Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched for a report of a tobacco barn on fire.
See story on page 4
Covington Fire on Watkins Street
Covington Fire crews responded for a report of a possible structure fire on Watkins Street.
See story on page 7
Commercial Run for Owensboro
Owensboro FD responded to a commercial fire at a paint shop on Moseley Street.
See story on page 9
Support Beams
Compromised
Firefighters arrived to find damage to the structure after a car drove through the garage support beam.
See story on page 11
Lexington Gets New Ambulance
Lexington Fire Department welcomed Emergency Care 13 to the LFD fleet.
See story on page 16
Tribute
Zoneton’s Sergeant John Vickers was honored October 1 at the Kentucky Fallen Firefighters Memorial service.
See story on page 21
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page 22
CCFR Responds to Tobacco Barn Fire
On Friday September 26, 2025, ) just after 21 00 hours, Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched to the 1700 block of Rob Mason Road near the Stella community for a report of a tobacco barn on fire. Our dispatchers also advised that the 911 caller stated the barn was fully involved. Upon arrival units, found an approximately fouracre tobacco barn on fire on the edge of an unharvested soybean field with a house and large shop nearby. Due to the barn already
being fully engulfed and the limited supply of water available, firefighters went on a defensive attack to protect the surrounding structures and keep the fire contained to avoid it spreading to the soybean field. One of our pumpers drafted water from a nearby pond to supply a deck gun to protect the surrounding area and keep the fire under control while our second pumper supplied water to the hoselines, keeping the field from igniting. Unfortunately, with tobacco
barns, unless we get there within minutes of the fire starting, there’s usually very little we can save due to how quick these barns burn and the fact that the fires aren’t usually caught until flames are coming out of the roof, especially at night when you can’t see the color of the smoke. Thankfully there was no damage to the surrounding structures nor the field.
- Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR
Pembroke Brush Truck Assists
Trenton
Pembroke Brush Truck 1770, under the supervision of Lieutenant Gee, provided mutual aid to the Trenton Fire Department in response to an outdoor vegetation fire. Our team assisted in extinguishment of approximately 15-20 acres of a cornfield and wooded area.
- Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD
6 Hour Fight at Louisville Landfill Fire
Lexington firefighters worked through intense heat and humidity to battle a fire at a landfill on Haley Pike. Crews worked for over six hours and flowed over 65,000 gallons of water to bring the incident under control. This effort would not have been possible without the support of the Thoroughbred Disposal facility personnel, who operated heavy equipment alongside us to ensure we reached every part of the fire.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Georgetown Handles
Car Fire
Georgetown firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Winner's Circle Motel, recently. No serious injuries were reported. Traffic was briefly delayed in the area due to the incident. Strong work by 3rd Platoon.
- Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD
Covington Fire on Watkins St.
At approximately 0945 hours, Covington Fire crews responded for a report of a possible structure fire on Watkins Street. First arriving crews reported an active fire, and an upgrade was quickly request-
ed, bringing in multiple other departments. The fire was quickly knocked down preventing any further loss of property. No one was injured.
- Photos courtesy of Covington FD
Attached Garage Fire in Hopkinsville
At 2050 hours on October 3, 2025, Hopkinsville firefighters received notification of a possible structure fire near the corner of W. Riverwood and Marietta Drive. While en route, crews could see a significant glow in the sky toward the general area and requested additional assistance. On arrival, firefighters encountered fire in an attached garage area that was fully involved. The first arriving unit deployed a deck gun, while simultaneously stretching multiple handlines in an effort to quickly extinguish the fire. All in all, three trucks with over 12 firefighters were on scene and marked the fire under control within 35 minutes. No occupants or firefighters were injured. Two pets, a rabbit and a small kitten, were able to be saved. Unfortunately, five other kittens did not survive. HFD investigators are currently looking into what might have started the fire.
- Photos courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Owensboro Fire Department responded to a commercial fire at a paint shop in the 1700 block of Moseley Street.
- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD
Commercial Run for Owensboro
CCFR Responds to MVA
On September 30, 2025, just after 1600 hours., Calloway County Fire-Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched an MVA involving a passenger car and a semi at the intersection of KY 121 south and Cypress Trail. Upon Arrival, the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office found a large crane truck overturned across both lanes of KY 121 south and a black passenger vehicle with significant front-end damage off the roadway. All occupants were out of their vehicles upon arrival. Murray–Calloway County EMS evaluated both drivers and transported one to the Murray–Calloway County Hospital Emergency Department with nonlife-threatening injuries. The investigation determined that the crane truck was traveling northbound on KY 121 south when the passenger vehicle, which had been stopped at the intersection preparing to turn southbound, pulled into the truck’s path. While the collision caused extensive vehicle damage, both drivers sustained only minor injuries. We would like to extend our appreciation to Paul’s Towing for their prompt response in recovering the overturned truck as well as Max’s 641 Towing for removing the other vehicle allowing us to reopen the roadway. - Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR
Calloway Assists KDF
Calloway County Fire Rescue was requested by the Kentucky Department of Forestry to assist with a controlled burn that had gotten out of control. The fire originated from a large area of land being cleared, where downed trees and brush were lit for burn-off.
Upon arrival of our first unit, additional brush trucks, tankers, and manpower were requested, along with South Marshall Fire Department, who responded with a side-by-side UTV, a tanker & personnel. Crews from CCFR, South Marshall FD, and Forestry worked for approximately 2.5 hours to contain the fire and prevent further spread.
CCFR responded with 5 brush trucks, 4 tankers, 2 support trucks and 1 SxS UTV with approximately 15 firefighters. South Marshall FD responded with 2 tankers and 1 brush truck with a SxS UTV with approximately 5 firefighters to assist. A huge thank you to all firefighters & personnel who responded and worked together to bring this incident back under control, especially our friends from Marshall County who still responded to help after being at another fire call involving a boat explosion that happened just before this incident.
- Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR
Pickup Overturn in Pembroke
Pembroke’s Chief Belair, Deputy Chief Peterson, along with Mini Pumper 1752 led by Firefighter Scott and Brush Truck 1770 led by Firefighter Woods, responded to a single-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, crews observed a pickup truck overturned with a utility pole broken in half. The team carefully extricated the passenger from the vehicle and assisted emergency medical personnel with patient care for transportation to a medical facility.
- Photos courtesy of Pembroke FD
Support Beams
Compromised
On July 6, 2025, Wilmore Fire Department responded to a vehicle versus structure MVA. Truck 82 arrived to find substantial damage to the structure after a car drove through the main supporting beam between the garage doors. Squad 84 arrived and assessed the damage. Crews went to work shoring the structure to prevent further damage. Mutual aid from Nicholasville Fire Department was requested. Upon closer inspection, it was noted that the kitchen floor inside had begun to sag by two inches. The structure was safely shored up and no injuries were reported.
- Submitted by Josh Day
Jefferson County Fire School –High-Angle Rope Rescue Technician Course
Louisville Fire Department proudly hosted 20 dedicated students from the following departments: Fairdale, Jeffersontown, Nicholasville, Anchorage-Middletown, Mt. Washington, Okolona, Shively, Louisville, Covington and Bardstown. With eight skilled rope instructors, participants completed an intensive 40-hour hands-on HighAngle Rope Rescue Technician course. Training took place at the school’s Drill Tower and included advanced skills performed at height at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium — made possible through the support of University of Louisville.
- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD
Confined Space Rescue Training
Henderson firefighters spent several days training on Confined Space Rescue. The crews refreshed on hazards, monitoring, ventilation, equipment and hauling systems. The training finished with a rescue scenario in our confined space prop.
- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
Lexington Gets New Ambulance
Lexington Fire Department (LFD) welcomed Emergency Care 13 to the LFD fleet, our 13th frontline ambulance and the first since 2018. Housed at Station 16, ‘The Cave,’ this unit means faster response times and emergency care across Fayette County. A huge thank you to Mayor Gorton, Commissioner Armstrong, the Lexington-Fayette Urban City Council, and our incredible Admin team for making this possible. This is a win for our firefighters, our paramedics, and, most importantly, the people of Lexington! - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Owensboro FFs Welcome 2nd Graders for Fire Prevention Week
The Owensboro Fire Department welcomed some very special visitors to the Walter Freeman Training Center.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, firefighters met with 2nd grade students from Owensboro Public Schools to teach important fire safety lessons.
Students wrapped up their visit with an exciting opportunity to spray a fire hose!
- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD
Hopkinsville’s Mike Wilson Calls it a Career
Hopkinsville Engineer Mike Wilson (photo center) celebrates his last 24-hour shift with the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Hired in July of 1999, Engineer Wilson has become a department staple. Knowledgeable, trustworthy and dependable are just a few words used to describe him. Over 26 years of service in Fire/EMS is something to be celebrated! - Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire EMS
Hazard Firefighters
Firefighters from the Hazard Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS
We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to our Honor Guard members for their dedication to their outstanding representation of AMFEMS. Our Honor Guard is an officially recognized deployable unit, dedicated to representing our department with respect, gratitude, pride and integrity. Their service to the community reflects our commitment to honoring those who have served and sacrificed.
The Honor Guard is led by Honor Guard Commander Samantha Kimbler and Deputy Commander Drew Scott. Formed in 2019, the team has continuously improved on its impact to the public and the public safety community. In 2023, it took a significant step forward by acquiring official uniforms and establishing a close partnership with Supporting Heroes — a foundation that provides benefits and memorial assistance to the families of those who were LODD
Dedicated to honoring firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel, the team travels across Kentucky and Indiana to assist departments in recognizing and memorializing their fallen. Currently composed of 11 members, six have undergone specialized training at the National Honor Guard Academy, where they have mastered the ceremonial skills and traditions essential to their mission.
Beyond funeral honors, the Honor Guard proudly represents the department at parades, sporting events, and public safety conventions, memorials, and graduations – presenting our department, city and nation’s colors with honor and professionalism.
They have done an outstanding job this year representing our department at various public events, which include the Graduation Ceremony of Firefighter Academy 24-05, the Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade, the EMS Memorial Service in Frankfort, and just last week, they presented Colors at the 2025 Governor’s Safety and Health Conference in Owensboro where Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Education and Labor Cabinet Secretary Jamie Link, Workplace Standards Commissioner Kim Perry and safety professionals across the Commonwealth were present. Recently, the team welcomed three new members, Firefighters Claire Wheatley, Coty Yeager and Tawd Baker.
A huge thank you to Sergeant Sam Kimbler, Sergeant Brett Decker, Sergeant Derek Jones, Firefighter Drew Scott, Firefighter Jordan Salyer, Firefighter Erin Lytlesen, Firefighter Lyle Yeager, and Firefighter Trevor Storey for their excellent representation of our department!
- Submitted by Salvador Melendez
New Engine for Corydon
Corydon Civil Defense Fire & Rescue (Henderson County) placed a new AFG awarded engine in service. It was sold by Mid America Fire of Evansville (IN).)
- Submitted by Bryan Coghill
CFSI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL WEBB ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
After serving as CFSI Executive Director for the past 30 years, Bill Webb announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025. He made the announcement last night at a reception attended by members of the CFSI National Advisory Committee and other associates he has worked with throughout the years.
“A friend of mine recently summed up his career by saying you never have to work a day in your life if you enjoy what you’re doing,” said Webb in his remarks. “For the most part, those words describe how I feel about my work. I did not look at my days in the office as work, but more as an opportunity to serve others and by doing so, contribute a little something to the safety of our great nation.”
As Executive Director, Webb worked with six Administrations and 10 U.S. Fire Administrators. His contributions to the fire service, including his role in the creation of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in 2000, his support for the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Academy, and his advocacy for fire safety and prevention, among other issues, have significantly impacted public safety in our nation. In addition, his close work with the leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus has preserved
the caucus’s bipartisan spirit and maintained its effectiveness, leaving a lasting legacy.
In lauding Webb for his contributions to the fire service, CFSI President Jim Estepp quoted Harry Truman who said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Webb’s leadership skills and personal attributes have played a significant role in preserving collaboration between members of Congress, Administration officials, and fire service organizations. “At times a quiet force, Bill has undoubtedly proven himself as a pivotal fire service leader over the past 30 years, influencing important issues in Washington, DC, that have greatly benefited our nation’s fire and emergency services,” said Estepp. “We will miss his leadership.”
Estepp announced that CFSI Director of Government Affairs Michaela Campbell, a seasoned leader with a strong track record, will serve as the organization’s next Executive Director. Her experience working in Congress for Senator Susan Collins, combined with her time as a lobbyist and legislative assistant, as well as her tenure at CFSI, makes her a strong fit for the role. “Throughout the years, Michaela has demonstrated herself to be a strong leader and effective voice for our nation’s fire services,” said Estepp. “I am confident that she will continue the legacy of strong leadership set by Bill Webb as our next Executive Director.”
Zoneton’s John Vickers
Zoneton Fire District Sergeant John Vickers who passed away in 2024, was honored October 1 at the Kentucky Fallen Firefighters Memorial service. Sergeant Vickers was among so many firefighters who died from cancer resulting from repeated exposure to byproducts of fire. Cancer is one of the leading causes of firefighter deaths.
While a somber occasion, it did provide an opportunity to see old friends and colleagues.
- Photos courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District
Award Winning Junior Keeps Up the Good Work
I am Lily Gilbert, a Junior at West Carter High School. I started a fire prevention and firefighter recruitment project, called The FAST! Project, in June of 2024. One year later in June of 2025 I received the E. Paul Torrance “Beyonder” Award at the international level after submitting my project to the Community Problem Solving (CmPS) Competition. The award came with $500 which I am using the money to buy fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke detectors for Fire Prevention Week in October.
The competition was held in Bloomington, Indiana, and that gave me an opportunity to meet the Bloomington Fire Department. I recently secured the Kentucky Division of Forestry to set up at the Olive Hill “It’s Fall Y’all” event. They also delivered Smokey Bear for the kids, and were part of the kid’s Picture Hunt activity.
Thank you, Kentucky Fire News for allowing me to submit a follow up, I hope this will give my project the opportunity to spread across the great state of Kentucky! - Submitted by Lily Gilbert
Igniting a Career: Fire and Arson Student Interns with National Park Service
Towering red rock arches, sweeping canyons and century-old dwellings set the stage for Rachel Dickey’s summer adventure. The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation student interned with the National Park Service (NPS), gaining hands-on experience while helping protect the iconic landscapes of Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Parks and Monuments in Utah.
From a small town in Central Illinois, Dickey chose to pursue EKU’s online fire, arson and explosion investigation program after a forensic chemistry class sparked her interest in the subject. One of only a handful of specialized programs in the country, EKU’s Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation program offered Dickey a supportive community, hands-on fieldwork and engaging online coursework
to pursue her passion.
“The program is set up in a way to collaborate with those around you who have different experiences, education and provide a way to work in the real world,” said Dickey.
Through her internship with the NPS, Dickey put her coursework into practice in the pre-fire aspects of fire investigation, such as inspections, fire management and emergency plans. She presented structural fire management and emergency action plans to the Southeast Utah Group, which oversees the parks where she worked, and also completed a project for the Rock House, a historical building in Arches National Park. After inspecting the site, she recommended improvements to strengthen the building’s fire safety.
