San Jose Firefighters Successful in Summer Games

For the past week Firefighters from across California have converged on San Jose for the 35 Annual Firefighter Olympics. Contestants in pursuit of the gold have been challenged by the best Firefighter/Athletes in the state. Competition has been taking place throughout the Greater Bay Area including, Bethel Island Delta (Bass Fishing), Twin Creeks, Sunnyvale (Flag Football, Soccer, Softball), Coyote Creek & Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Gilroy/Morgan Hill (Golf), Alameda County Fairgrounds (Horseshoes), Logitech Ice Center, San Jose (Ice Hockey) and “The Hook” Santa Cruz (Surfing).

The competition has been stiff and San Jose Firefighters have been very successful. As of noon Friday the Division IV Softball Team, Managed by Captain Tom Westrup, was still battling for the Gold. The Soccer team, led by Captain Chris Remer, barely missed out on the Bronze Medal by losing to LA County Fire Department 3-1.

Unofficial Results:

Racquet Ball:

Open-Singles: F/F Gonzalo Chayrez E25A (Gold)

Masters-Singles: F/F Gonzalo Chayrez E25A (Gold)

Doubles: F/F Gonzalo Chayrez E25A & F/F Amalio Gonzalez HIT29B (Gold)

Surfing:

Senior: F/F Shawn Newcombe (Gold)

Intermediate: CA Barry Franchi T3A (Bronze)

Swimming:

50 Yard Freestyle: F/E Jeff Olivetti E17C (Silver)

Wake Boarding:

Intermediate: F/F Michael Mass (Silver)

Triathlon:

40-49: F/E Mike Patterson E27B (Gold)

Shooting:

Action Combat Pistol: F/F Steve Nelson T2C (Gold)

High Power Rifle: F/F Steve Nelson T2C (Silver)

Small Bore Rifle: F/E Steve Nelson T2C (Bronze)

Moto X:

Open Vintage/Mini/Quad: F/E Bill Cooley T14A (Gold)

Four Strokes: F/E Marty Walker E14C (Gold)

Four Strokes: F/F Raul Mayorga T3C (Bronze)

Open Novice: Tim Lewis (Bronze)

Open Intermediate: CA JP Santos E12B (Bronze)

Open Expert: F/E Bill Cooley T14A (Bronze)

Grand Prix Intermediate: F/F Tim Lewis E15C (Gold)

Grand Prix Intermediate: CA JP Santos E12B (Silver)

Grand Prix Novice: F/E Ray Nibbi E31B (Silver)

Darts:

Cricket Singles: F/F Mike Tapia T4B (Silver)

301 Singles: F/F Eduardo Silva E8B (Bronze)

Submitted by; Captain Alberto N. Olmos, SJFD, PIO

Driver and Passenger Narrowly Escape Major Injuries

On Wednesday July 19, 2006, just after 2pm San Jose Firefighters responded to a report of a construction crane failure. The crane collapsed across the on ramp from Lelong Street to north bound Hwy 87. Initial reports indicated a vehicle was caught under the crane and the passengers may be trapped. San Jose Fire Communications immediately dispatched an enhanced rescue response.

Under the direction of H/C Battalion Chief Curtis Jacobson, Engine Company 3, 6, 30 and Truck Company 3 arrived on scene and found both occupants out of the vehicle. No extrication was involved. Both patients were examined on scene and appeared to be relatively injury free. Due to the extensive damage of vehicle and potential for injury, both passengers were transported to a local hospital for observation.

The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation by OSHA.

Submitted by; Captain Alberto N. Olmos, SJFD, PIO

Second Alarm Residential Fire DisplacesFour

On Tuesday, July 18, 2006, just after 4 pm, San Jose Firefighters responded to multiple reports of a roof fire at 1278 Medley Drive. Under the direction of Battalion Chief Keith Keesling, a second alarm was dispatched including five Engine Companies, Three Truck Companies, three Battalion Chiefs and six support units. Engine Company 24, led by Captain Oscar Tovar, was first on scene and reported a fully involved roof fire. Engine 24 personnel immediately deployed large diameter hose lines to prevent the fire from spreading and protect the endangered neighboring homes. Engine 26, led by Captain Javier Valle, provided Engine 24 with a five inch water supply and assisted with fire attack. Truck Company 18, led by H/C Captain Cesar Tarango, used an aerial ladder to provide a ladder pipe operation. Salvage and overhaul was completed to minimize property damage and prevent the possibility of a rekindle. Firefighters worked diligently and endured temperatures above 100 degrees on the fire ground. A total of 44 Firefighters were used to bring this blaze under control.

The two story single family residence suffered extensive damage and was declared uninhabitable. The American Red Cross responded to provide emergency housing for four residents. There were no reported injuries to any Civilians or Fire Department personnel. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Submitted by: Captain, Alberto N. Olmos, PIO, SJFD

Live Fire Training for San Jose Fire Department Recruit Academy

On Friday, July 14, 2006, 31 new San Jose Firefighter Recruits participated in 8 hours of Wildland Firefighter Training. The San Jose Fire Recruit Academy, Training Staff and five Fire Companies conducted live fire training at Santa Teresa County Park. As part of their eighteen week Academy recruits learned important Wildland Firefighting tactics and strategies. The current Recruits are scheduled to graduate in late August and be in the field at the height of fire season. The training will prepare them for the challenges of Wildland Firefighting they may confront their first day on the job. Training included progressive hose lays, fire shelter deployments, mobile fire attack, water supply and hand tool operation.

Submitted by; Captain, Alberto N. Olmos, SJFD, PIO