2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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UNIT CITATION

Engine 331

Tanker 33

Captain David Lal

Firefighter James Katuna

Technician Michael Suckenik Firefighter Stephen Martin

On July 16, 2024, at approximately 18:43 hours, units from Frederick County DFRS were dispatched to a reported house fire at 5731 Bartonsville Road, a rural area of the County without hydrants. Law Enforcement arrived on the scene before the Fire Department and noted an unattended vehicle in the driveway. Engine 331 was the first arriving unit back a long unmarked gravel driveway and observed fire visible from the second floor of the two-story dwelling. Engine 331 noted the absence of smoke detectors and a significant amount of ammunition igniting inside. Tanker 33 was the second arriving unit and supported Engine 331 in initiating lifesaving measures. The crews from Engine 331 and Tanker 33 began to complete tasks simultaneously as a team. Captain Lal performed his 360-circle check as Firefighter Martin stretched a pre-connected attack line to the rear of the structure. The status of the home’s occupants was still unknown. While opening a door on the rear of the home, Firefighter Martin observed smoke on the inside of the home and a victim laying on the floor behind the door. Firefighter Martin alerted Captain Lal to his observations as he crawled into the structure. Firefighter Martin positioned the patient to allow the door to fully open and he and Captain Lal removed the victim from the house. Technician Suckenik reported to the rear of the home and took over patient care of the victim while Firefighter Katuna operated both Engine 331 and Tanker 33 seamlessly.

With the patient in the hands of Technician Suckenik, Captain Lal and Firefighter Martin rapidly returned to entering the structure and extinguishing the fire.

Demonstrating exceptional teamwork, the crew efficiently assessed the situation and took immediate action. Together, they safely extracted the individual from a life-threatening environment while managing the active fire and provided patient care until the arrival of additional units.

Their professionalism and dedication, alongside the skilled coordination of resource utilization, resulted in the successful transport of the patient by a Maryland State Police helicopter.

Your courageous efforts and commitment to service reflect the highest standards of the fire service. It is a privilege to honor the members of Spring Ridge Fire Station with this Unit Citation. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and bravery in the line of duty.

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