Cowpens Firefighters Extinguish Blaze At Popular Town Resturant
Fire crews were alerted shortly after 9:00 P.M. Sunday Night to a business fire at the Crawford's Restaurant (The Burger Barn). Cowpens Engine 2 and Ladder 1 arrived on-scene to find a working fire with moderate smoke showing from the roof. Firefighters from Engine 2 gained entry to the business and made a swift attack on the fire while Ladder 1 was set up and crews prepared for possible ventilation of a well involved attic fire. The fire was brought under control within five minutes of initial unit's arrival. Other units on-scene were Converse Engine 3, and Cowpens Rescue 1. The business sustained fire damage located mostly in the attic area but heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the restaurant. This popular dining choice for local residents will likely be closed for sometime, but will likely be able to reopendue to the quick efforts of the Cowpens Fire Department. This was also a great outcome for new Fire Chief, Anthony Blanton.
Last Updated on Monday, 12 March 2012 13:49
Anthony Blanton Appointed As New Fire Chief
Newly Appointed Chief, Tony Blanton
Cowpens Town Council has appointed a new Fire Chief, replacing James Caggiano who stepped down in early March to accept the job of Fire Chief of the City of Gaffney. Replacing Caggiano is long time Assistant Chief,Anthony Blanton.Blanton is highly respected within the fire department and brings 20 plus years of experience in fire service, including 15 years in management positions. He has worked in a number of capacities in his fire service career and has ascended steadily through the ranks and most recently served as the town’s Assistant Fire Chief for the past 11 years. During his tenure as Assistant Chief he managed the growth of the department and helped to take the Cowpens Fire Department from a volunteer department to a combination department. Blanton is currently employed with Boysen USA, LLC, in Gaffney, South Carolina. He is a graduate ofBroome High School and resides in Cowpens with his daughter, Abby, who is nine years old.
James Caggiano, now serving as City of Gaffney Chief
The Department is exited about this new appointment and is looking forward to continuing the great level of service provided to the Town of Cowpens. We are also proud that the Cowpens Fire Department helped in developing former Chief, Caggiano into a wonderful candidate to fill the City of Gaffney's Fire Chief position. We would like to wish him luck in his new endeavours.
Last Updated on Sunday, 18 September 2011 19:15
Nine Firefighters AttendMSU's Machinery Rescue Class in Detroit Michigan
During August and September a total of nine firefighters attended Michigan State University's Machinery Rescue course in Detroit, Michigan. Firefighters learned proper procedures in analyzing a machine's operation as well as machines involved in a manufacturing process, where multiple machines may need to be controlled. Special instruction was provided on identification and securing of energy sources to equipment otherwise known as "Lock-Out, Tag-Out". Students were taught in three different categories of rescue technique. These were: Cutting/Spreading, Lifting, and Dis-assembly. In addition to the class firefighters also enjoyed seeing the City of Detroit and visiting several fire stations within the city. Check out the video below on the class and look for new pictures from the course to be on the site in the near future.
Last Updated on Monday, 19 September 2011 22:21
Structural Tower Rescue Workshop
Captain - Chris Lamb (Pictured Left), plays a victim attached to a tower's guy wire during a recent Structural Tower Rescue Workshop in Frederick, Maryland.
This Ropes ThatRescue Ltd. ,Structural Tower Rescue Workshop was an in-depth, hands-on course, emphasizing structural rescue from the ground up. Bottom up procedures were used on stranded climbers above the rescue team's arriving location. The STRW addresses these important distinctions early on with both structure-basedandground-based rescue techniques, which provide in-depth orientation on lattice steel and monopole radio and power transmission tower construction, climbing techniques and hazards, all for the emergency responder.This is the first and only seminar carefully delineating the many hazards associated with energized power transmission lines for fire fighters. 99% of all above ground towers in the US are electrical power transmission lines.
Before the rescue section begins, students learn several ways of safely climbing not only towers but structures such as bridges using time-tested climbing methods, rest positions, and tips for route strategy. Many of these techniques are used today by seasoned workmen who work on towers and structures as part of their daily employment. All climbing is taught with first-up fall protection and established self belay lines for all subsequent climbers on the tower. This rigorous workshop teaches rescue of uninjured, ill, slightly injured or injured workers or unauthorized climbers on lattice steel and monopole structures up to 40m (125'). The seven-day seminar is designed for emergency responders.
