Fire & Rescue Department News - Metropolitan Washington Airports ...

Metropolitan Washington Aiports Authority
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Trading Places
Orbital Vehicle 103 (OV-103) “Discovery” departed Kennedy Space Center for its permanent home at the Udvar Hazy Center here at
Dulles International Airport. Discovery replaced OV-101 “Enterprise”, which has found its new home aboard the carrier flight deck of
the USS Intrepid anchored in New York City.
Above (l to r) EMS Captain
Bonnett, Fire Medic
Powell, Battalion Chief
Testa, Captain Howey,
Fire Medic Deniston,
Technician Baden,
Technician Legore and
Firefighter Riehle. Below (l
to r) Technician Bailey,
Fire Medic Bowman and
Technician Lauck
Left, (l to r) rear Captain
Sappington, Technicians
Brown, Umbenour and
Holsinger, Captain Smith,
Technicians Conaty and
Sanchez. Front (I to r)
Battalion Chief DePaolis,
Systems Coordinator Grant
and Technician Stoneberger

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
A Message from Fire Chief Mesaris . . .
Gary A. Mesaris
"We are always
Seeking ways
To Provide
the best
In customer
service
And
Employee
relations."
This year represents the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department. During that time
the men and women of our department have served and protected millions of
people at two on the Nation’s most prestigious airports. The level of service
provided is unsurpassed by other fire departments. The magnitude of the
effort that is put forth each day by you to become better trained, to educate
those we serve, to minimize risk, and to respond to calls for assistance is a
testament to your dedication and commitment to serving others.
Recently the NIST and the International Association of Fire Fighters joined
together to conduct the most comprehensive, to date, study of firefighting in
high rise structures. The study was designed to better understand the
operational requirements of these difficult incidents and the toll they exact on
fire department personnel. For more than 2 months, fire departments
throughout the NCR sent vehicles, equipment, and personnel to Crystal City
to participate in rigorous scenarios, often during some of the hottest days the
region has experienced. I am impressed with the willingness of our
personnel to step up and take part in these physically-demanding exercises.
Feedback from my colleagues in the region speaks of your commitment,
distinguished performance, and capability. I proudly accept those accolades
on your behalf and thank you for a job well done.
On another note, there has been a great deal of publicity lately about Metro’s
Silver Line and the management of MWAA. It seems many people are
looking for opportunities to take a shot at the Airports Authority. Chief Ron
Coleman (retired California State Fire Marshal) referred to this type of
situation as being like a “shark feeding frenzy” – once there is a drop of blood
in the water, everyone goes nuts trying to get a piece of the action. My point
in mentioning it is to reinforce with you that none of it is a reflection on you
or our department. You continue to perform in an exemplary manner,
making a difference in peoples’ lives every day. Keep up the good work of
providing outstanding service and moving our department forward.
Be alert to give service. What counts a great deal in life is what
we do for others.
Gary A. Mesaris
Fire Chief
Gary A. Mesaris, Fire Chief
Captain Ronald Grayson, Editor
Assistant Fire Chief Michael Defina, Editorial Advisor
Page 2
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS is published quarterly by the
Fire & Rescue Department of the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority to provide information to current and retired FRD employees.
All articles, questions and comments should be electronically submitted to:
Ronald.Grayson@mwaa.com Deadline for submission of articles & photos
is 3/1, 6/1, 9/1 & 12/1.
MWAA FIRE & RESCUE NEWS Access: MWAA.com, Emergency
Services.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 3
Passing the Baton
(L-R) Fire Medic de
Lima, Technician
Snowden and Captain
Graber stand in front
of Discovery as it
paused en route to the
NASM.
In this issue . . .
Left (l to r) Airports
Authority Police
Officers Richard
Jameson, and
James Devinney
with Police Chief
Holl (center)
In this issue . . .
Trading Places 1
Message from Fire Chief Mesaris 2
Passing the Baton 3
Spectacular Entrance 4
Be A Pilot Day 5
at the NASM
National Capital Regional 6
ARFF Training Center
New Hire Orientation Program 7
New Apparatus 8 - 9
Community & Global 10
Outreach
Muscular Dystrophy & Fill 11
The Boot
Promotions 12
Achievements & Awards 13
Lateral Move 14
Service Awards - 2012
New Patch
Retiree’s Corner 15 - 19
Family Matters 20
Contributors….
Vince Caponi
Steven Gervis
James Fugate
Michael Defina
Ronald Grayson
James Grant
Gregory Long
C-Shift IAD

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 4
Spectacular Entrance
Spectacular Entrance for Orbital Vehicle Discovery
Many spectators throughout
our area snapped many
photos of Discovery during
its approach. FRD personnel
have captured some
great shots, some unique
to our airports. This photo
(right) was taken from fire
station 304 by Captain
Ronald Grayson. The two
photos below were captured
by Captain Gregory
Long.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Be A Pilot Day at the NASM
Be a pilot day was held at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum on June 16, 2012. The Fire & Rescue
Department provided a stand-by for emergencies and also participated in the event with very popular static displays that
included a Medical Care Support Unit, an Oshkosh Striker Foam Unit, a Medic Unit, and an Engine. Fire and Rescue
personnel were kept busy the entire day answering questions and displaying equipment to thousands of the curious
onlookers at the air show.
An CH-3 helicopter
(left) and a CH-46
(right) from U.S.
Marine Helicopter
Squadron HMX-1,
based at MCAS
Quantico, VA.
Lands at the NASM.
HMX-1 provides
Presidential and
Executive/VIP transportation
and is
home to “Marine
One”.
Page 5

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 6
Practical Evolutions conducted at the National Capital
Region Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Training Center at IAD
On Tuesday and Wednesday May 15 th & 16 th ; the Safety and Training Division facilitated a series of drills for the Mount Weather
Fire Department. About 15 firefighters and officers trained each day to include a visit by their Fire Chief, Site Manager and Deputy
Manager. The practical evolutions were conducted at the National Capitol Region Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Training Center
(formally the LFTF). After a safety briefing, the crews were divided, with some personnel training on aircraft egress, laddering,
search and rescue and hose line management while the other half of the group learned about the hazards associated with wheel and
engine fires and then practiced extinguishment techniques under live fire utilizing our wheel and engine prop.
After a brief break, the crews went back to their evolutions, this time working on interior fire attack, search and rescue and RIT
operations all with live fire conditions on the inside of our aircraft mock up. Following lunch, a culmination of the training events
was realized when each attendee was given the opportunity to combat a large fuel spill with a hose line.
Special thanks to the following personnel for assisting the Safety & Training Division: Captains Howey and Pope; Technicians
Kiger, T. Legore and Scarpone; Firefighter Burke; Fire Medics Schilling, Mirra, Redman and Dixon.
Airport FRD instructors
put crews
through the paces
of aircraft approach,
fire attack, knock
down and extinguishment.
Crews from Mount Weather Fire
Department pictured left and
right.
Guided by
Airport FRD
instructors,
crews rotated
through wheel
and engine fire
evolutions
(above) and
(left) practice
interior fire
attack and
victim rescue.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 7
New Hire Orientation Program
The Safety & Training Division facilitated our New Hire Orientation
program, for recently hired Firefighters Carl Moore (A Shift
IAD), Shawn Jaret (C Shift DCA), Gerald Shaw (C Shift IAD) and
Fire Medic Brendon Brooks (A Shift IAD). On the last day of their
program, the recruits encountered a series of live fire drills in
which they had to put their skills to work. Assistance was provided
by Captain David Howey, Technicians Bellevou, Wanka, Holsinger,
Kiger and Firefighter Burke.
Pictured above are (l-r) Firefighter Jaret, Fire
Medic Brooks, Firefighters Moore and Shaw

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
New Apparatus
Page 8
Engine 301Bravo is the newest addition to our structural firefighting fleet. It is a
2012 Pierce Arrow XT with a 1500 gpm pump and 670 water capacity. Engine
301B operates out of Fire Station 301.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
New Apparatus (continued)
Utility Terrain Vehicle-302 is the latest
edition to our specialized apparatus at Fire
Station-302. It is a 2012 Kawasaki Mule
with body fabrication by UWS. UTV-302
is equipped with a stretcher and a patient
attendant’s seat and is available for special
events and for deployment to the more remote
areas of our campuses where access
may be difficult for conventional apparatus.
The unit was provided to us via UASI
grant funding and is one of several in the
region.
Page 9

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 10
Community and Global Outreach
On March 17, 2012, Fire Captain /Assistant Fire Marshal James Fugate, M. A., participated
as Conference Director, and as an instructor, for two international professional
education conferences. The Emergency Responders Conferences were held in the
city of Cusco, and San Rafael (a suburb of Cusco), in the state of Cusco, Peru. The
conferences were sponsored by the humanitarian organization Reach Out And
Learn.
Participating in the conferences were over one hundred native Peruvian emergency
responders. The participants consisted of Firefighters, Medics, and Police officers
from the city of Cusco and its suburbs; and from the remote mountains in the state
of Cusco. Topics of instruction included first aid, emergency childbirth, mass casualty
triage, and disaster preparedness. Instructors were emergency response personnel,
disaster preparedness experts, physicians, and other medical experts from the
United States. The Disaster Responders Conference was held at the Wanchaq Fire
Station, Captain Fugate (upper right) assisted with instructing the volunteer
"bomberos". The word
bomberos translated means
firefighter. The training they
received was very vital, as
they had the zeal but little
skill training. (lower l-r) volunteers
receive classroom
instruction. (lower right)
volunteers collect vitals and
practice triage on simulated
patients.
On June 25, 2012 in Leonardtown, Maryland some of our
outstanding FRD personnel gave of themselves by preparing and
serving a meal in effort to support an endeavor sponsored by the
Muscular Dystrophy Association. The children enjoyed BBQ
chicken and the organizers asked to the group to come again
next year. The money collected during the MDA drive shall go to
a great cause like the camp. This was a team effort from the
heart. Pictured from left to right are: Technician Joe Scarpone,
Fire Medic Bruce Kaufman, Technician Paul Tackish, Technician
Scott Bellevou, Fire Medic Buffy Schilling, EMS Captain Eric Patterson,
Technician Tammy Sweeney and Battalion Chief Chris
Larson.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 11
Muscular Dystrophy Association “Fill The Boot”
Recently, Muscular Dystrophy Association ambassador families visited fire stations at both airports
in preparation for the upcoming annual “Fill The Boot” drive to benefit the MDA. Ambassador
families relate their experiences and how the MDA has improved their lives. The families met with
Fire & Rescue Department personnel and were provided a tour of the fire stations and apparatus.
IAD: Josh Jurak and his family with C Shift personnel of Fire
Stations 302 and 303.
DCA: Nick Grimes and his mother Kathy with the personnel of Fire
Station-301, C Shift.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 12
Promotions
Fire Chief Gary Mesaris has promoted the below pictured personnel. Congratulations to all promotees, may you be
successful in all your endeavors!
Captain Christopher Gavurnik
01/01/12
Battalion Chief Scott Legore
02/26/12
Technician Corey Burke
07/15/12
Technician Patrick Pearce
01/01/12
Technician Jeffrey Crosby
05/20/12
Captain Timothy Legore
07/15/12
Technician Tammy Sweeney
02/12/12
Technician Cullen Rector
05/20/12
Technician Benjamin Young
07/29/12

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 13
Achievements
Fire Chief Mesaris recently granted “Extended Practice” privileges for Advanced Life Support (ALS) to Technician’s
William (Bill) Compher and Christopher Wanka. With this authorization, these personnel can function as a
advanced life support provider and as a result of their initiative, our complement of ALS personnel is bolstered and
our ability enhanced to a provide greater customer service.
Technician William Compher Technician Christopher Wanka
Other personnel currently serving as Extended Practice ALS providers include; Assistant Chief Scott S. Chamberlin,
Battalion Chief Scott Legore, Fire Captains Gary Hubble, Michael Murphy and Christopher Gavurnik. We salute
their perseverance and tenacity.
Awards
(l to R) Deputy Chief Kenney, Captain Bonnett, Medic Powell, Technician
Stoneberger and Captain Howey. Medic Powell and Technician
Stoneberger received an “On the Spot Award” for accolades of
outstanding customer service rendered during a call at IAD.
Fire Chief Gary Mesaris presents Technician Stoneberger
his five year service award. Captain Howey looks on.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 14
Lateral Move
Technician Gregory Belden
3.0 Years with FRD
Technician Gregory Belden has made a career change from
the Airports Authority FRD to the Airports Authority Police
Department. His badge trade is effective 07/16/12. We wish
Gregory well as he continues serve as a member of the Airports
Authority Public Safety team.
New Patch Design
The Safety and Training Division with the approval
of Chief Mesaris has adopted a new Division Patch.
The lantern is
the symbol
for knowledge
and
learning.
Our Purpose:
Research and
Professional
Development.
Our Motto:
“Palaestra
Praecessi Laboro”
Latin
interpretation
for: OperationalReadiness.
The literaltranslation
– Preparing to go to work. We are very proud of
it and hope we continue to uphold its all-inclusive
meanings.
Service Awards - 2012
The following personnel have earned service awards
this quarter. We congratulate them on their tenure with
the Airports Authority team.
June - August
25 Years
Wallace Danielson
Michael Defina
Michael Fetsko
John Garcia
Ronald Grayson
Leslie Johnson
William Martin
Robert Mott
Patrick Snyder
James Spieles
David Testa
Terry Wolverton
James Fugate
Michael Hite
Edwin Lillis
David Nixon
Christopher Gardner
20 Years
Randy Baum
15 Years
Christopher Larson
Michael Harrison
10 Years
Timothy Legore
5 Years
Casey Naill
Eric Scott
Tammy Sweeney
Paul Tackish
Gary Mesaris
Daniel Redman
Paul Virden

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Retiree’s Corner
Terry Wolverton’s Retirement Luncheon
Above: Fire Medic
Deniston stands by
after presenting Terry
with a gift box from his
shift and other
contributors. Terry
opens gift box and
finds a vacation shirt.
Below, to his surprise
in the very bottom of
the box were tickets
for two to Las Vegas!
Terry and family (l to r) Donna
and Lindsay
Page 15
Above: Terry is
presented his Airports
Authority retirement
plaque by Fire Chief
Gary Mesaris. C Shift
and structural
apparatus. Below,
Assistant Chief
Chamberlin presents
Terry his retirement
credentials.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Retiree’s Corner (continued)
Captain Terry Wolverton’s Retirement Luncheon
(Continued)
Deputy Chief Kenney presents
Terry with his helmet
Terry relaxes a moment during
roasting and presentations
(l to r)
Assistant
Chief
Chamberlin,
Deputy Chief
Kenney,
Assistant
Chief Defina,
Captain
Roxenberg ,
Fire Chief
Mesaris &
Deputy Chief
Lasher
The station 302 “moose” has seen
many members come and go.
(l to r) Deputy Chiefs Lasher & Kenney,
Captain Wolverton and Assistant Chief
Chamberlin
Terry performing one of his last duties
at the Airports Authority
The Shift
As he departs, C Shift honors Captain
Wolverton with a water arch
Terry is axed by Local 3217 President
Technician Pevarnik
Page 16
Guests, friends, family and FRD
members enjoy the meal prepared
by C Shift for Terry
Terry and family talks with Assistant
Chief Chamberlin, Airports Authority PD
Officer C. Moore and Technician Sanchez
Retired (l to r) Sean King, Billy Webster, Terry
Wolverton and Chester Lauck

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 17
Retiree’s Corner (continued)
Technician John (Andy) Garcia retires after 25 years of service to MWAA
(l to r) The Garcia family: Technician Garcia, Marta (MWAA PD) and Jake. Andy takes final
bow and addressed guests and fellow firefighters. Andy and Marta enjoying meal.
(r to l) Fire Chief Mesaris presents Andy his MWAA retirement
plaque. Assistant Chief Defina presented Andy his retirement
credentials.
Andy receives a plaque from his shift presented by
Captain Hubble
Vice President for Public Safety Mr. Tippett speaks to all in
attendance and wishes Andy well.
Retirees and coworkers (l to r) Andy, John Spiker, Vince
Ambers, Ralph Cornell, John Brazier, D.R. Pace, Michael
Kalasankas and Battalion Chief Tall.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 18
Retiree’s Corner (continued)
Technician John (Andy) Garcia retires after 25 years of service to MWAA
(l to r) Technician Pevarnik (Local 3217 President), EMS
Captain Liedke & Technician Garcia
(l to r) Technician Garcia is axed by Technician Pevarnik
Guests listen to accolades and roasting of Andy during
ceremony
(l to r) Vice President for Public Safety Mr. Tippett , Deputy
Chief Lasher & Deputy Chief Kenney enjoying meal
(l to r) Andy Garcia with retirees Pace and Brazier
(l to r) Battalion Chief’s Legore and Testa, Deputy Chief Kenney, Assistant
Chief Chamberlin, Technician Garcia, Vice President for Public Safety Mr.
Tippett, Deputy Chief Lasher, Fire Chief Mesaris, Battalion Chief Gervis,
Assistant Chief Defina, Battalion Chief Larson and Deputy Chief Caponi

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS Page 19
Retiree's Corner (continued)
Fire Captain Terry Wolverton
25 years
Fire Fighter Michael Hite
25 Years
Fire Medic Bruce Kaufman
4.8 years
Technician J. Andrew Garcia
25 Years
Fire Captain Wallace Danielson
25 Years

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Family Matters . . .
Special Delivery
Technician Morreale & Family
welcomed their new Son, Bradley
Glen Morreale ,on Sunday April 3,
2011 at 21:02 in Winchester
Medical Center.
Little Glen Bradley weighed 7
pounds, 8 ounces.
Congratulations to the Morreales
from your extended family at
MWAA FRD!
Technician Glover & Family
welcomed their healthy baby girl
Carolina Rose on Saturday 21,
July 2012.
Carolina Rose weighed 5 pounds
and 6 ounces and was 17 inches
long.
Congratulations to the Glovers
from your extended family at
MWAA FRD!
With Deepest Sympathy
It is with great sadness that the Airports Authority FRD reports the passing of:
Assistant Chief Chamberlin’s Mother-in-law Elizabeth Colvin
May 30, 2012
Firefighter Medic Swartz’s Grandmother Agnes Swartz
June 24, 2012
Family Does Matter
Page 20