Queenstown, MD
On March 29, 2020 @ 1240 hrs Station 3 was alerted for an MVA with injuries on EB Rt50 @ Arrington Road in the 3-72 Box. Rescue 3 & Engine 33 responded with 9 members. Rescue 3 arrived on location with one vehicle off the roadway into a guardrail. Correct location was WB Rt50 prior to Arrington Road. Officer 302 established command. Driver of the vehicle refused treatment & transport. Scene was turned over to the Maryland State Police.
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The following is from MFRI:
March 26, 2020
TO: MFRI Faculty, Staff, and Instructors
FROM: Executive Director Michael E. Cox, Jr.
I am writing to provide an update regarding operations at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Headquarters and all six regional training centers and offices.
Postponement/Cancellations
As you know, we had previously suspended all training programs at all MFRI facilities until March 30, 2020. However, in light of new information regarding this issue the postponement of MFRI classes will now be extended to April 26, 2020.
With the exception of some career recruit classes, all training programs hosted at county/municipal training academies and career/volunteer fire stations will continue to be postponed by the respective local agencies or authority having jurisdiction until further notice.
Professional Development for Instructors Symposium scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been cancelled. Information was posted on the website under MICRB. All instructors scheduled to recertify in April will automatically be given an extension until the July MICRB Meeting. A link to the MICRB page is as follows: ttps://www.mfri.org/instructors/micrb/
MFRI “Skills Enhancement” scheduled for April 18th and 19th and the MFRI “Skills Weekend” scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule these programs for some time in late May and early June. The new dates will be announced as soon as they are available.
MFRI Online Training
MFRI staff has been working hard over the past two weeks in preparation to transition our classes to an online format. Piloting of this medium is currently underway and it is anticipated within a week, classes will begin to be moved to this format. When this occurs, instructors and students will be notified on a class by class basis. We anticipate moving all ongoing classes that were postponed in the following order: EMR/EMT, FF-I and FF-2, HM Awareness/OPS and then any other ongoing classes.
Pearson VUE Testing
We have received notification from Pearson VUE to continue EMR, EMT, and Paramedic Testing. Testing will be conducted in accordance with all social distancing recommendations, including no more than 10 people (including test proctors) will be permitted in the test session.
Telework
Telework remains in effect until further notice for all eligible MFRI faculty and staff in conjunction with the guidance provided by President Loh earlier this month.
For those that prefer to utilize their Mac computers to telework, our IT section is investigating a software program that is Mac friendly for VPN access. More information will be forthcoming.
EMR/EMT/EMTP Recertification
For our faculty, staff, and instructors that have medical credentials, both National Registry and MIEMSS have extended national and state medical certifications for EMR, EMT and EMTP. Please see the links below:
ALS Extension of State of Maryland License
BLS Extension for Maryland License
COVID-19 National EMS Certification Information
UMD Campus Information
UMD, College Park has cancelled the scheduled student move out until further notice.
UMD, College Park has resumed mail pick-up and delivery. MFRI scheduled drop off and pick up is every Friday, 0900-1100 hours.
Prevention
All faculty and staff should continue to exercise due diligence during this time and take the necessary precautions to maintain their health and safety of others. Please observe the following guidelines:
Gratitude/Thanks
I am extending gratitude to all of our faculty, staff, and instructors for their patience and perseverance during this trying time. It is difficult for all of us when without warning, one has their world upended and been told not to return to work or that their class has been postponed until further notice.
I am extremely thankful for everyone’s display of resolve and dedication to the Institute. Everyone has continued to work hard and pull their weight to ensure that our mission is met in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
Thanks again for all that you do!!!
I hope you find this information helpful. Questions regarding this communication can be directed to your respective Coordinator, Manager or Section Chief.
March 20, 2020
TO: MFRI Faculty, Staff, and Instructors
FROM: Executive Director Michael E. Cox, Jr.
I wanted to drop a quick note to check on everyone as we work through these challenging times.
As we have observed, there is still a fair amount of uncertainty with this rapidly evolving health emergency. The safety of you and your families is paramount. We must continue to heed the advice provided by the CDC and medical professionals to prevent the spread of this virus.
These unpredictable times have caused us to think outside the box, employ innovation, and be creative to maintain a safe working environment for our faculty and staff. Just this morning we have received word that a UMD student who was studying abroad in Spain has tested positive for the virus and two other suspected cases are suggestive of a positive diagnosis.
With that said, over the past weeks we have taken steps to implement new work processes in accordance with the university and governor’s recommendations. To date these changes consist of:
Cancelling all events/large gatherings at MFRI Headquarters and Regional Training Centers
I will continue to communicate any changes to our operations electronically as needed. Please keep in mind, this is a very fluid situation and we will make changes to our operations as necessitated by new directives handed down by the university and from our elected officials.
Lastly, I want to thank our faculty and staff for all that they do day in and day out to make the Institute successful. Your patience and due diligence throughout this time is greatly appreciated.
If anyone has any issues please be sure to address them with your respective coordinator, manager or section chief.
Most of all, please do everything possible to stay calm, safe, and healthy.
Michael E. Cox, Jr., MS, CFO, EFO, NRP
Executive Director
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
University of Maryland
4500 Campus Drive
College Park, MD 20742
Office-301-226-9960
Mobile-443-336-0868
March 19, 2020
TO: MFRI Faculty, Staff, and Instructors
FROM: Executive Director Michael E. Cox, Jr.
As of Thursday, March 19, all MFRI regional training centers and headquarters locations will operate remotely to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in support of the health and safety of our students and employees. All regions can be contacted Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or via email at adminsvc@mfri.org
HQ (301) 226-9900
Western MD (301) 729-0431
North Central (301) 829-2020
North East (410) 676-5409
Upper Eastern Shore (410) 758-2112
Lower Eastern Shore (410) 749-0313
Southern MD (301) 934-2600
Again, all MFRI-sponsored events and classes held at its six regional training centers and headquarters will be cancelled until March 30, 2020 at which a situational analysis will be completed to determine which classes can be delivered in an online format.
March 13, 2020
TO: MFRI Faculty, Staff, and Instructors
FROM: Executive Director Michael E. Cox, Jr.
All scheduled classes at MFRI headquarters and six regional training centers will be postponed until Monday, March 30, 2020. The status of MFRI training programs hosted at county/municipal training academies or career/volunteer fire stations will be determined by their local agency or jurisdiction. Students should remain in contact with their local MFRI regional coordinator and/or the local hosting entity for information regarding the status of their program.
Students should remain in contact with your local MFRI Regional Coordinator and/or the local hosting entity for information regarding the status of the program. In addition, the following is a list of events that was being hosted by MFRI that have now been postponed:
On March 18, 2020 @ 2040 hrs. Station 3, along with Station 2 were alerted for an MVA with entrapment. Initially the call was dispatched as being on WB RT50 @ Rt301 split. The location was then updated to SB Rt301 @ Rt50 split. Rescue 3 & Engine 33 responded with 10 members. Rescue 3 arrived on location with 2 vehicles involved. Chief 2 arrived on location, with Officer 204 establishing command. Command requested aviation, and later requested the Go Team* from Shock Trauma. The Go Team was later canceled. The patient was able to be extricated and transported to the Queen Anne ER and subsequently flown to Shock Trauma via Trooper 6.
*What is the Go Team you ask… When dispatched, the GO-TEAM serves as a specialized component of Maryland’s statewide emergency medical system. The Shock Trauma GO-TEAM is composed of an attending physician (anesthesiologist, surgeon, critical care medicine specialist) and a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
On 2/8/2020, Engine 33 transferred to the Kent Island VFD, while their members prepared to celebrate their annual Installation of Officers Banquet. While on the standby, several of our members got in some training on forcible entry along with the opportunity to climb Tower 1.
Did you know you can support our Fire Department while you shop on Amazon? It’s true. Visit smile.amazon.com and sign into your Amazon account. Once signed in, search for “Queenstown Volunteer Fire Department” under available charities. After linking QVFD to your account, Amazon will donate .5% of purchases to our department. The program cost you nothing and helps our department. Just remember to log in through smile.amazon.com each time you shop on Amazon. Thank you for continuing to support our department.
On January 18, 2020 we held our annual Installation of Officers at the Moose Lodge in Queenstown, the following members were recognized:
EMS providers of year as voted on by the members – Michelle Lewis & Taylor Oldershaw
EMS Captain’s Award – Tom McDonough
Firefighter of Year with less then 5 years of service as voted on by the members – Brady Whalley
Firefighter of the Year with more then 5 years but less then 15 of service as voted on by the members – JT Lewis
Firefighter of the Year with more then 15 years of service as voted on by the members – Frank Russum
The top 5 EMS responders in calls for 2019:
1st Place – J.C. Lewis
2nd Place – Michelle Lewis
3rd Place – Taylor Oldershaw
4th Place – Brady Whalley
5th Place – Jason Lewis
The top 5 Fire responders in calls for 2019:
1st Place – Frank Russum
2nd Place – Brady Whalley
3rd Place – Lennie Anthony & Jared Lewis
4th Place – Chris Willis
5th Place – Jamie Lewis
The following Awards were also presented:
Chief’s Award – Bryon Callahan
President’s Award – Stu Tarrant
S.E.W. Friel Award – Wayne Gardner
Lions Club Award – Jared Lewis
We’d like to thank the men and women of the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Company, along with the St Leonard Volunteer Fire Company for providing a standby crew lastnight, so our members could enjoy our installation.
At the regularly scheduled business meeting held on December 26, 2019, elections were held for the Officers of the Queenstown VFD for 2020. The following are the results:
Board of Directors – Vince Anthony, Bryon Callahan, Sid Compton, Jim Lewis & Scott McClyment
President – Jamie Lewis
Vice President – Jeff Lewis
Treasurer – Frank Russum
Secretary – Candy Golt
Asst Secretary – Michelle Lewis
Chief – Frank Russum
1st Asst Chief – Lonnie Anthony
2nd Asst Chief – Thomas Nelson
1st Captain – Chris Butler
2nd Captain – Tyler Golt
1st Lieutenant – Scott McClyment
2nd Lieutenant – J.T. Lewis
EMS Administrator – Tony Nastus
Asst Administrator – Terry Pilkerton
EMS Captain – J.C. Lewis
EMS Lieutenant – Taylor Oldershaw
EMS Lieutenant – Michelle Lewis
Superintendent of Machinery – Lonnie Anthony
Our annual fair will be held September 13th & 14th. Be sure to come out one or both days and support your local volunteer fire department.
Our Annual Pre-Sale Chicken Dinner will be held Friday May 31, 2019. Dinners can be picked up at the Firehouse between 12pm-6pm. Cost is $10, which includes a 1/2 chicken, potato salad, apple sauce, roll and a bottle of water. Any individuals, groups, companies who purchase 10 or more dinners and live within reasonable driving distance of the Firehouse, we will deliver your meals. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets please call Michelle Nelson at 410-924-8972 or email her at nelsons123@verizon.net
Our new rescue has arrived home. It will be here for a few days before leaving to have equipment mounted
While the Chief and other members were in Wisconsin doing the final inspection on our new rescue, this writer was contacted by the Assistant Chief of the Allen Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina, expressing interest in our current rescue. Once the members returned, contact was made with that department, which began a discussion, and ultimately set up a time for each department to meet face to face. A group of members from the Allen Volunteer Fire Department made the 7 hour trek to Queenstown. After negotiating a price, a careful inspection of the rescue, and based on a favorable vote by our Board of Directors and general membership, we sold Rescue 3 to the Allen Volunteer Fire Department. We are sad to see her go, but we also know that she has plenty of good years ahead and will definitely be an asset in her new home in North Carolina.
On January 12, 2019, we held our annual Installation of Officers at the Moose Lodge in Queenstown, the following members were recognized:
Ems provider of year, as voted on by the members – Taylor Oldershaw
EMS Captain’s Award – Jason Lewis
Firefighter of Year with less then 5 years of service as voted on by the members – JT Lewis
Firefighter of the Year with more then 5 years but less then 15 of service as voted on by the members – Donnie Clark
Firefighter of the Year with more then 15 years of service as voted on by the members – Frank Russum
The top 5 EMS responders in calls for 2018:
1st Place – J.C. Lewis
2nd Place – Jason Lewis
3rd Place – Taylor Oldershaw
4th Place – Michelle Lewis
5th Place – Tammy Carson
The top 5 Fire responders in calls for 2018:
1st Place – Chris Willis
2nd Place – J.T. Lewis
3rd Place – Chris Nash
4th Place – Frank Russum
5th Place – Jamie Lewis
The following Awards were also presented:
Chief’s Award – Jamie Lewis
President’s Award – Candy Golt
Sew Friel Award – Thomas Nelson
Lions Club Award – Scott McClyment
We’d like to thank the men and women of the Queen Anne Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company, along with the St Leonard Volunteer Fire Company for providing a standby crew lastnight, so our members could enjoy our installation.
