Early Morning Fire Claims A Life

On November 20th at 0703 hours, Quint 14, Quint 15, Engine 5, Engine 6, Rescue 2, Safety 2 and BC 1 were called to the 1900 block of Rose Ave for the reported house fire with a person trapped. Phone calls poured into the Emergency Communications Division claiming that an elderly man was inside the house. Quint 14 arrived on location with heavy fire showing from Division 2 of a 2 story wood-frame structure. Command was passed to the next incoming company as Quit 14’s crew entered the structure to search for the victim. The victim was removed from the structure where he was pronounced dead. Engine 5’s crew performed Truck Company Operations as Quint 15 assisted with fire attack. Rescue 2 arrived on scene and conducted a search of the house. The working fire was declared bringing Quints 16 and 10 to the scene. Conditions deteriorated forcing the evacuation of firefighters from the structure. Once all personnel were out, defensive operations begin. The fire was marked under control at 0752 hours. Fire investigators remained on scene until 1330 hours, and ruled the incident accidental in nature.

Richmond Fire Promotes Six to Battalion Chief

On November 4th 2010, the City of Richmond promoted Captain Robert Baumgardner, Jr, Captain John Harkness, Captain Clarence Lewis, III, Captain Orlando Morris, Captain Christine Richardson, and Captain Tina Watkins to the rank of Battalion Chief. This is the first time in the department's 152-year history that two women have been promoted to the Battalion Chief rank. "This has been a year of history making within the Richmond Fire Department," said Mayor Jones referring also to the 60th Anniversary of the first African America firefighters hired into the department and in the Commonwealth.

"The promotion of six Captains at the same time is unprecedented for our department," said Fire Chief Robert Creecy. "Honoring this group as they assume their responsibility in this mission critical role is an historic and very proud time for our organization."