Thursday evening Westminster hosted a presentation from our very own Matt Stansbury. Matt regularly teaches fire ground tactics and techniques to firefighters in Frederick. He is going to be a guest lecturer in Frederick’s upcoming  “Key City Conference” where firefighters from all over the state come to Frederick to learn fire department skills. Matt took time out of his busy schedule to teach his principles to members of Westminster, Reese, Manchester, and CC DFEMS personnel. Everyone left tonight with a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities while operating on a fire ground incident. Thank you Matt for making us all better!

On February 13th, Westminster VFD hosted a training on the newly acquired Ventus Pro 5 and Tango CO gas monitors. It was taught by our area representative for the meters, Jeremy Gray. Mr. Gray taught all attendees the usage, care, and maintenance of these important devices. These meters will greatly enhance the departments ability to run natural gas, CO and other emergencies with in the community. They also provide the ability to monitor the air quality after a fire to protect firefighters from the deadly gases that occur after the fire is extinguished and let us know when it’s safe to remove our breathing apparatus. Westminster would like to thank Mr. Gray for his time teaching all who attended. 

Several weeks ago Queen Anne’s County sent a state wide request for EMS assets to assist with the annual Bay Bridge Run. WFD Deployed ATV3 to asssit with standby along the race route. WFD Volunteers stood by on the bay bridge while over 19,000 race participants ran the course. ATV3 was demobilized just after noon and returned to Carroll County. We are happy to lend a hand to whatever county in Maryland may need it.

A quick stop at Mercer Floors prevented a potential major event. A member at our station immediately got employees out of the business and store front.

More photos at: https://members.westminstervfd.org/apps/public/gallery/?Gallery_ID=10

Today (9/28/24), our Junior Program is attending the County wide Junior Day at the Carroll County Public Safety Training Center. They are starting the morning off with educational stations then demonstrations and ending the day with some friendly competition

Westminster VFD in conjunction with CC DFEMS hosted the first of hopefully many live Rapid Intervention drills. Participants were placed in a real life scenario to respond and rescue one of their own. It was an excellent opportunity to practice rarely used skills to better prepare for an emergency we all hope that never happens. A big thanks to Lt. Dave Olsen (CC DEFEMS), Ian Runkles (Reese VFD), and Chris & Avery High (Lineboro VFD) for all of their hard work to make this happen.

On September 8th, units from Westminster participated in a rural water supply drill that was held at Pleasant Valley. Units from all over the county learned drafting, fill site, and Siamese pump off techniques. Chief Price from Westminster was the organizer of this drill. Many thanks to all who participated. 

See our Facebook photo album for all the photos copyright Amanda Caple.

On Thursday evening Westminster Fire Department volunteers and Carroll County Department of Fire and EMS of Maryland employees participated in a training on heavy bleeding. The WFD training committee hosted a training on the proper use of tourniquets, pressure bandages, and Quick-Clot. This training is similar to “Stop the Bleed” but focuses on the role of the first responders. When seconds matter, this equipment and lifesaving techniques matter. Content and Photo from Facebook.