The Bright Times
A look back at some of the positive moments of 2022
Cardiac arrest survivor reunites with firefighters who helped save his life
After going into cardiac arrest while riding his bike in Ellicott City in June, this local man was saved through the efforts of the crew at Fire Station 3 in West Friendship. This was a miraculous example of how a strong Chain of Survival saves lives and included quick recognition and activation of 911 by a passerby and early CPR performed by a bystander who stopped as they were driving near the scene. Read the full story.
Station 12 Opens
On October 20, 2022, the department hosted the dedication ceremony for our newest station in Waterloo. The opening of Station 12 addresses rising call volumes along the Route 1 corridor, ensuring that our department can continue to meet the community’s need for 911 services.
A few short snippets
In case you missed it on social media, here are a few fun memories from 2022 (in 30 seconds or less)
On your mark, get set, go! Firefighters from Station 8 challenged a few neighborhood kids in Ellicott City to a foot race between calls in August.
After a Walk and Talk at Marriotts Ridge High School with Chief Winston, firefighters lined up for a friendly sprint on the track in July.
A Howard County Police Department officer spontaneously jumped in to "help" with our Instagram Story in October. 💪
Fulton Elementary student raises money to donate Thanksgiving turkey to every HCDFRS station
Local elementary student, Layla, helped raise money to purchase a turkey for every Howard County fire station this Thanksgiving via the DC-based nonprofit, Food on the Stove. Read the full story.
Reaching new milestones: first HCDFRS employee to reach 40 years of service
On January 18, 2022, Captain Robert (Bob) Wiseman became the first HCDFRS career employee in the history of our department to reach 40 years of service, becoming the longest serving career member of HCDFRS. Later in the spring, we wished Captain Wiseman well as he headed off into retirement. Read the full story.
These rescues involved fowl play 🐦
That’s not a cat in that tree
In April, firefighters assisted a resident with a missing macaw named Maui. The bird had gotten loose and ended 20 feet up in a tree despite not being flight-trained. Maui patiently waited for a ladder and gladly stepped onto the firefighter's shoulder for the climb down.
Not quite the birdhouse you’re looking for
Over the spring, Station 5 rescued a starling who got its head stuck in a Clarksville home. Firefighters used two ladders and careful technique to remove the stuck starling without damaging the house. After a brief show and tell for the kids who spotted the bird, it was released unharmed.
HCDFRS' First Female Fire Investigator
In August, Firefighter Christina Rzepecki became the department's first female Fire Investigator after completing National Fire Academy Fire Investigations course.
.png?width=350&height=350&name=Untitled%20design%20(2).png "Follow us")
Getting into the swing of things
Over the spring, firefighters at Station 10 were dispatched for a child stuck in a toddler playground swing. Using rescue tools, firefighters safely extricated the patient, who was uninjured. After being freed, she posed for a quick picture before returning to play with her friends.
Honor Flight veterans get a big welcome at Station 1
Veterans on an Honor Flight over the summer stopped by Station 1 in Elkridge for dinner before heading home. Honor Flights send World War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to see the memorial monuments for the first time.
Trainee Class 35 Graduates
On May 20, 2022, Trainee Class 35 graduated from the academy and entered the field as firefighter recruits.
Local Boy Scouts partner with HCDFRS on community projects
Sensory kits for autistic patients
Over the course of a year, Boy Scout BJ King, developed sensory kits for the transport of autistic patients for his Eagle Scout project. The kits contain objects that help prevent "sensory overload," which some autistic patients can experience due to an ambulance's lights, sounds, etc. Read the full story.
Vial of Life for aging populations
Over the span of a few months, Boy Scout Nicholas Holda provided 228 county residents with Vial of Life packets for his Eagle Scout project. This red file can be attached to a refrigerator with a magnet for first responders to quickly access vital patient information, all in one place. Read the full story.
Firefighters earn silver in “Farmer Wars”
At this year’s Howard County Fair, a team of three HCDFRS firefighters competed in a tractor driving and hay bale stacking competition, placing second behind The Howard County Farm Bureau. Read the full story.
Just a few of the faces of HCDFRS from 2022
Above and beyond
While a 911 response might end when the patient goes to the hospital or the accident has been moved off the road, sometimes there’s still a job to be done. Whether it’s finishing cutting the grass after a patient injuries their hand or teaching a teenager to change a ruined tire, our firefighters proved once again this year that they are always willing to step up for our community.