EMS Action

Officer Greg Surles

2008-07-05T17:12:00.004-05:00

Pell City Police Department

After a long struggle and many prayers from his family, friends and the community, Officer Greg Surles passed away from his injuries, yesterday. The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Viewing:

Sunday, July 6, 2008 : 5pm - 9pm
New Hope Baptist Church
87 Cogswell Ave
Pell City, AL
(205) 338-2645

Funeral:

Monday, July 7, 2008 : 2pm
New Hope Baptist Church
87 Cogswell Ave
Pell City, AL
(205) 338-2645

Map:

View Larger Map

More on Officer Greg Surles, including how you can help the family, can be found in this post: http://www.dave911.com/2008/06/officer-greg-surles-fund.html

Please consider helping this young family, if at all possible.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

July 4, 2008

I hope you all have a Happy 4^th!

I want to say a special Thank You to all the men and women who are serving, and have served, in our military. Our great Nation is blessed to be protected by you.

Also, a BIG thank you goes out to all the people in the Emergency Services who are away from their families protecting us as we celebrate.

Heroes and Hooks Fishing Tournament

2008-07-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

1st Annual Heroes and Hooks Fishing Tournament

Jeff Hilton sent the following pictures from their 1st Annual Heroes and Hooks Fishing Tournament that was held June 5-6, 2008 at Lake Mitchell. Jeff wanted to thank everyone who participated and looks forward to having you back next year at the 2nd Annual Tournament at Lake Guntersville.

Check back soon for information about an upcoming one-day Fall tournament! Details will be posted as soon as they become available!

Congratulations to the winners, and a special thank you to Jeff for the pictures!

Eastlake House Fire

2008-07-01T15:21:00.000-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Birmingham firefighters responded to a house fire in Eastlake that, upon arrival, had heavy smoke and fire showing.

Thank you, Chuck, for the great shots!

Officer Greg Surles Fund

2008-06-27T01:30:00.015-05:00

Pell City Police Department

"Can't Stop A Hero - 828"

As many of you have heard, Officer Greg Surles, with the Pell City Police Department, was involved in a serious, life-threatening wreck while on duty. As he continues to struggle through his recovery in the hospital, his financial obligations don't stop. The good news is that we can all help.

Below are two methods:

Purchase a specially designed t-shirt

Ragland Screen Printing is selling a specially designed Pell City PD t-shirt with Officer Surles' badge and badge number on it. The slogan reads, "Can't Stop A Hero - 828". The shirt is being sold for $10 with $5 from each shirt going to the Surles family.

Ragland Screen Printing asks that people who wish to order a t-shirt email Alison with their order. Alison's email is alison@raglandscreenprinting.com

Donations

Below is a letter from Pell City's Mayor, Adam Stocks, which better explains Officer Surles' situation and how you can help.

Dear Friends,

As you are all well aware, Officer Greg Surles was involved in a very serious accident Wednesday afternoon while on patrol in Pell City. Greg is a six year veteran of our police force and one of the finest officers we have serving in our Police Department. Many of you know Greg personally. For several years Greg served as one of Pell City's K-9 Officers.

As I send you this email, Greg remains in critical condition at UAB and continues to fight for his life. Although the past 24 hours have had some encouraging news, Greg remains in a paralysis induced state to help his body recover and remains on a ventilator, as well. Already, he has had several surgeries to his abdomen as well as means to keep swelling of the brain and damage to his heart to a minimum. The numerous broken bones are the least of the worries at this point. The doctors removed his spleen shortly after he arrived at UAB on Wednesday. He is scheduled to have another procedure first thing Friday morning to repair organs in his abdomen. If all goes well tomorrow and if the doctors feel his body can take the procedure, Greg will have surgery the first of next week to help repair his heart. As you would imagine, this is a very delicate procedure that has all concerned.

Above all, I ask for your prayers for Greg and the Surles family. Greg is married to Robin and they have two daughters, ages 4 years old and 9 weeks old. This has been a very difficult time for the entire family as they hold vigil in the waiting room anxiously awaiting updates on Greg. Robin knows the power of prayer and that God controls all.

If your church or prayer chain is not already doing so, please add the Surles' to your list and pray hard for them.

Greg is expected to spend several months in the hospital as a team of surgeons, headed up by a neurosurgeon, continue to try to help Greg return to his family. As the days, weeks and eventually months elapse during Greg's recovery, his family's bills and expenditures will continue to mount. Greg will be on workman's comp, but this will amount to just a portion of his normal income. I could continue to explain the unfolding scenario, but I feel you already understand.

I come to you at this time asking that you assist, by any means possible, in easing the financial burden on this young family of four.

Frankly, I can't even begin to fathom what is going through Robin's mind as she sits in that waiting room trying to comprehend what happened to shatter her family's dreams. At the same time, she has a four year old and their newborn wondering where Mommy and Daddy are. I promised Robin that I would raise the necessary funds to keep her mind clear of the financial restraints and let her focus on helping lead Greg to recovery.

The Surles family is in need and I humbly ask that if you have not already done so, please make a donation to the Greg Surles Fund at Metro Bank. Whether it is done individually or by your company, your assistance is greatly needed. If there is someone else within your company that makes this decision, please pass this on to that individual.

I also ask that you talk to other business owners within your industry and request that they make a donation as well. If each of us can get 3 of our fellow industry companions to make a donation then we can make a great impact on a family that needs our help. Please spend 15 - 20 minutes of your day today on this cause.

Every penny that is donated to this fund will go to Robin and the family.

You can contact Metro Bank at (205) 884-2265 or make a donation by visiting their website at www.metrobankpc.com.

On behalf of the Surles family, thank you very much for your generosity.

Please remember that as you run away from danger and seek assistance in your time of need, it's men and women like Greg Surles who interject to save our lives.

Most respectfully yours,

Adam Stocks
(Posted with permission)

You may also mail donations to:

Metro Bank
Greg Surles Fund
800 Martin St S
Pell City AL 35128

Please keep Officer Surles in your prayers and consider donating to the Officer Surles Fund. All donations made to this fund will go to Officer Surles and his family.

Below are a few pictures from the scene of the tragic accident to show just what Officer Surles went through.

LifeSaver and RPS...

LifeSaver N4846...

2-Alarm Nob Hill Apartments Fire : Part 3

2008-06-24T11:11:00.002-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Thursday afternoon, Birmingham firefighters responded to a fire at the Nob Hill Apartments on Valley Avenue. The 2-alarm blaze, which took several hours to bring under control, was especially hard to fight due to hydrant locations and tight spaces.

While 10 units were lost, the hard work of all the firefighters on the scene, and a firewall, prevented the fire from spreading throughout the entire building.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital.

Great work by all the men and women on the scene!

A special thank you to Wally Argus for sharing the great shots in Part 3!

- View Part 1
- View Part 2

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Engine 2...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Engine 7...

Truck 1's crew on the roof...

WBRC Fox 6 : Dave Bondy...

ABC 33/40 : N369RW...

- View Part 1
- View Part 2

2-Alarm Nob Hill Apartments Fire : Part 2

2008-06-23T11:35:00.002-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Thursday afternoon, Birmingham firefighters responded to a fire at the Nob Hill Apartments on Valley Avenue. The 2-alarm blaze, which took several hours to bring under control, was especially hard to fight due to hydrant locations and tight spaces.

While 10 units were lost, the hard work of all the firefighters on the scene, and a firewall, prevented the fire from spreading throughout the entire building.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital.

Great work by all the men and women on the scene!

- View Part 1
- View Part 3

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Rescue 3...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Rescue 15...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Truck 2...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Engine 15...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Department Chief...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Engine 22...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Public Education...

Birmingham Police Department : 321...

Birmingham Police Department : 362...

Birmingham Police Department : 562...

Homewood Police Department : P257...

One of the people who went door-to-door trying to save people being interviewed by the media...

- View Part 1
- View Part 3

2-Alarm Nob Hill Apartments Fire : Part 1

2008-06-22T11:54:00.006-05:00

BFRS Confined Space Rescue

2008-06-20T13:24:00.002-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Birmingham Fire & Rescue responded to Jaybird Road in Brighton when a Jefferson County sewer worker fell into a hole. The two man crew had been replacing a dehumidifier, and were exiting the hole, when one of them slipped and fell back in. Crews from Birmingham Fire, including 1's Heavy Rescue, worked for about an hour to extricate the patient.

Great work!

A special thank you to Captain Wilks for sharing these great pictures!

BFRS E-9 Struck at MVA

2008-06-19T12:24:00.003-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Engine 9 was working an MVA on I-59 southbound near the Civic Center when the engine was struck in the rear. Fortunately, no firefighters were injured in the incident.

Below are a few before-and-after shots sent in by Bill Wall. Thanks, Bill!

Engine 9 arriving...

Engine 9 struck...

Rescue 1 and Rescue 8...

Rescue 1...

Birmingham Police Dispatch Appreciation Day 2008

2008-06-15T00:42:00.002-05:00

Birmingham Police Department

On May 31st, the Communications Division of the Birmingham Police Department had their first ever appreciation cookout for the dispatchers and call-takers on the top level of the city hall parking deck. Family members and guests were invited, too.

The event was organized by radio room supervisors Sgt. Jackson and Sgt. Lavender, who hope to make this a yearly event.

A special thank you to Dave for sharing the following pictures!

Multijurisdiction Training : Legion Field

2008-06-11T22:11:00.001-05:00

Legion Field : Birmingham, AL

Firefighters from Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and Bessemer conducted a multi-company training at Legion Field on June 9, 10 and 11. The training was part of a coordinated effort to enhance rescue techniques and strengthen mutual aid activities between communities.

Below are a few pictures of the training...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Engine 2...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : 1's Heavy Rescue...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : 10's Heavy Rescue...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : 2's Medium Rescue...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Rescue 1...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Rescue 8...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Truck 1...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Safety Officer 3...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Reserve Truck 516...

Hoover Fire & Rescue : Battalion Chief...

Hoover Fire & Rescue : Technical Rescue 4...

Vestavia Hills Fire & Rescue : Technical Rescue 5...

Vestavia Hills Fire & Rescue : Technical Rescue 5...

Vestavia Hills Fire & Rescue : Technical Rescue 5...

Minot AFB House Fire

2008-06-10T00:21:00.001-05:00

Minot Air Force Base Fire Department
Minot Fire Department

The following pictures are from a house fire that occurred in base housing at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, ND.

The fire was a natural gas line fire below the shutoff valve. After 15 minutes, the valve melted off and it was a full open gas line fire. The regulator and valve assembly were right next to the house, as they always are.

Companies on the scene included:

Minot AFB Engine 7
Minot AFB Engine 9
Minot AFB Rescue 15
Minot AFB Transport 2
Minot AFB CFR 4
Minot FD Quint

Video from the fire will be added soon...

Before...

After...

SVFAA Muster 2008

2008-06-06T22:50:00.003-05:00

Birmingham, AL

The SVFAA (Southern Vintage Fire Apparatus Association) chapter of SPAAMFAA held their 2^nd annual muster on Birmingham's Southside on May 17.

Founded in 1958, SPAAMFAA is an educational and historical society dedicated to the preservation, restoration and operation of antique fire fighting apparatus. Since it's foundation, SPAAMFAA has grown to over three thousand members organized into fifty chapters. Although primarily located in the United States, SPAAMFAA members are located all around the world. Ownership of an antique fire apparatus is not a requirement for membership.

SVFAA brings together the region's fire buffs to preserve the rich history of the fire service in the south. Their members come from all walks of life with a common passion for "old fire stuff".

If you're interested in joining, or would like more information, be sure to visit their website. http://firetruckers.com/

Below are a few pictures from the muster...

Firefighter Night II - Speakeasy

2008-06-03T15:24:00.004-05:00

Speakeasy - 1920 Third Avenue, North

Friday, June 27, 2008 - "B Shift" - 7pm.

Plan to get there early, and stay late, because it was standing-room-only at the last firefighter night.

The Speakeasy is a firefighter owned and operated establishment located at 1920 Third Avenue, North - Downtown Birmingham.

Woodlawn House Fire

2008-05-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Birmingham Firefighters responded to an abandoned two-story frame house that was fully involved at 1st Avenue and 60th Street, North.

Companies responding included:

Engines 12
Engines 10
Engines 8
Quint 27
Rescue 12
Battalion 3

Thank you, Bill, for sharing these great pictures!

Jemison House Fire

2008-05-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

Jemison Fire & Rescue
Thorsby Fire & Rescue

Jemison & Thorsby Fire Departments responded to a two story house with fire showing on April 28, 2008. The cause of the fire was reported to be a clogged dryer vent.

Companies on the scene included:

Jemison Fire & Rescue:

Engine 41
Engine 43
Rescue 4
Jemison PD

Thorsby Fire & Rescue:

Engine 31

Angel Ambulance Service

A special thanks to Lance Hilyer with Thorsby Fire for the excellent pictures!

New North Shelby Apparatus

2008-05-21T13:22:00.000-05:00

North Shelby Fire District

North Shelby has taken delivery of a new KME 500/30/A apparatus that is currently in service as Engine 73 at Station 3.

A special thank you to Ralph at Station 3 for showing me their new apparatus!

North Shelby Fire District : Engine 73...

Carraway Blvd. House Fire

2008-05-18T22:07:00.003-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Birmingham Firefighters responded to a one-story frame house fully involved at Carraway Blvd and 13th Ave North.

Companies responding included:

Engine 9
Engine 13
Engine 1
Truck 1
Rescue 1
Battalion 2

Thank you, Bill, for sharing these great pictures!

Captain Randy Mixon Funeral

2008-05-16T21:11:00.001-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

The funeral service for Captain Randy Mixon was held today at Westwood Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at Crestwood Cemetery.

The service, which was well attended by family, friends and brother firefighters, was a beautiful service that focused on what an outstanding person Captain Mixon was in the community.

Below are, respectfully, a few pictures from the service...

05.16.2008 Captain Randy Mixon Funeral (Video)

Birmingham Police Department : Motorscouts...

Birmingham Police Department : Motorscout 561...

Fairfield Fire & Rescue : Car 12...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : 30's Hazmat...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : 10's Heavy Rescue...

Adamsville Fire & Rescue : Engine 3...

Graysville Fire & Rescue : Engine 1...

Forestdale Fire & Rescue : Engine 4...

Hoover Fire & Rescue : Engine 2...

North Shelby Fire & Rescue : Engine 73...

RPS : Medic 873...

Birmingham Police Department : Motorscout 561...

Homewood Fire & Rescue : Truck 4...

Jefferson County S.O. : Motorscout...

Jefferson County S.O. & Adamsville PD...

Minor Heights Fire & Rescue : Engine 1...
Adamsville Fire & Rescue : Engine 2...
Forestdale Fire & Rescue : Engine 3...

Jefferson County S.O. & Adamsville PD...

Adamsville Fire & Rescue : Ladder 1...
Forestdale Fire & Rescue : Truck 2...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Truck 2...

Birmingham Police Department : Motorscouts...

Crestwood Cemetery...

Alabama Fire College...

Forestdale Fire & Rescue : Engine 4...

Graysville Fire & Rescue : Engine 1...

Birmingham Fire & Rescue : Honor Guard...

Captain Randy Mixon

2008-05-14T00:27:00.002-05:00

Birmingham Fire & Rescue

Birmingham Fire & Rescue is mourning the loss of a brother today. Captain Randy Mixon, who was currently assigned to the Training Division, unexpectedly lost his life early Tuesday morning.

Captain Mixon was one of the finest people anyone could hope to know... on duty or off duty, and someone I was proud to call "friend."

Visitation will be Thursday, 5/15/08, at Westwood Baptist Church (2349 Forestdale Blvd.) from 6:00pm-9:00pm.

The funeral will be Friday, 5/16/08, at Westwood Baptist Church at 11:00am with graveside service to follow at Crestwood Cemetery. The cemetery is located near the church.

View Larger Map

God rest his soul and comfort his family. Heaven is only better with him there.