Holland Professional Firefighters Local 759

Last month, one of our members, FF Gorris, had the opportunity to attend the 7th Annual North American Active Assailant Conference in Troy, Michigan. While other members have regularly attended the seminar in years past, this was the first year the NAAAC offered a technical rescue pre-conference seminar.

There were several notable historic incidents that were briefed by those who were there, and brought their lessons learned to share with conference attendees.

“One Team, One Mission”: Deputy Chief Scott Dean of Miami Fire Department, debriefed the Champlain Towers Collapse in Sandy Shores, Florida.

“We risk a lot to save a lot.”: Deputy Chief Rathburn and Captain Comfort offered case studies from their deployments with Los Angeles County USAR. This included earthquakes in Turkey and Nepal.

“Basics matter.”: Chief Brian O’Niell of Louisville, Kentucky debriefed the technical rescue call of the semi-truck hanging over Louis and Clark Bridge in Louisville, Kentucky.

Our union members continuously seek these kinds of trainings not only for personal development, but to bring back lessons to share with our department, and ultimately to better serve our community.

We look forward to compounding this training in the future in partnership with the Holland Police Department, Holland City Executive Management, Ottawa County Central Dispatch, and local administrators within our Public School System.

At 1515 hours A shift responded to a reported residential fire in the 800 block of Lincoln Ave.

At 1544 today Holland Fire units were dispatched to a personal water craft operator in distress in Lake Macatawa.

Boat 1182 was already in the water for training and arrived on scene within 3 minutes of the dispatch. The individual was already rescued from the water by another boater. 1182 escorted them to shore where the individual was handed off to waiting Park Township and AMR crews.

The forecast was dry, but it is always raining when the deck gun is flowing.

Today B Shift was out training with our newest firefighter. Because of our staffing model a new firefighter is immediately placed in the equipment operator position. This requires a lot of training to ensure proficiency in pump operations.

Join us in welcoming our newest member to the 759!! FF Lundstrom had his first day on the job yesterday, and was thrown right into training to eventually become part of minimums.

We are happy to have him on board, and know he will serve the community well.

Crews are on scene of an attic fire in the 100 block of West 9th st. Please avoid the area if you can.

Michigan Professional Fire Fighters

Last night B Shift responded to reports of a residential fire. Holland Department of Public Safety - Police Services arrived on scene and reported flames from the front door.

Holland Fire crews arrived to find a well involved attic fire with partial roof collapse. Crews brought the fire under control with in 20 minutes. They remained on scene for about 2 1/2 hours performing overhaul and fire investigation.

Smoldering fireworks believed to have caused duplex fire A fire that was believed to be started by smoldering fireworks on Saturday has displaced six people in Holland.

Crews are responding to reports of a possible residential fire in the 700 block of Harrison Ave.

Don’t forget, hydrants don’t just need to be cleared in the winter!

Which one do you want protecting your house?

The demo crews are on site and taking down the old Station 1. It is the end of an era, and another HFD chapter closed.

To our former members and retirees; come on down to say your goodbyes.

Crews are on scene of a refuse fire. A call came into the Station 1 house phone around 2341 hours.

UPDATE: All units cleared the scene at 0450 hours.

B Shift, with a few fill ins, enjoying dinner with some fruit salad provided by Black River Public School. It was delicious along with all the other snacks. Thank you so much! Your love and support is greatly appreciated.

We are officially all operating out of the new Waverly Station!

This is only temporary while The Kollen Park Station is being renovated.

This morning, at approximately 11:10 AM, Holland Department of Public Safety - Police Services identified an outside fire that was impinging on a structure. Holland Fire Department was dispatched to assist with extinguishment.

Thankfully, the HPD officer who found the fire was able to make a stop with an extinguisher. Another win for community policing.

We eat together, work together, build together, and struggle together.

Here's to the First Annual Murph Challenge!

"The Murph Challenge is not just a physical test, but also a mental and emotional one. Participants are pushed to their limits and are encouraged to keep pushing through the pain and exhaustion, just as Lieutenant Murphy did during his final moments. The event is held annually on Memorial Day, and people from all over the world come together to honor Lieutenant Murphy and all those who have given their lives in service to our country. The Murph Challenge is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit."

Happy Memorial Day!

Never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.

As we all celebrate today, which those who gave their lives would want, be mindful that you may have someone next to you who inside is missing their loved one.

We will never be able to repay the debt owed to the fallen, but we can honor their sacrifice. Thank you for allowing our families to live in peace and freedom.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there! Mothers are no stranger to sacrifice, and those on the job experience this for sure. Our thoughts are with those women who are on shift today, or are alone while their significant other is.

Our world is a better place because of Mom’s, and our communities are safer because of those Mom’s riding a rig.

Two members are in attendance during this years convention. They will be networking and voting on important topics. We thank Traverse City Firefighters L646 for the hospitality and setting up the event.

🌷 🌷 TULIP TIME IS COMING!! 🌷🌷
May 4-12

At 12:12 AM, B Shift was dispatched to reports of a residential fire in the 200 block of Waverly Rd. 1121 arrived on scene and reported heavy fire conditions in the attached garage which was extending into the house.

1122 grabbed a water supply while crews battled the fire bringing it under control within minutes. All units cleared the scene around 3:00 AM.

Bath time!

Twice a year, firefighters perform a deep clean of all department apparatus. This even includes washing every square inch of the 100 foot aerial ladder. It takes 4-5 personnel the better part of the day to get this accomplished.

We are extremely grateful to the community and city leadership for entrusting us with good equipment, thank you!