Recent media reports have created some confusion and questions about how area fire departments intend to handle situations where a patient is found deceased outside the hospital.  Rest assured that the Shepherdstown Fire Department, which has proudly served our community for over two centuries, is committed to providing outstanding service and exceeding the community's expectations. 

Although the details of some changes have not been finalized, we are working toward a solution that will allow us to provide compassionate assistance to the family of the deceased and continue to care for those with serious illness or injury.  We believe we can achieve this solution by working with families and other agencies equipped for these situations.

How it used to be...
In the past if someone were to die outside the hospital and the family did not advise us that they had funeral or transport arrangements, or if the case was being investigated by the medical examiner, we would transport the deceased to the local hospital.  If the death did not require investigation, the funeral home selected by the family would retrieve the body from the hospital.  Although not required, we provided this service as a courtesy to our community.

What changed...
The hospital will no longer accept bodies of the deceased that died outside the hospital.  If we were to transport the body, we would have no place to take them.  The option of holding the body at the hospital while a funeral home was being selected or arrangements made just isn't an option anymore.

What we proposed...
For situations where the medical examiner needs to investigate or take control of the body, we felt it appropriate that they arrange transport to their location.  We want our ambulances to be available to serve patients with medical emergencies.

For situations where the medical examiner releases the body to the family we will ask the family if they have a preferred funeral home.  In many cases some pre-arrangements have been made and we will be glad to contact the provider on their behalf.  If the death is unexpected or no pre-arrangements have been made, we would offer the family some options and make contact with the funeral home on their behalf to come and transport the deceased to the facility that would be conducting the funeral.  In these cases there is no longer a place to take the deceased for holding - they must go to the funeral provider. 

Why doesn't the ambulance just transport the deceased?...
First, as we've explained above, if the deceased isn't subject to a medical examiner investigation we have no place to transport them to without a funeral home being selected.  If a funeral home is selected, part of their service is to come to the scene and transport the deceased back to their facility.

The reason we want to let these folks handle the transport is so that we can serve you, our community.  Funeral homes are equipped to transport the deceased with dignity and care with the same level of quality and service you would expect from us.  The EMS providers and ambulance however are also, and primarily, equipped to respond to medical emergencies of patients who require life supporting interventions.

There have been numerous occasions here locally where the EMS providers and ambulance have been transporting a deceased person when an emergency call comes in that requires our services to support life.  If we are engaged in the transport of the deceased, we are not available to answer the call for the person with a life-threatening illness or injury.

We have served our community for over 200 years and will continue to do so at the same level you expect and deserve.  We understand that the death of a loved one is a stressful and difficult time.  We are not going to be callous or uncaring.  We will do everything we can to assist the family in their time of need.  Likewise we will continue to provide emergency medical services to those with serious illness or injury that require our service to support life.  It is that balance that led us to search for better ways to work with families and other agencies to ensure all of the community's needs are met to the best of our ability.

If you have any questions or concerns about this evolving situation please feel free to contact us.  You may call the station at 304-876-2311 and ask to speak to an EMS Officer or use the 'Contact Us' form on this website.  We appreciate your continued support.

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Grillin' Season! The Shepherdstown Fire Department wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season, but keep in mind some eminent dangers of the season. Here, we have provided some tips from the National Fire Protection Association in an effort to ensure your family is safe this grillin' season!

Safety Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal Grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane Grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Make Grillin' Safety a Priority

Each and Every year people are hurt or killed, and property is damaged as a result of grills. Here are some statistics to keep in mind. According to the NFPA:

• In 2004-2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,700 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,200 structure fires and 4,500 outside fires. These 7,700 fires caused an annual average of 13 civilian deaths (to the nearest ten), 120 civilian injuries and $70 million in direct property damage.

• Gas grills were involved in an average of 6,200 home fires, and charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,300 home fires.

• More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 7% started in the kitchen.

• Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 49% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 56% of the outside gas grills, and 39% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

When in doubt, call us. Don't take a chance on not being around for the next grillin' season!

Would you like to print out the flyer from the NFPA on Grilling Safety. Download it here!

The year 2010 was an extremely productive year for the Shepherdstown Fire Department. We closed the year with approximately 308 fire calls and 876 EMS calls. In the year 2010 we were proficient in placing into service our new brush truck, Brush 3, to better support our community and the surrounding communities.

On a prideful note our Rescue Engine, Rescue Engine 3, won 3^rd place in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester, Viriginia. We look back on 2010 with a great deal of pride and that makes us look forward to serving our community in the year 2011.

We enter 2011 with much of the same leadership and drive from 2010; Chief – Ross Morgan, Assistant Chief – Craig Simpson, Captain – Brian Fluharty, Lieutenant 3-1 – Mike Smith, and Lieutenant 3-2 – Zack Morgan. The Emergency Medical Services line officers also remain about the same; Chief 3 – Micah Kiger, Assistant Chief 3 – Leslie Simpson, Captain 3 – Bob Burner, the new Lieutenant 3 – Monte Conner, and Lieutenant 3-1 - Marshall DeMeritt.

The administrative officers have been remodeled in some aspects! The President – Bob Burner, Vice President – Dick Clark, Treasurer – Denny Barron, Assistant Secretary – Dee Conner, and Secretary – Libby Nester.

The year 2011 will bring with it new challenges to face and overcome, rest assured that your Shepherdstown Fire Department is prepared to provide the professional, courteous service to our community.