Rich Gardiner
-
The Basics
-
Rich on Patch
-
More Stuff
Comments
-
On the article $1.5 Million in Damage after Bel Air Condo Fire
-
On the article Harford County Monitoring Hurricane Sandy
Rich Gardiner
3:59 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
ReplyGearing up for anyone of the fire departments in Harford County means anything and everything from prepping for staffing needs to ensuring a fire stations's self sustainability for at least 24-48 hours.
There is alot left between now and the beginning of next week. This storm, like all other tropic anomalies, sits out in the warm water and wobbles back and forth. Its path could take a variety of directions. In the event of a worse case scenario the fire departments are planning now. If nothing else this is a good exercise for planning our readiness.
You can follow all the emergency news, incidents and safety information 24 hours a day via our Facebook media PIO page, facebook.com/fireinfo or via our Twitter feed @harforcofireems.
Rich
-
On the article Man Flown Out After Fall In Churchville
Rich Gardiner
6:59 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
ReplyThe reason you are hearing so many sirens is that the emergency call volume is increasing in the Route 22 corridor. The more the population increases and businesses grow and develop the more you will have an increase in the use of emergency services (including law enforcement). There are plans for the BAVFC to locate a future 4th station somewhere in the Route 22 and Route 543 service area to handle the calls, similar to the Patterson Mill expansion. No dates have been provided as of yet for this. (Follow emergency news at facebook.com/fireinfo, twitter at belairvolfire and harforcofireems)
-
On the Blog Post BLOG: Bel Air VFC Statement on Facebook Postings

Rich Gardiner
7:38 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Freddy please read the stories all throughout the media where it states an apology was extended in a personal meeting with Sonic.
-
On the article Forest Hill Fire Displaces 7
Rich Gardiner
6:48 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
ReplyI wanted to pass along that the Bel Air VFC main fire station on South Hickory Avenue will be the drop off point for anyone who wishes to donate to this family. The following is some information that may help for those interested in helping out. Any questions feel free to post them here and I will direct them to the right people.
Newer or gently used clothing needed:
Boys 12-18mths
Size 3 diapers
Boys 4T
Size 8-9 little boys shoes
Men's XL shirt
Women's size M or 6/8Do not yet have the men's pants or shoe size or the women's shoe size.
New or gently used toys for the boys as well especially spiderman for the 3 year old boy.
Also extremely helpful would be gift cards to target and/or toys r us since the clothing response has been so overwhelming and there will be certain things they will need to pick out themselves such as undergarments and socks.
To make a direct donation to the family, follow this link for more info. The email address to send money via PayPal is noted.
-
On the article UPDATE: Accident Closes Traffic Conowingo Dam
Rich Gardiner
12:14 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
ReplyAll and Sean: this incident involved farm implements and a tractor trailer and was dispatched to emergency personnel at 4:48am. One person was taken by land to Bayview by the Darlington VFC. There was also a large quantity of diesel fuel spilled as well as the non hazardous cargo of the tractor trailer that was spilled. The Harford County HazMat Team was also called to the scene to remediate the diesel issues. The cause is being investigated by the MSP. Any speculation on the cause would be improper.
Rich Gardiner
Spokesperson Harford Co Vol Fire and EMS Association -
On the article Man Hit By Car In Bel Air

Rich Gardiner
6:54 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Emily there is no Maryland policy that says all traffic accident victims go to Shock Trauma. What hospital receives the victim is determined by their injuries. There are many times accident victims are taken to local hospitals like Upper Chesapeake and Harford Memorial. Hope that helps.
-
On the Blog Post BLOG: Fire Department Training at Vacant BBT Bank Building
Rich Gardiner
7:26 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
ReplyI do have a bit of bad news for those looking to visit on the 18th. The drill has been cancelled due to circumstances outside the fire departments control and unfortunately it will not be rescheduled. You can read more http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/neighborhoods/bel-air/ph-ag-fire-training-canceled-0215-20120214,0,1333904.story
-
On the Blog Post BLOG: Fire Department Training at Vacant BBT Bank Building
Rich Gardiner
7:24 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
ReplyDadof2 many thanks for the note. I know fellow Patch readers who are in the public safety field will enjoying seeing your appreciative message!
-
On the article Fire Damages Vacant Bel Air Home
Rich Gardiner
11:34 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012
ReplyIn addition to the comments in the story I would like to add do not paint the fire hydrant in front of your house, in your neighborhood, etc. Firefighters had a bit of a hard time locating the one they used to fight this fire today. Map data showed it was located there (Glenangus Drive and Wheel Rd area) but for some reason it had been painted an "'olive green" shade thus changing from its assigned color. Fire hydrants are colored by the water company for a reason ("Olive green" isnt one) and they should not be tampered with.
Rich Gardiner
3:41 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013
Nicole: I believe the best place to help those displaced would be getting in touch with the local Red Cross office or Disaster Assistance. They were both on the scene this morning.
Stephanie: If you contact Red Cross or the State Fire Marshals Office in Bel Air they can most likely help you on the information with your aunt. You may also want to check with their property manager too. Hope that helps.
Tamara: On behalf of the other ffs in the county thank you for the thoughts. In reference to the pets, unfortunately one dog did perish in the fire.
In general please everyone take the time to protect yourselves. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are properly installed and operational. Make sure you have a fire escape plan in place and practice it with your loved ones. These simple things can make a huge difference when an emergency strikes. If you have any questions on these items call your local fire station or stop in and ask for help. Thats what they are there to do and they will be more than happy to help.
Rich Gardiner
Spokesperson/PIO
Harford Co Vol Fire/EMS Association