The Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors has met and appointed the operational and administrative officers for the 2010 year they are as follows.
 




Operational Officers            
Chief: Kathryn Fortgang
Asst. Chief: Gene Jordan
Dep. Chief: Timmy Donais
1st Capt: John Porter Jr.     
2nd Capt: David Jordan Jr.
1st Lt: Steven Hainey
2nd Lt: Josh Carlson
Sgt: Sara Russell
EMS Lt: Crystal Jones
 
Administrative Officers
President: Glenn Sherman
Vice President: John Porter Jr.
Treasurer: Darlene Grimsley
Secretary: Julie Hill

Early Monday morning around 8:15 while crews were perfoming there morning duties along with the career staff, PG PSC dispatched a house fire in Co 47's first due. Tower 24, staffed with 4 career personnel, hit the street immediately, followed by the Engine staffed with 3 volunteers and Chiefs 24 and 24-A. Engine 471 arrived on the scene with smoke showing, and after investigating, determined their was a fire in the basement of the house that had spread to the first floor and attic. The crew from 47 along with the crews from 24 worked diligently to extinguish the fire and check for extension. The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes and after extensive overhaul and soak down both crews were released at 10:50 

While sleepy crews were trying to catch up on much needed rest, a street alarm was sounded for Co 24 at 913 Chatsworth Drive in Whitehall Subdivision. Engine 242 responded quickly with 3 volunteers onboard and arrived on the scene to find a 2 story single family home with smoke showing from the attic. The officer immediately called for a full box assignment and directed the line to be extended inside to protect the house. Upon further investigation it was found that there was an issue with the fireplace that caused it to catch fire inside the walls and extend quickly into the attic.  The engine crew made quick work of finding and extinguishing all fire before any exstensive damage happened. The fire was deemed accidental and the source was determined to be the fireplace and all units cleared at 1115.  

At about 1 A.M while members were still cleaning up and winding down from the earlier fatal fire, Charles County dispatched the Engine from 24 to 5750 Penguin Place in Co 11's area for the reported working house fire. Engine 242 responded with 4 personnel. Charles Eng 112 arrived on the scene and advised of fire through the roof on side Bravo. Engine 242 arriving 4th layed approximtely 1500 feet of 3 inch supply line from Tanker 7 to Engine 112. While initial crews were experiencing difficulties accessing the fire, the crew from 24 advanced a 250' 2 inch stacked tip attack line to the front door. Once all of the crew was in place the line was charged and a quick aggressive attack was made by Co.24. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes and once overhaul was complete, and all 1500 feet of frozen 3 inch was picked up, Engine 242 cleared the scene at 0440 hours.

On Saturday afternoon, in the midst of a snow storm, a box alarm was dispatched to the 2700 block of Accokeek Road for a reported house fire with people trapped. The Wagon, Pumper, Tower and Ambulance from company 24 responded with 8 volunteers. In addition the Captain from company 24, who was in the area, was the first to arrive on the scene. As he approached the house, he could see an individual laying inside of the residence. As he attempted to rescue the victim he was forced back by intense fire conditions. He then kicked in a side door of the house to gain entry, but was again forced by by intense heat and fire. After several minutes the engines from 24 arrived on the scene and began an intense interior attack. Unfortunately despite a valiant effort by the Accokeek Volunteers the victim was determined to be deceased on the scene. Because of the location being in a non-hydrant area, a water supply was set up utilizing tankers from several departments and the water supply unit from Clinton. Crews remained on the scene until approx. 2100 hrs assisting fire investigators and PGPD.

At nearly 4 am Accokeek VFD was alerted by PG PSC for an autofire on Gardner Road about a 1/2 a mile in from Accokeek Road. Eng 242 responded with the Chief and Lieutenant.  Upon arrival it was found to be just as dispatched an auto fully involved. The auto was extinguished in about 5 minutes and soon after PGPD arrived on scene and took over. Engine 242 cleared the scene at 0430.

On July 6th, 2004 Engine 241 was on a transfer to Company 8 (Marbury) in Charles County, due to a fire in the Marbury area. While on the transfer the Engine ran a accident at Poorhouse Road and Ripley Road for the report of one trapped. The Engine was first on scene to find a dump truck vs. a car, with one occupant in the car trapped. The Engine crew quickly began patient care. Units from La Plata and Potomac Heights arrived on the scene and began the extrication process. Once extricated the patient was transported to a local trauma center via Eagle 1.

About 3 years later, a member was watching the local news about a severe accident, and as the member was watching the news report they realized it was the same call from 3 years earlier.  The news report was discussing how extensive his injuries were and how he has gone on to compete in trialatholons and achieve many things after the accident.

Now about 5 years later, a package came in the mail with a book and a letter requesting the presence of the crew to the St. Charles Towne Center Mall for a blood drive where Brian Boyle would be.  So two members who had ran the call headed to the blood drive to see Brian. The crew finally meet Brian and his Family. They recieved a signed copy of Brians book "Iron Heart" for the firehouse. Later in the afternoon members returned to donate blood to the American Red Cross.

The members and officers of the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department are glad to see that Brian and his family are happy and enjoying life.

Brian also wanted to thank the crew members who were unable to meet him today,

The Crew:   Driver: Carlton "Mott" Osborne, Officer: Kathryn Fortgang, Crew: Christopher Strybing and Jeremiah Ball

At 1756 Hours communications dispatched the Engine from Company 24  to Wilson Bridge Drive as the 2nd due engine on the 2nd alarm apartment fire.  Engine 242 arrived in staging and established the staging command for approximately 10 minutes until Battalion Chief 3 arrived and assumed the staging command. Then incident command requested 2 engines and a truck from staging which brought E242, E411, and Trk 411 to the scene.  The crew from Engine 242 was advised to advance a line to the third floor of the bravo exposure. The crew advanced the 400' attack line into position and then, along with Chief 24-B, breached the walls into the fire apartment and began working on fire extinguishment. Once the fire was deemed extinguished, the crew from 24 helped in extensive overhaul operations for about an hour and a half. Engine 242 picked up and cleared the scene at 2100 hrs.

On Thursday afternoon Charles County Sheriffs became involved in a police chase from Waldorf to Accokeek. The Sheriffs chased two suspects down Gardner Road where they collided head-on with another vehicle. Units from Accokeek, Brandywine, and Waldorf were alerted to the call. Chief 24 was passing the area and was the first to arrive on scene followed immediately by Waldorf Engine 31. The crew from Engine 31 began to extricate the two suspects who were trapped in there vehicle. Because Engine 242 was delayed in responding because of a previous call, Mini-Pumper 24, BX-24 and Chief 24-B responded from the station. The extrication was completed by Engine 31 while additional personnel provided EMS care. Both Troopers 2 and 7 were called to the scene to medevac two of the patients. A third patient was transported by ground to PG Trauma Center. All fire department units cleared by 1430.

Units on scene: Engine 242 (LZ), Mini-Pumper 24, BX-24, Chiefs 24 & 24-B, CC Engine 31, Rescue Engine 40, Paramedic Engine 36 (LZ), CC Ambulance 39, Paramedic Ambulance 40, CC Ambulance 11, Battalion Chief 5, EMS 14, Trooper 2, and Trooper 7

         Please keep the Kremer family in your thoughts and prayers.



 It is with great sympathy that the members of the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary announce the passing of Mrs.Peggy Kremer.  Our beloved past member and friend, went to heaven this morning to be with the Lord. Peggy is survived by life member Mr. Sonny Kremer.  If you need anything at all sonny please dont be afraid to ask.