November 5, 2008:

Captain and engineer promotions finalized; Second engine company goes online November 8

Months of uncertainty that began with the three-day captain's promotional tests in mid-August and continued with engineer's promotional test earlier this week culminated today in the official announcement of promotions and shift assignments.     Members receiving promotions include Engineer Michael Cossey, Firefighter Shane Holmes and Firefighter Scott Eaton to the rank of captain. Firefighter Jeremy New, Firefighter Austin Woody and Firefighter Adam Swalls are being promoted to the rank of engineer.     The six promotions coupled with the five probationary firefighters hired in July will allow the fire department to consistently staff two engine companies, albeit minimally, for the first time in its short history.     Engine Company 2 will officially come to life at 7 a.m. Saturday, November 8 on the department's C-Shift. The company, whose first due district will include the city's southside, will operate the 1996 Pierce pumper that has previously been staffed only on an "as available" basis.     Currently, the department currently operates Engine Company 1 with a minimum staffing of three firefighters on duty. As of November 8, the department will maintain minimum staffing of two firefighters per engine for a total of four citywide.                 Captain Cossey Captain Holmes Captain Eaton Engineer New Engineer Woody Engineer Swalls

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October 29, 2008:

Fire station to open again for Trick or Treaters

Captain Tim Bullard, with the help of the members of A-shift, will once again welcome trick-or-treaters in the apparatus bay of the Millwood Circle Fire Station Halloween night.     The nearly decade old tradition will begin about 5:30 p.m. and continue until the candy is gone -- or as long as the engine company remains in quarters and not on an emergency call.     As a reminder, the Maumelle Fire Department offers you the following tips to help make your Halloween a safe one:     + Children younger than 13 should be accompanied with an adult.     + Carry a flashlight & cell phone while trick or treating.     + Considering wearing costumes that are bright or made of reflective material.     + Check to insure that costumes are flame resistant.     + If a child wears a mask, make sure he/she can see out of it.     + Use halloween as an opportunity to review stranger safety. Trick or treaters should never enter the home of a stranger.     + Plan your route ahead of time and establish a plan in case someone is separated from the group.     + Inspect all candy for tampering before eating. Candies that could be choking hazards should be discarded for small children.     + If hosting trick or treaters at your house, make sure your yard and walk are free of obstacles. Consider using battery powered lights instead of candles in jack o'lanterns.

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October 20, 2008:

Maumelle firefighters and police officers break ground Monday (October 20) on the site of the new police and fire stations on Murphy Drive near Union Court. Dirt work in preparation for construction of the two buildings also began Monday.

Ground broken on site of new fire department headquarters

Monday, October 20 was literally a day that had been in the making for years as Maumelle firefighters were joined by police officers, city officials and local dignitaries in breaking ground on the site of new fire and police stations on Murphy Drive near Union Court.     Construction workers began preparatory dirt work on the site even before ceremonial shovels could turn the soil. The project, which will construct separate headquarters for the fire and police departments, is expected to be complete by Fall 2009.     The new fire station will house all of the department's administrative offices, a training room and single engine company staffed by career firefighters. The three-bay station, however, will house several pieces of apparatus and will alleviate overcrowding at the current station on Millwood Circle.     Once construction is complete on Murphy Drive, the Millwood Circle Station will be remodeled to allow it's continued use as a temporary station until a new facility in the southern half of the city can be planned and constructed.

Firefighters present for the groundbreaking included (from left) Captain Drew Nichols, Engineer Michael Cossey, Firefighter Adam Cordell, Captain Tim Bullard, Firefighter Adam Swalls, Firefighter Jeremy New, Firefighter Dustin Jaco, Firefighter Shane Holmes, Firefighter Scott Eaton, Firefighter Austin Woody, Firefighter Josh Woods and Firefighter Tyler Castleberry.

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August 17, 2008:

Maumelle's five probationary firefighters graduated from the Arkansas Fire Academy's rookie school in East Camden on October 17. Pictured are (from left) Travis Foreman, Brett Burris, Dustin Worlow, Russell Barker and Patrick McIntire.

Department's five 'probies' graduate rookie school

Maumelle's five probationary firefighters each graduated from the Arkansas Fire Academy's Rookie School on Friday, October 17.     The graduation marks the near-completion of three months worth of training at the state academy in East Camden, where the firefighters have developed and honed skills in firefighting, emergency medical care, hazardous materials response, rescue situations and emergency vehicle driving.     The probies will attend an additional week of classes at the academy following graduation to become internationally certified in driving and pumping fire apparatus. Following that training, they will return to Maumelle for a two-week orientation period of local policies, procedures and tactics.     The department officially splits into two engine companies on November 8, when each of the five rookies will be assigned to one of the department's three shifts.     The hires represent four new positions for the department funded by a $377,053 federal SAFER Act grant in March. The fifth probationary firefighter fills a vacancy created by a resignation in June.

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August 16, 2008:

Volunteer Captains Joel Galloway (L) and Larry Pruss stretch a hose line to extinguish a piece of heavy machinery Saturday (August 16) along a stretch of Lake Valley Drive under construction.

Firefighters extinguish machinery fire despite road block

Maumelle career and volunteer firefighters were dispatched shortly before 6:30 pm Saturday evening (August 16) to a report of construction equipment burning near the intersection of Lake Valley Drive & Breckenridge Lane.     Firefighters, who saw the column of smoke while reroute, arrived to find the fire on a portion of Lake Valley Drive under construction with access for the fire engine blocked by construction vehicles. Volunteer firefighters returned to the station and responded with Brush 1, which has a pick-up chassis and has four-wheel drive capability.     Once Brush 1 arrived on scene, firefighters made quick work of the remaining fire in the engine compartment and the burning tires. After extinguishment, the scene was turned over to a representative of the construction company. In all, four career and six volunteer firefighters responded to the incident with Engine 1 and Brush 1.

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August 12, 2008:

Pulaski County burn ban lifted after heavy weekend rains

After three days of consistent rain, Judge Buddy Villines lifted the Pulaski County burn ban Monday morning (August 12). The ban has been in place since August 1 due to hot, dry conditions that worsened throughout the month of July.      The Maumelle Fire Department has resumed approval of burn permits. Permits that expired while the ban was in effect must be renewed by the fire department before burning. As always, all permit holders must call the fire department receive permission each day before burning.

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August 1, 2008:

Pulaski County Judge issues burn ban for county

County Judge Buddy Villines issued a burn ban for all of Pulaski County Friday (August 1). Pulaski County became the 19th county in the state to enact such a ban this summer, which prohibits all open burning of trash, grass, brush or other materials throughout the county -- including those holding valid City of Maumelle burn permits.      Currently, Pulaski County is considered to have moderate risk of wildfire by the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the burn ban will remain in effect until the county receives sufficient rainfall to lower that threat.      Burn permits that expire during while the ban is in effect will have to be renewed by the fire department once the ban is lifted.

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July 31, 2008:

Firefighters set new monthly record with 122 runs in July

Exactly one year after establishing their previous record for runs in a single month, Maumelle firefighters nudged the high water mark up by one in July by responding to 122 requests for service.      July marked the sixth consecutive month of triple-digit run numbers for the department. Through July 31, Maumelle firefighters were averaging 107 runs per month and were 67 runs ahead of last year's pace.

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July 25, 2008:

Resident gets early morning wake up call from fire department

A Maumelle resident received an unusual wake-up call early Friday morning (July 25) as firefighters awoke her from sleep after forcing entry into the house and finding the residence full of smoke.     Maumelle career and volunteer firefighters were dispatched to a report of an automatic residential fire alarm at approximately 1:17 a.m. at 7 Parkridge Drive. The four on-duty career firefighters responded with Engine 1, arriving to find no smoke or fire visible and unable to summon anyone to answer the door. During their investigation of the exterior of the structure, firefighters detected the odor of something burning and forced entry into the house.     According to reports, smoke was present from floor to ceiling and there was an odor of a cooking fire present. Firefighters traced the smoke to a burned pot on the stove, which was still on. After turning off the stove to prevent a fire, firefighters and police officers searched the residence for occupants, finding one asleep in a bedroom and unaware of the smoke conditions in the house. Metropolitan EMS (MEMS) responded to the scene and evaluated the resident for smoke inhalation.     Although the alarm company's detectors inside the home prompted the response from Maumelle firefighters, the regular smoke detectors inside the house did not function.     Also responding to the incident was Fire Chief George Glenn and one volunteer firefighter.

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July 15, 2008:

Firefighters respond to simultaneous building fires

In fire service circles, it's often said that the job entails long periods of boredom with sudden bursts of intensity. Such was the case for Maumelle firefighters in the early morning hours of July 15th.     Maumelle Police & Fire Communications dispatched career and volunteer firefighters to a fire alarm in the Cintas facility at 102 Champs Blvd. at approximately 1:13 am. Although no smoke or fire was visible when the three on-duty firefighters arrived on scene four minutes later, they found a burning clothes hopper inside the building while investigating the source of the alarm.     Even without the aid of backup -- no volunteer firefighters had yet responded to the scene -- the three members of Engine 1 (C-Shift) went to work. After removing the burning hopper from the structure, it was realized that fire had extended to other hoppers and bags of clothes inside the building. Firefighters stretched a handline inside the structure to begin extinguishing the fire.     At approximately 1:29 a.m., some 12 minutes after firefighters had been operating at the fire on Champs Blvd., a second fire was reported in a house at 181 Diamond Point Drive. With all three of the career firefighters committed and working alone at Cintas, volunteer firefighters began responding to the second fire.     The first arriving volunteer at Diamond Point reported finding heavy smoke from the garage and fire coming from a laundry room inside the residence. An engine company was requested  as mutual aid from North Little Rock and off-duty career personnel were recalled to duty.     Engine 2 responded to the call initially, with firefighters stretching their first handline in through the garage to knock down the main body of fire in the home's laundry room. They later stretched a second line to prevent extension of the fire into the rest of the home. In all, volunteers responded with Engine 2, Truck 1, Brush 1 and the Mobile Air Unit.     Firefighters at both scenes reported their fires under control at almost the same time -- 1:59 am on Champs Blvd. and 1:57 am on Diamond Point Dr. Fire damage to the structure was prevented at Cintas, although a number of fabric items were damaged or destroyed. The fire at Diamond Point caused fire damage to the laundry room near the garage with the remainder of the residence sustaining heat and smoke damage.

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July 7, 2008:

Probationary firefighters Patrick McIntire (L) and Brett Burris wash Engine 2 Tuesday (July 8) afternoon. McIntire and Burris are two of five probationary firefighters that began work July 7. Four of the five positions are being partially funded by a federal grant.

Five new hires start work at Maumelle Fire Department

The Maumelle Fire Department took a significant step towards operating two separate companies as five new career firefighters joined their ranks on Monday (July 7).     The hires represent four new positions for the department funded by a $377,053 federal SAFER Act grant in March. The fifth probationary firefighter fills a vacancy created by a resignation in June.    New to the department are Probationary Firefighters Brett Burris, Russell Barker, Travis Foreman, Patrick McIntire and Dustin Worlow.    After three weeks of departmental orientation, all five will report to "Rookie School" at the Arkansas Fire Academy in East Camden for three months of training in firefighting, emergency medical skills, hazardous materials response and emergency vehicle driving.    The successful completion of Rookie School paired with the planned promotions of existing members to captain and engineer will allow the department to consistently staff -- albeit minimally -- two pieces of apparatus around the clock.

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June 2, 2008:

Seatbelt prevents injury in North Odom rollover

Five firefighters staffing Brush 1 & Engine 1, along with Division Chief John Payne, responded Monday afternoon (June 2) for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries on North Odom Blvd. When they arrived at the intersection of North Odom Blvd. and Woodland Drive, fire personnel found a two-vehicle accident with one vehicle on its roof. Both drivers were already outside of their vehicles and, fortunately, had escaped injury. Firefighters checked each vehicle for hazards before returning to service.

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June 1, 2008:

Firefighters Adam Swalls and Adam Cordell watch as Larry Pruss of Maumelle Water Management finishes moving a tree out of the 10600 block of Crystal Hill Road. Firefighters initially responded to the call, but lacked the personnel and equipment to cut the massive tree up.

Sunday afternoon storm keeps firefighters busy

The Maumelle Fire Department is an all-hazards department, so when a fast moving thunderstorm blew through town Sunday afternoon (June 1), firefighters went to work.     Fire personnel responded to five different storm-related responses in less than an hour, including a large tree blocking a portion of Crystal Hill Road and tree that had fallen into a house on Hibiscus Drive.     The five on-duty firefighters had to resort to calling for help from Maumelle Water Management (MWM) as they lacked sufficient equipment and manpower to cut up a massive tree that fell across the 10600 block of Crystal Hill Road about 3 p.m. Larry Pruss of MWM responded with a backhoe and was able to move the tree, which had been a significant safety concern for passing motorists.     Firefighters also responded 110 Hibiscus Drive after a tree from a neighboring yard fell onto the house, crushing the roof and causing significant structural damage. The occupants, which were home at the time of the incident, were able to escape without injury.

Firefighters responded to 110 Hibiscus Drive after a tree from a neighboring yard fell through the roof of the residence. The occupants of the home escaped without injury, but the house suffered significant structural damage.)

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May 22, 2008:

Fire department begins annual testing of hydrants

You will soon see Maumelle firefighters in your neighborhood as they begin the annual task of testing the more than 600 fire hydrants placed throughout the city. The annual testing makes sure each hydrant operates properly, is marked with reflective stickers and isn't obstructed by landscaping or vegetation.     The testing process, which should be complete by the end of July, involves opening each plug and measuring the pressure of the water flowing from it. Unfortunately, when hydrants are opened, sediment in the water lines is disturbed and may cause temporary discoloration of the water.     Firefighters make every effort to flow hydrants long enough to allow water to clear up, however homeowners may see the discoloration in their taps. Representatives of Maumelle Water Management recommend that residents run water faucets for a minute or two to insure that the water is clear before doing laundry or any other project that might be affected by discolored water.     Residents of the city can assist the fire department with hydrant maintenance by keeping the area around fire hydrants free of obstructions and landscaping. A 36-inch radius around the hydrant should be clear of vegetation or landscape improvements. Unfortunately, some residents try to hide fire hydrants from view. Such obstructions not only delay the efforts of firefighters during a fire, but are also in violation of the International Fire Code as adopted by the city in 2004.

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May 22, 2008:

Grease fire brings Maumelle firefighters to Cheers

Six career firefighters staffing Engine 1 & Engine 2 and Chief 502 responded shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday morning (May 22) to 1901 Club Manor for a reported fire in the kitchen of Cheers restaurant.     Firefighters found a small fire coming from a deep fryer in the kitchen. A metal pan and a carbon dioxide extinguisher were used to extinguish the fire and cool the fryer unit. Employees temporarily closed the restaurant until the unit could be services by its maintenance staff.

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May 16, 2008:

MFD responds to fire at Kimberly Clark facility

Three career firefighters staffing Engine 1, three volunteer firefighters and Chief 501 responded shortly after 9 a.m. Friday (May 16) for a reported fire at the Kimberly Clark facility at 500 Murphy Drive.     Upon their arrival, firefighters found the plant's industrial fire brigade extinguishing a fire in a waste baler machine. Maumelle personnel then used a thermal imaging camera, which detects heat, and found hot spots inside of nearby duct work exceeding 300 degrees and climbing. Firefighters began opening access panels into the duct system, finding heavy smoke and some fire inside. A charged hoseline was used to extinguish the fire and flush out the ducts of embers, brands and burnt coform product.

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May 15, 2008:

Charter School Jacob Abney portrays an injured driver in a two-vehicle MVA during a public education demonstration Thursday (May 15) on the Academics Plus Charter School campus while Maumelle firefighters extricate the passenger of the vehicle. (Photo by Terri Cossey)

Firefighters demonstrate consequences of drunk driving with extrication demonstration

The Maumelle Fire Department and Academics Plus Charter School sponsored a public education demonstration featuring a mock two-vehicle accident Thursday (May 15) in an attempt to educate students not to drink and drive.     The event was coordinated by MFD Captain Tim Bullard and Engineer Michael Cossey, who enlisted the help of the Maumelle Police Department, Baptist Health's MedFlight, Metropolitan EMS (MEMS) and the Pulaski County Coroner to add to the realism of the mock crash.     Before the demonstration began, Cossey outlined drunk driving statistics for students from the charter school's 7th through 12th grades while encouraging them to make smart decisions when it comes to driving under the influence.     Students then witnessed a very realistic scenario as police cars, fire engines and a MEMS ambulance responded to the corner of Lake Pointe Place and Lake Pointe Drive. In the scenario, a drunk driver had crashed into a car with three students. As is often the case in real life, the drunk suffered only minor injuries while the three students were critical -- including one that "died" at the scene.     Firefighters and MEMS personnel provided patient care just as they would in a real accident. After removing the "deceased" victim from the car, firefighters extricated both patients using hydraulic rescue tools commonly known as the Jaws of Life. Police officers performed a field sobriety test on the "drunk driver" and arrested him. MedFlight responded to the scene and airlifted one patient from the wreck. The other was transported by MEMS. The demonstration concluded as the Pulaski County Coroner arrived to place the "deceased" victim in their van.     Students participating as actors in the event included "drunk driver" Hunter Butler, "deceased" Brea Lowe, "injured driver" Jacob Abney and "injured passenger" Will Westmoreland, who was flown from the scene by MedFlight.

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May 14, 2008:

Firefighter Jeremy New (left) and Captain Drew Nichols meet with Division Chief John Payne (right) after investigating a report of smoke in the Comfort Suites at 14322 Frontier Drive. The cause of the smoke was an overheated washing machine.

MFD responds to report of smoke inside of hotel

Seven career firefighters staffing Engine 1, Brush 1 & Truck 1, as well as Chief 502, responded Wednesday (May 14) to a fire alarm and report of smoke inside the Comfort Suites at 14322 Frontier Drive.     As firefighters began their investigation, they found a burning odor and light smoke inside the structure. After searching the entire structure and using a thermal imaging camera used to see heat, personnel traced the odor to a overheated washing machine in the laundry room.     One volunteer firefighter also responded to the incident.

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May 10, 2008:

Two people were injured in multi-vehicle accident May 10 at the intersection of South Odom Blvd. & Maumelle Blvd.

Two injured in Maumelle Boulevard MVA

Maumelle firefighters were dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident with multiple injuries at approximately 7:48 p.m. Saturday (May 10) at the intersection of South Odom Blvd. & Maumelle Blvd.     Upon their arrival, Engine Company 1 found two injured patients in one of the vehicles. After forcing open one of the vehicle's doors that had been stuck, firefighter treated both patients who were then transported to an area hospital by Metropolitan EMS (EMS).     Four volunteer firefighters responded, including three that stood by at the station to respond to any additional calls.

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April 3, 2008:

One extricated in car vs. school bus accident

Maumelle fighters responded Thursday (April 3) for an accident with unknown injuries involving a Pulaski County school bus and a passenger vehicle. Upon arrival, firefighters found the bus empty of students but the long occupant of the passenger car trapped inside. Volunteers were paged for manpower support. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the driver the car, who was transported to a local hospital by Metropolitan EMS. The driver of the bus was not injured. Firefighters also applied absoarbant to contain spilled automotive fluids to render the roadway safe.     Engine 1, Truck 1, Chief 501 and Chief 502 responded with a total of five career firefighters and two chief officers. Five volunteers also responded to the incident.

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March 31, 2008:

Electrical fire brings firefighters to industrial park

Six on-duty Maumelle firefighters and two volunteer firefighters responded shortly after midnight to a report of smoke and fire from the old Windsor Door Monday morning (March 31).     Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the exterior of the building and quickly made entry into the building. The fire was contained to an electrical room on the exterior of the structure.      In all, Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck 1, Chief 501 & Chief 502 responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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March 28, 2008:

MFD awarded SAFER grant; will hire four in 2008

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that the Maumelle Fire Department has been awarded a SAFER grant that will allow for the hiring of four additional firefighters this year.     The SAFER program, which stands for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, was created to help local fire departments increase the number of trained firefighters and to comply with federal regulations on firefighter response to fires and other emergencies.     Maumelle's grant award will partially fund four additional career firefighter positions, increasing the department's roster to 21 firefighters. By accepting the grant award, Maumelle had to make a five-year commitment during which the federal contribution towards the new firefighter positions will diminish. The grant will fund 90% of each position in the first year. By year five, the city will bear the full costs of the positions.     It is expected that the new firefighters will be hired by summer and will be on the job in Maumelle this fall after completion of rookie school.

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March 23, 2008:

Fire Dept. makes quick work of Easter house fire

Around dawn on Easter morning, four career firefighters and five volunteer firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a residence at 61 Kingspark Drive. Upon arrival, Engine Company 1 found light smoke showing from a roof vent. During their investigation, firefighters found fire inside the residence and quickly extinguished it with a 1.75" hoseline.     The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In all, Engine 1, Truck 1, Chief 501 & Chief 502 responded to the fire. Three off-duty career firefighters were recalled to duty to provide coverage for the city while units were operating on scene.

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March 21, 2008:

Firefighters respond to MedFlight emergency landing

Maumelle firefighters responded Friday evening, March 21, to the Maumelle Diamond Center after Baptist Health's MedFlight was forced to make an emergency landing after smelling smoke in the cockpit.     Upon arrival, the odor had dissipated and the patient on board was transported to the hospital by Metropolitan EMS.

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February 9, 2008:

Facilities board agrees to lease land for fire station

The Maumelle Public Facilities Board recently voted to lease six acres of land on the city's northside to the City of Maumelle for construction of planned police and fire stations.     During their meeting February 9, the board agreed to lease the piece of property located on Murphy Drive between Maumelle Blvd. and Union Court to the city for a term of 99 years at $1 per year.     Preliminary architectural plans for separate police and fire department headquarters at the new site have been prepared. The new fire station, which could be open as early as Fall 2009, will house fire department administrative offices and an engine company to protect the north half of the city. The current station at 100 Millwood Circle will remain open as Station Two until land and financing can be secured for a station on the southside of Maumelle.

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January 2008:

This 1994 E-One Hush pumper, which served as Maumelle's front-line engine for more than 11 years, is currently being offered for sale by the city.

Fire Department accepting bids to sell 1994 E-One pumper

The City of Maumelle is currently accepting bids for the purchase of the fire department's 1994 E-One Hush pumper. The rig entered service brand new in January 1995 and served as the department's front-line engine until being replaced in April 2006.     The apparatus is currently available for inspection at the Police & Fire Building at 100 Millwood Circle by contacting Fire Chief George Glenn at (501) 851-1337, extension 119. Bids must be received by 4 p.m. on February 29. The city reserves the right to reject bids considered unacceptable.     For more information, CLICK HERE to see the sale announcement (document is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat).

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