PUBLISHERCOLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI FIRE and RESCUE DEPARTMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFFIRE CHIEF KENNETH MOORE

EDITORANTHONY COLOM

DESIGN & LAYOUTANTHONY COLOM

PHOTOGRAPHYANTHONY COLOM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSASSISTANT CHIEF MARTIN ANDREWSCHIEF OF TRAINING DUANE HUGHES

FIRE and LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR / PIO CAROLE SUMMERALL

STAFFKENNETH MOORE: FIRE CHIEF

MARTIN ANDREWS: ASSISTANT CHIEFBOBBY BARKSDALE: A-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

MIKE GIBSON: B-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEFMARK WARD: C-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

NEAL AUSTIN: SPECIAL OPERATIONS CHIEF DUANE HUGHES: CHIEF OF TRAINING

TODD WEATHERS: FIRE MARSHALCAROLE SUMMERALL: FIRE & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR / PIO

TABITHA BARHAM: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Columbus Fire and Rescue Department205 7th Street S.

Columbus, MS 39701(662) 329-5121

ON THE COVERS:Battalion Chief Mike Gibson (front), Captain Andy Grant (back) / Photos by Anthony Colom

This publication may not be reproduced in whole nor in part without the written permission of

the publisher. Copyright © 2013, Columbus, Mississippi Fire and Rescue Department.

CONTENTS

Car Fire Safety .... PAGE 7Clothes Dryer Safety .... PAGE 20College Campus Fire Safety .... PAGE 23

THE TRAINING SECTIONPhotos ..... PAGE 9-13 and 28

AROUND THE STATIONPhotos .... PAGE 16

FIRE & LIFE SAFETYSafety In The Kitchen .... PAGE 18

PROMOTIONS, GRADUATIONS, & OTHER NEWSPhotos .... PAGE 22

IN THE COMMUNITYPhotos ..... PAGE 25

FEATURES EDITORIAL

SPECIAL

EXTRA

DEPARTMENTS

Firefighter Will McReynolds

Firefighter Damon Estes

Photo by Anthony Colom

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1

Columbus Fire & Rescue Magazine

CHIEF S CHAIR: ONE VISION ONE TEAM ..... PAGE 6EDITOR S NOTE: FORWARD-THINKINGIMAGINATION ..... PAGE 8

STAFF SPECIAL:Columbus Fire and Rescue Pays HomageTo It’s Own ..... PAGE 14Remember When ..... PAGE 24

CFR Gives ..... PAGE 26

FIREHOUSE RECIPES .... PAGE 17CITY OF COLUMBUS RECEIVES NEW FIRE TRUCK .... PAGE 19WORD SEARCH ..... PAGE 21COLUMBUS FIRE AND RESCUE S 2012

CHRISTMAS PARTY ..... PAGE 2772-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT IN A MILK CARTON ..... PAGE 29

-

-

-

CColumbus Fire & Rescue, as you know, has been working our way to becoming nationally accredited.

The whole process has been enlightening, challenging, and in the end will be very productive and

rewarding. Some of the most important jobs I have as Chief of CFR are: Creating a vision, setting

high standards and strategic planning for the future, just to name a few. All of these issues have been

scrutinized through the use of tools such as internal and external surveys and discussions among the

staff, training coordinator and strategic planning committee. A lot of hard work has already been put

into the process of national accreditation, and there is more hard work to be done.

I have personally been humbled by the fact that our public perception is great and the citizens of our

community are overall pleased with our services. We must not become complacent! We must strive to

be better and take control and responsibility for the perception that the public has of Columbus Fire

and Rescue. The perception the public has of Columbus Fire and Rescue controls our political climate,

our budgets and our maintaining of services, perhaps most importantly, it controls the very existence

of this department.

In sharing my vision for Columbus Fire and Rescue, I have found areas to improve myself also. I

strongly believe we are better than each of us believe, and to be great, we must all believe, act, and train

as a team, as one. In order to do that the ground work has to be set, the cornerstones laid in place both

as a department, or team, as well as individually. First we must have our faith, and then we must have

our families. Without these priorities, there is little that the profession can offer. Once these are estab-

lished, then we can take pride in ourselves, our occupation and our organization. I ask you, as I have

asked myself, do I have my priorities right? Am I committed to Columbus Fire and Rescue, its employ-

ees and the citizens of Columbus? My answer to these questions is "YES!"

Only I can make it better for me.

Only you can make it better for you.

Only we can make it better for each other.

All of us can make it better for Columbus Fire and Rescue and the Citizens of Columbus

BY CHIEF KENNETH MOOREkmoore@columbusms.org

06 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

Ph

oto

by E

ng

ineer

Wes

Mim

s

VISIONTEAMONE

ON

E

Ph

oto

by E

ng

ineer

Wes

Mim

s

Tacolom@columbusms.org

BY ANTHONY COLOM, PUBLIC RELATIONS

08 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

forward-thinking

imagination

This issue, our 5th, marks the 1-year anniversary of Columbus Fire and Rescue Magazine.

With each new issue we ve attemped to show you the training that our men and women per-

form on a daily basis, and hopefully we ve been able to help you all understand a little bet-

ter what it is that we do in the fire service.

We ve also shown you new and retiring faces, new equipment, retirement and Christmas par-

ties, our Kid s Fire Academy, community events, and introduced you to Dillon, our search

and rescue dog. We even dedicated an entire issue to Fire Safety Month.

Columbus Fire and Rescue Magazine has become a remarkable marketing and promotional

tool for our department and the city of Columbus, but as a department, we re satisfied with

only one marketing tool to supply you with important fire and life safety information.

Our goal is to use and create as many conventional and unconventional ways of reaching

the public as we can: Facebook, Twitter, local newspapers, television, radio, cell phones, bill-

boards, vehicle wraps, open house station tours, a Citizens Fire Academy, school visits,

coloring books, churches, and even clothing.

We re proud of what our department has accomplished over the years, but in order to always

be the best, one has to be willing to change. One must be creative, imaginative, and forward-

thinking.

Albert Einstein said imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited,

but imagination encircles the world.

If he s correct, and imagination is that important, then our imagination can take this publi-

cation, our department, and our city to any height we would like to them go.

-

-

-

-

--

-

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l 09

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE JOSH REYNOLDS

ENGINEER JEFF EDMONDSON

Photo by Anthony Colom

trench rescuePhotos by Anthony Colom

12 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l 13

T The fire service is a brotherhood that is forged by the fires fought, the lives saved, and those that,

despite our best efforts, we lost. Because of this special bond, there is no sadder day than when we lose

one of our own. It is only fitting that the department honors these individuals for their sacrifice and

career as a public servant. One such way that we show this respect is through the Columbus Fire and

Rescue Honor Guard.

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Fire and Rescue Honor Guard provides military-style honors to mem-

bers that have passed. The goal of the Honor Guard is to pay respect to firefighters that have passed away

through the highest degree of professionalism, honor, and dignity possible. To present the best possible

image of the department and the city, the Honor Guard meets once per month for several hours to per-

fect each service offered until it can be performed with flawless precision. Presently, there are approxi-

mately 30 firefighters that participate on the Honor Guard.

One question that I get asked is, "What does the Honor Guard do?" The Honor Guard's primary duty

is to stand vigil during the wake or viewing period. This vigil is accomplished by a team of two standing

watch in 15 minute intervals, one at the head and one at the foot of the casket. Honor Guard teams will

continue this rotation throughout the viewing period. The Honor Guard also will perform other duties

such as having Guard members line up in one straight line or two lines facing each other inside the sanc-

tuary door, providing ushers for the service, folding the flag that draped the casket, and providing pall-

bearers. It is important to note that any service performed by the Honor Guard is based strictly upon the

wishes of the family. The Honor Guard responds to requests from both current and retired fire depart-

ment members. In addition to fire department members, the Honor Guard has also participated in serv-

ices of past elected officials.

For me, as with other department members, it is important to be a part of the Honor Guard as a way

to recognize and honor the firefighters that came before us that have made the department what it is

today, as well as recognize the bravery of our members that have made the ultimate sacrifice in laying

down their lives in the line of duty. This finale tribute is the least we can do for our own.

BY ASSISTANT CHIEF MARTIN ANDREWSmandrews@columbusms.org

Columbus

Fire and Rescue

Pays Homage To

It’s Own

14 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

Ph

oto

by E

ng

ineer

Wes

Mim

s

Honor & ServiceCFR Honor Guard carrying the casket of retired Captain, Johnny Mathews.

Captain Mathews, a West Point, Mississippi native, was employed with

the department from 1973- 1994, and was the first African-American to

serve as Captain with the department.

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l 15

1. Engineer Anthony Smith 2. Engineer Randall Beatty 3. Firefighter Trainee Cody Cantrell

4. Engineer Darren Allbritton 5. Engineer Lamarcus Phillips 6. Firefighter Dale Ballard

7. Captain Brett Thompson 8. Fire Marshal Todd Weathers 9. Firefighter Steve Loden

10. Engineer Richard McBride and Firefighter Matt Jones 11. Captain Mike Chandler

12. Captain Frederick Hargrove (All photos by Anthony Colom)

1.

2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

8. 9.

12.11.

2 bags of Lipton’s Chicken Alfredo Pasta

1 can vegetable blend (carrots, peas,

green beans, corn, potatoes)

4 boneless cooked chicken breast

1 can of creme of chicken soup

1 can of creme of broccoli soup

1 can of rotel tomatoes

1 (8oz.) bag of shredded cheese

3/4 cup of milk

2 1/2 cups of water

1 tbl. margarine

Mix vegetables and soup; simmer for 10 minutes. In separate pan mix milk, water, mar-

garine and pasta, and cook 8-10 minutes. Add all ingredients with de-boned cooked

chicken in a 2 1/2 qt. casserole dish. Stir thoroughly and layer with cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees until cheese melts.

Serve with salad and garlic bread. Makes 4-6 servings.

1 (16-ounce) can crushed pineapple

1 (21-ounce) can (cherry,apple,or peach) pie filling

1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix

1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease well a 13 x 9 x 2-

inch pan, and dump pineapples (including juice) into

the prepared pan; spread evenly.

Dump (cherry, apple, or peach) pie filling over

pineapples; spreading evenly.

Dump yellow cake mix over the top; spreading evenly.

Cut butter into 1/4-inch slices and arrange over the top.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out

clean (about 40 minutes). Makes 8-10 servings.

Chicken Alfredo

Dump Cake

EEveryone enjoys cooking. Okay, maybe not everyone, but it is safe to say that everyone enjoys eating.

Food brings families and friends together for many festive occasions. For those of you who enjoy cook-

ing or have to cook, here is some food for thought.

Simply because someone forgot a meal cooking on the stove, people were needlessly burned and thousands of

dollars of damage was done to property.

There are a few simple things we can do to make cook-

ing a safe and enjoyable event:

- Never let children play in the kitchen while food is

cooking

- Clean grease, oil and food from all of your appliances.

- While cooking, keep all pot handles turned in so they

won't be knocked off of the stove.

- Wear tight fitting clothes. Loose sleeves can catch fire

if they get near hot burner.

- Don't store combustible items on or over your stove.

They can easily catch fire and you can get burned by

reaching over hot burners.

- Heat all cooking oils slowly.

- If a pan containing grease or food catches fire, cover

the pan with a lid and turn off the heat. If a fire starts

in your oven or microwave, close the door and turn

off the heat.

Never open a microwave or oven door if a fire starts.

It will only worsen the fire by giving it fresh oxygen.

- If a fire happens in your kitchen, no matter how large or

small you think it is, call the fire department. Better safe than sorry !

- And please, don't go off from home and leave your stove turned on. If you do, you may come home to find

unexpected guests with big red trucks !

BY FIRE and LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR / PIO CAROLE SUMMERALLcsummerall@columbusms.org

18 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121 SMOKE ALARMS SA

SAFETY in the KITCHEN

Ph

oto

by E

ng

ineer

Wes

Mim

s

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l 19

CITY OF COLUMBUS

RECEIVES NEW

FIRE TRUCK

WWith the start of each New Year, we often find ourselves thinking back. Remembering the

highs and lows of the previous months, and the people we shared them with. Many of our

friends and loved ones continue with us on life's journey, creating new memories of fun times

and laughter. Other dear ones have reached the end of their passage. We recall them in this

New Year only in our minds eye. We remember the good times and close bonds formed. These

thoughts often bring smiles to our faces, and often tears to our eyes.

Humor plays a large role in the lives of emergency responders. Facing the grim reality of trauma and loss,

these men and women compose themselves and present a professional appearance to the public. It is only

in the privacy of the stations that their guard is lowered, and often the tears fall. Most responders are trained

to recognize stress in themselves and fellow co-workers. Communicating with counselors and physical exer-

cise are just a couple of avenues for dealing with the stress of the job. One of the most effective and wide-

spread forms of stress reduction is laughter.

The sounds of laughter are as common to the firehouse as fire hose and sliding poles. Fire fighters are noto-

rious practical jokers. Heaven help any new member that lets it slip that he is afraid of spiders. They will

soon find plastic critters in their lockers and beds! The best jokes are remembered for years, and sometimes

become the stuff of legend. Everyone at Columbus Fire and Rescue can tell you about the five gallon water

buckets that drenched the unsuspecting back porch victim. Some older members can speak of the bank

deposit bag that jumped whenever someone tried to pick it up. Whether it was frozen mashed potatoes in

the ice-cream box, or salted sweet tea, these fire house pranks live through the years. They often grow with

each retelling.

The best prank stories are handed down to each new generation of firefighter. Long retired members are

celebrated for their quick wit or ingenuity. The passage of time doesn't dull the memory of those long gone,

or the laughs they still create. That healing laughter is just one of many gifts given by those that have gone

ahead of us.

So with the beginning of a New Year ahead of us, let's remember when…

BY CHIEF of TRAINING DUANE HUGHESdhughes@columbusms.org

REMEMBER

WHEN.....

24 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

Ph

oto

by E

ng

ineer

Wes

Mim

s

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l 25

E26 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

Every year, Columbus Fire

and Rescue raffles off a few

items at it’s annual

Christmas party. The money

raised is then divided among

each engine company on all

3 shifts. The engine compa-

nies are allowed to give the

money to anyone, or any

organization in need during

the holidays.

Some of the crews will

stand in front of local retail

stores and give money to

parents and ask them to buy

toys for their children. Some

will help the elderly pur-

chase expensive medication

at local pharmacies, while

others have purchased gro-

ceries for families, or simply

purchased toys to hand out

to kids passing by.

The recipients always smile

and thank the firefighters.

Some have asked the guys to

give the money to someone

more deserving, and some

will even look around as if

they’re being filmed by hid-

den camera.

The citizens of Columbus

have always supported the

men and women of

Columbus Fire and Rescue,

and CFR Gives is simply a

way for the firefighters to

show gratitude for the bless-

ings they receive all year

long.

Words and Photo by Anthony Colom