AACoFD. Dr. Myers was also instrumental in the implementation of a wellness/fitness program for all career and volunteer members of the fire department. For the citizens of Anne Arundel County, Dr. Myers has taught free citizen CPR classes through the AACoFD. Dr. Myers has demonstrated passion and dedication for EMS in Anne Arundel County and Maryland for nearly 40 years, and many providers and citizens have benefitted from his leadership and generosity.

Outstanding EMS Program Award

• Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services

Anne Arundel County Firefighter/EMT Harvard Hohensee was recognized with Queen Anne's County personnel for his actions while off duty.

A remarkable effort was coordinated by the Queen Anne's Department of Emergency Services (DES) to ensure continuous EMS presence to the annual Across the Bay 10K, which brought over 21,000 participants to travel on foot across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The November 10 event was staffed by Queen Anne's DES and neighboring EMS agencies from eight counties, totaling over 65 personnel present. This coordinated plan was put into action when an event participant appeared to suffer an illness or injury, collapsing on the bridge. Off-duty AACoFD Firefighter/EMT Harvard Hohensee was nearby and rolled the man onto his back, discovering he was not breathing and had no pulse, and initiated CPR. Paramedic Edward Dean and EMT Charles Layfield, also nearby, responded with an AED, defibrillated the individual and loaded him into their unit. Dispatcher Justin Parsons coordinated additional assistance from Paramedic Don Glampctroni, who provided patient care, and EMT Emma North, who volunteered to drive the unit. The patient was treated and discharged from Anne Arundel Medical Center. This effort was a truly exemplary model of outstanding coordinated prehospital care under exceptionally challenging circumstances.

EMS Provider of the Year Award

• Division Chief Michael F.X. O'Connell

Left to Right Dr. Jonathan Wendell, Deputy Chief Tim Mikules,
Division Chief O'Connell, Fire Chief Allan Graves and
Battalion Chief James Wilkison

Division Chief Michael F.X. O'Connell was instrumental in the birth and growth of a formal and modern EMS system in Maryland, seeing Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACoFD) through its expansion from just 5 units in 1976 to 46 ALS and BLS units today. After becoming an EMT-A in 1972, and then one of the first cardiac rescue technicians in 1974, he shortly thereafter achieved the level of instructor and still teaches BLS and ALS programs at Anne Arundel Community College. Chief O'Connell has been a member of the Region III Emergency Medical Advisory Council since 1978, serving as the chairperson since 1999, and has served on the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council subcommittee for Regional Affairs since 1993. He was part of the development team for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute's EMS Officer I training program in 1996. And in 2006, Chief O'Connell led the AAFD contingent for the Maryland Medical Task Force to Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana, an area that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He has unselfishly dedicated his life to EMS, the Army National Guard, and to the citizens of Maryland. 

AACoFD receives AHA’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Award

Anne Arundel County Fire Department receives American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Award

MILLERSVILLE, MD – The Anne Arundel County Fire Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® EMS Gold Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people suffer an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. It is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication to prevent death.

Unfortunately, a significant number of STEMI patients don't receive this prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and enhancing the quality of life for these patients.

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. These correct tools,  training, and practices allow EMS providers to identify rapidly suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Gold Award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for two years.

Fire Chief Allan Graves said, “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients. We are dedicated to making our service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients.”

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said James Jollis, M.D., Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals. We applaud the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

Daily Media Briefing May 20, 2016

Daily Media Briefing

May 20, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 24 hour period beginning at midnight on Thursday, May 19^th, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 212 incidents (daily average is 220).

Incidents of Media Interest Since Midnight

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Crofton

One person was seriously injured in an early morning accident on Crofton Parkway. Just after 2:15 a.m. firefighters responded to the area of Crofton Parkway and Albermarle Drive for a reported auto accident. Arriving firefighters found a single vehicle accident where the vehicle had rolled over. The driver a sole occupant, a 23-year-old male, had removed himself from the vehicle before the arrival of firefighters. He was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with serious but not believed life-threatening injuries.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Tracys Landing

One person was flown to Shock Trauma following an early morning accident on Solomons Island Road in Tracys Landing. Just before 1:00 a.m. firefighters responded to a reported auto accident in the area of Solomons Island Road and Tracys Lane. Arriving firefighters arrived to find a single vehicle accident where a vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver and sole occupant, a 49-year-old male, was able to remove himself from the vehicle before firefighter’s arrival. A Maryland State Police helicopter was requested and landed at Tracey’s Elementary School. The patient was transported to Shock Trauma by helicopter with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening.

Incidents of Media Interest Thursday, May 19^th:

There were no incidents of media interest.

County-City Partnership Will Enhance Emergency Medical Services to Citizens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT OWEN MCEVOY
443-679-8397

County-City Partnership Will Enhance Emergency Medical Services to Citizens

Annapolis, MD (May 19, 2016) Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides, and County Executive Steve Schuh announced their latest partnership, focusing on enhancing Emergency Medical Services (EMS), benefiting both city and county residents.

The mayor and county executive were joined by Annapolis Fire Chief David Stokes and County Fire Chief Allan Graves to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide fire suppression and emergency medical services from both the county and the city to be deployed from the Annapolis Neck Fire Station 8.

Station 8 is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County, and the MOU outlines an agreement that has Annapolis placing both Emergency Medical Services personnel and equipment into the station and jointly operating from that location.

“This partnership benefits both departments and is the best use of our limited resources,” Mayor Pantelides said. “This move is an investment in our community and will also allow us to train county personnel from Station 8 on the operation of our fire boat, again providing the most effective use of our resources.”

“The county’s paramedic unit at Station 8 responds to an average of 1,700 calls per year, of which, 1,000 are in the City of Annapolis,” said County Executive Schuh. “This MOU will allow us to focus on redeploying our paramedic units to other areas in the county while keeping the uality of service residents depend on.”

The county will redeploy their paramedic unit staffing to fire stations just outside the city.

“These actions will reduce the number of responses that Annapolis units are making from the Forest Drive and Taylor Avenue Stations, increasing our availability to handle calls in the city,” Fire Chief Stokes said.

The MOU is for a period of one year and shall automatically renew for successive one year terms, unless terminated.

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Daily Media Briefing May 18, 2016

Daily Media Briefing

May 18, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 48 hour period beginning at midnight on Monday, May 16^th the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 426 incidents (daily average is 220).

Incidents of Media Interest Tuesday, May 17^th:

The department responded to 196 incidents (daily average is 220).

Injured Person                                                          Linthicum

One person was critically injured after being thrown from a commercial lawn mower Tuesday morning in Linthicum. Just before 7:30 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to the end of Kingwood Road for an injured person. Firefighters arrived in the 400 block of Kingwood Road and found a critically injured 57-year-old male. Witnesses reported to responders that the operator of the lawn mower was backing it off the trailer on a hill when he lost control, causing it to flip. He was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were critical and possibly life-threatening.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                            Glen Burnie

One person was seriously injured early Tuesday morning in an accident involving a dirt bike. Around 1:45 a.m. firefighters responded to the area of the Home Depot, located at 66 Mountain Road for an auto accident. Firefighters found a single vehicle accident in which the operator and sole occupant of a dirt bike lost control and was thrown from his bike. The 19-year-old male patient was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life threatening.

Incidents of Media Interest Monday, May 16^th:

The department responded to 230 incidents.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                            Jessup

One person was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident Monday evening in Jessup. Just before 8:15 p.m. firefighters responded to an auto accident in the area of Annapolis Road and Milestone Parkway. Arriving firefighters located a two-vehicle, t-bone style auto accident. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sustaining the side impact, a 36-year-old male, was trapped in his vehicle. Firefighters extricated him in less than 15 minutes, and he was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. The driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle did not require transport to the hospital.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                            Millersville

Four people were injured in an auto accident Monday evening in Millersville. Just after 5:20 p.m. firefighters responded to the 8300 block of Veterans Highway, near Brightview Drive, for an auto accident. Arriving personnel located a two-vehicle, head-on collision. The 27-year-old male driver and sole occupant of one vehicle was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening. The 31-year-old driver of the second vehicle and an 8-year-old female passenger were both transported by paramedics to the John Hopkins Children's Center with injuries that were also serious but not believed life threatening. A third passenger in the vehicle, an 11-year-old female was transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center with minor injuries.

Daily Media Briefing May 16, 2016

Daily Media Briefing

May 16, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 72 hour period beginning at midnight on Friday, May 13^th through Sunday, May 15^th, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 657 incidents.

Incidents of Media Interest Sunday, May 15^th:

The department responded to 192 incidents (daily average is 220). There were no incidents of media interest.

Incidents of Media Interest Saturday, May 14^th:

The department responded to 229 incidents.

Motor Vehicle Collision                                Glen Burnie

One person was seriously injured in an auto accident early Saturday morning in Glen Burnie. Around 2:05 a.m. firefighters responded to the area of Solley Road and North Shore Drive for a reported accident. Arriving personnel located a single vehicle accident in which a sedan had struck a tree head-on. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 29-year-old male, was able to remove himself from the vehicle before the arrival of firefighters. He was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with serious but not believed life-threatening injuries.

Incidents of Media Interest Friday, May 13^th:

The department responded to 236 incidents. There were no incidents of media interest.

MAY 15-21, 2016 IS THE 42ND ANNUAL NATIONAL EMS WEEK

MAY 15-21, 2016 IS THE 42ND ANNUAL NATIONAL EMS WEEK

In 1973, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. Back then, EMS was a new profession, and EMS practitioners had only just started to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net. 

A lot has changed since then. EMS is now firmly established as an essential public function and a vital component of the medical care continuum. On any given day, EMS practitioners help save lives

by responding to medical emergencies, including heart attack, difficulty breathing, falls or accidents, drowning, cardiac arrest, stroke, drug overdose or acute illness. EMS may provide both basic and advanced medical care at the scene of an emergency and on the way to a hospital. EMS practitioners care for their patients' medical needs and show caring and compassion to their patients in their most difficult moments.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department provides EMS services to those living, working, and visiting Anne Arundel County.

Some Fast Facts About the Anne Arundel County Fire Department:

• The Department responded to more than 80,000 incidents in 2015. An estimated 85% of them had an EMS component.
•  Anne Arundel County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians transported 46,873 patients in 2015.
• The Department is comprised of 812 career uniformed members and 753 riding volunteers.
• The Department has 318 Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers (Paramedics and Cardiac Rescue Technicians). Thirty-two of them are volunteers.
• The Department currently has 24 personnel in paramedic school. Thirteen will graduate this month, and 11 will graduate in May of 2017.
•  Many of the paramedic students attend the Anne Arundel Community College, where the program takes two years to complete and a minimum of 61 credit hours.
• The Department operates 29 ALS transport units, two ALS engine companies, and 15 Basic Life Support (BLS) transport units. All of the departments engines, trucks and squads are capable of acting as first responders to medical incidents with personnel trained to at least the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level.

The Fire Service in Anne Arundel County has a long history of providing medical care/first aid.  The first Ambulance Services were provided by individual Volunteer Fire Companies throughout the County in the early 1950’s.  Some of the early ambulances were the GMC carry all sedans that were converted into ambulances. 

After the formation of Charter Government in Anne Arundel County in 1965, The Anne Arundel County Fire Department took over the responsibility for providing Emergency Medical Services.  During this period, first aid /medical transports were still accomplished by individual volunteer companies.  However, some ambulances (Woodland Beach VFD; Earleigh Heights VFD, Brooklyn Community VFD, Linthicum VFD, Glen Burnie VFD, and the 7th District Rescue Squad) were independently staffed during the day with

career employees trained to the level of advanced first aid who supplemented the volunteer forces. Two of these units (Linthicum and Glen Burnie) ultimately evolved into the first 24 hour round the clock ambulances staffed by shift work career firefighters.  This was followed by two additional round the clocks ambulances (Brooklyn and Earleigh Heights) two years later.

As the delivery of fire based Emergency Medical Services continued to evolve in the1970’s, the Fire Department began training personnel to the level of Emergency Medical Technicians in 1972.  In the mid-1970’s, the Department formed an Emergency Medical Services Division, and the Department began the transition into the Paramedic age. Three Advanced Life Support (ALS) units, staffed with career personnel trained to the level of Cardiac Rescue Technician, were established at Earleigh Heights, Linthicum, and Glen Burnie. In 1974, the department began to place non-transport paramedic units in service.  The first generation of these units was the Ford Torino station wagon;

with the second generation evolving into Chevy Suburbans.     

Today, that system has transformed into a world class Emergency Medical response system.

Fire Department and Red Cross to Conduct Smoke Alarm Outreach in Severn Area

Fire Department and Red Cross to Conduct

Smoke Alarm Outreach in Severn Area

MILLERSVILLE, MD – Members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and volunteers from the American Red Cross of the Greater Chesapeake Region will conduct a smoke alarm and fire safety outreach campaign in the Severn community tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Teams of fire department personnel and American Red Cross volunteers will speak with residents, educating them about fire safety and fire evacuation plans, and install smoke alarms in homes that are not properly equipped.

Fire department personnel and Red Cross volunteers will meet at the Severn Fire Station, located at 7870 Telegraph Road, before beginning a canvas of approximately 100 homes in an area bordered by Quarterfield Road and WB&A Road.

This neighborhood canvass coincides with the Maryland Fire Service Risk Reduction Weekend. May 14-15, 2016 has been selected as the Statewide Community Risk Reduction weekend with fire departments participating across Maryland.  This program is an effort to provide fire safety education and the installation of 10-year long-life battery operated smoke alarms.

Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 70% of fire deaths result from fires in homes with non-working smoke alarms or no smoke alarms at all.

Our goal is to ensure that citizens understand the importance and value of fire safety in their lives and to help protect their quality of life by checking and installing new smoke alarms as needed.  Chances of surviving a fire in your home are increased by 50% when working smoke alarms are activated during a fire. The early notification of these devices provides a greater opportunity to escape the effects of fire.  All smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years to help ensure these devices will operate properly when the need arises.

Residents who are in need of a smoke alarm can contact the Anne Arundel Fire Department directly at 410-222-8303 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to request a smoke alarm installation at their residence.

Daily Media Briefing May 12, 2016

Daily Media Briefing

May 12, 2016

(Millersville, MD) For the 24 hour period beginning at midnight on Wednesday, May 11^th, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to 228 incidents (daily average is 220).

Incidents of Media Interest Wednesday, May 11^th:

Injured Person                                              Gambrills

A utility worker was transported to Shock Trauma following a fall from a utility pole Wednesday evening in Gambrills. Just before 6:30 p.m. firefighters responded to the 2100 block of Dairy Farm Road for a reported person injured in a long fall. Firefighters arrived to find a 57-year-old male utility lineman who had fallen 25-30 feet. The patient was transported by paramedics to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life-threatening.

Assault                                                            Glen Burnie

One person was transported to Shock Trauma following an assault in Glen Burnie Wednesday evening. Just after 6:00 p.m. firefighters responded to the 400 block of Pamela Road for a reported stabbing. Firefighters located a 24-year-old male patient who reported to them that he had been stabbed during an assault. Paramedics transported the patient to Shock Trauma with injuries that were serious but not believed life threatening.

Anne Arundel County Fire Department Announces Promotions

Anne Arundel County Fire Department Announces Promotions

(Millersville, MD) - Twenty-eight members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department were recognized last week for being promoted to the Ranks of Deputy Chief, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant within the Department.  At the formal promotional ceremony, Fire Chief Allan C. Graves recognized these personnel for their years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

The following are the names and new ranks of the Department personnel who were honored:

Name	Promoted To	Yrs. of Service	City & State
Ross E. Dinkel	Deputy Chief	27	Grasonville, MD
Timothy L. Mikules	Deputy Chief	29	Churchton, MD
Lisa R. Mayers	Division Chief	28	Severna Park, MD
Greg A. Novak	Division Chief	26	Glen Burnie, MD
Thomas A. Parks	Division Chief	23	Pasadena, MD
Robert M. Howarth	Battalion Chief	25	Pasadena, MD
Timothy M. Kernan	Battalion Chief	17	Pasadena, MD
Michael B. Ladd	Battalion Chief	24	Glen Burnie, MD
Dennis D. Porter	Battalion Chief	28	Denton, MD
Christopher A. Schaetzly	Battalion Chief	23	Henderson, MD
Michael A. Barnes	Captain	10	Drexil Hill, PA
David E. Price	Captain	26	Pasadena, MD
Frederick L. Riedel III	Captain	15	Littlestown, PA
Paul J. Supko	Captain	24	Westminster, MD
George B. Wallace	Captain	24	Bear, DE
Gary B. Weiss	Captain	11	Millersville, MD
John D. Asquino	Lieutenant	7	Severna Park, MD
Shawn W. Coleman	Lieutenant	11	Pasadena, MD
William P. Dempsey	Lieutenant	14	Gettysburg, PA
Daniel R. Frend	Lieutenant	11	Severn, MD
Joseph M. Huber	Lieutenant	30	Lothian, MD
Todd M. Muir	Lieutenant	10	Curtis Bay, MD
Jeffrey S. Pecor	Lieutenant	12	Abingdon, MD
Eric F. Peterson	Lieutenant	9	Huntingtown, MD
Marvin L. Reist Jr.	Lieutenant	10	Harrisburg, PA
Thomas W. Scott IV	Lieutenant	10	Prince Frederick, MD
Megan M. Stanton	Lieutenant	11	Fallston, MD
Dustin R. Zahm	Lieutenant	9	Columbia, PA

Photo courtesy of Steve Bishop