PINES FIRE LIEUTENANT PERFORMS HEROIC RESCUE

On December 30, 2005, Pembroke Pines Fire Department Lieutenant David Gains responded to a “vehicle accident” at Pines Boulevard and U.S. 27.  On his arrival, Gains observed a vehicle floating in a canal that runs parallel to U.S. 27.  The driver was still inside the vehicle.  Several bystanders reported that the driver drove his vehicle straight through the traffic intersection and into the canal.  Lieutenant Gains made his way to the canal bank and began instructing the male occupant to exit the vehicle. 

The driver appeared to be incoherent and unable to follow his commands.  Gains waded into the water and swam around to the driver side window.  He pleaded with the driver to exit the vehicle, but he did not respond.  At this point the vehicle began to rapidly sink.  Water rushed into the vehicle’s open windows.  Gains grabbed the driver’s shirt and was drawn under water by the sinking car. 

After several tugs, Gains was able to extract the victim from his vehicle and pull him to the canal bank.  The patient was transported to Memorial Hospital Regional.  An assessment of his condition was made and revealed the driver was a diabetic suffering from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). 

“Lieutenant Gains is a hero.  There is no question about it,” said Fire Marshal David Raines.  “Our personnel make a positive impact every day on the lives and well being of our residents.  But it is rare when the conditions are so dramatic.  The entire department is proud of Gains’ efforts.”

PINES PARAMEDICS FINISH FIRST

PINES PARAMEDICS FINISH FIRST AGAIN

A team of Paramedics from the Pembroke Pines Fire Department won first place honors in the annual Advanced Life Support Competition at the 2006 Clincal Conference (Clincon) for the second year in a row. Driver Engineers Ruben Troncoso, Marcel Rodriguez and Paramedic Preceptors Brian Bartkowicz and Scott Gunn comprised the team of this year’s winners.
Sixty teams from around the world competed in the event held July 12-13, 2006, in Orlando. Competition scores are tabulated after a tension filled twelve minute emergency scenario. Competitors race against the clock to assess the condition of five patients, recognize their medical needs, and provide appropriate treatment.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Rescue Division Chief Bob Bauman.  “To win the competition two years in a row with two different teams demonstrates the depth and quality of our employees.”

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PINES FIRE DEPARTMENT CROWNS “LITTLE MISS FLICKER”

Ashlyn Allison, the four-year-old daughter of Bill and Tiffany Allison of Pembroke Pines, was the winner of the Pembroke Pines Fire Department’s 14th Annual 2007 “Little Miss Flicker” Pageant. The pageant was held at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center on October 9, 2007 and is part of the Department’s celebration of Fire Prevention Week.

“Our goal is to create an event that is fun and also promotes fire safety awareness,” said Pembroke Pines Fire Marshal Laurie Zargo.

The pageant included a performance from the members of the Dancer’s Gallery in Pembroke Pines and a fire safety presentation on this year’s theme “Practice Your Escape Plan.” Also, the Cheerleaders from Charles Flanagan High School added to the festivities by chaperoning the pageant contestants. All contestants received gift bags.

 

2006 Fire Fighter of the Year
Steven Iannazzone

While off duty and dining at a local restaurant; Iannazzone quickly came to the aid of an unconscious elderly female. Iannazzone helped revive the victim by removing food that was lodged in her airway.

“Steve’s actions made the difference in that situation,” said Division Chief David Raines. “We commend him for his commitment to helping people both on and off duty.”