Frank Ott, A Founding Father
June 8th, 2013 - A founding father of what we now know as Wintergreen Rescue Squad ended his battle with cancer today at his home in Nellysford. Frank Ott was a lifetime volunteer member of both the Wintergreen Rescue Squad and the Wintergreen Fire Department. He mentored countless volunteers, served as an advanced life support provider, and stepped up for virtually any task. 
Frank filled the room with his energy, even when the room was big enough to hold a half dozen fire trucks. He loved everything about Wintergreen and the greater Nelson County community. He was active with several non-profits and served on several boards and commissions.
Frank's family always came first, but we were always a close second. He left quite mark on our agencies and our hearts. He will be missed.
TRT and VSP Training
May 28th, 2013 - On Tuesday the Virginia State Police and the Wintergreen Technical Rescue Team trained for a few hours practicing various scenarios. Members of Montebello Fire & Rescue as well as a few members of the Lynchburg Fire Department also participated. Wintergreen and Montebello share resources along the 30 miles of the Appalachian Trail which passes through their respective run areas. A few of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue part-time employees are full-time employees of Lynchburg Fire.
A number of different skills were sharpened during the day. The helicopter arrived with multiple pilots. They too were looking for training opportunities and the ridge-top landing zones at Wintergreen can provide conditions which while certainly are not unique, are challenging.
The first scenario simulated what is needed for the helicopter to touch a skid down on the roof of a vehicle trapped in swift water. If you watch this video closely you will notice that only one skid touches the ground. The pilot held the front of the right skid on the ground while a member of our team boarded the helicopter. Next the helicopter would fly a quick loop and then do it all over again.
The second scenario involved a "jungle extractor". As the name would imply, this device is lowered through a small opening in a tree canopy to lift a patient and provider in a seated position.
The third scenario involved hoists using the standard "Stokes Basket" in a horizontal rig.
Throughout all scenarios communications between the ground crew, the hoist operator, and the pilot were critical. No failures were noted. It was a good day!
The Tech Rescue Team of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue would like to thank everyone involved in our bi-monthly training.
Rescue Fleet Photo
April 21th, 2013 - Took out our newest additions for a fleet photo today. Squad 1, Medic 178, Medic 176, and Response 173. Photo was taken from the bucket on Ladder 1, looking over the Blue Ridge Overlook, a top Devils Knob Loop.
Blue Ridge Parkway Mutual Aid with Augusta County
April 17th, 2013 - Wintergreen Fire and Rescue was called to assist the Augusta County Sheriff's office at Ravens Roost in recovering a safe for an ongoing investigation. Squad 1 responded and set up a haul system to get the safe back to the top of the 100-125 foot tall cliff.
Technical Rescue Team - Crabtree Falls, Montebello, VA
April 8th, 2013 - At approximately 18:00 the TRT (Rope Team) of Wintergreen Rescue was requested to assist Montebello Fire & Rescue with a fall patient at Crabtree Falls. This location is certainly not unfamiliar to either agency. As one of the tallest falls East of the Mississippi River, Crabtree attracts thousands of visitors each year. There is an “upper and lower falls” each of which are rather tall, a difficult to reach. Not even ATVs can assist on calls at Crabtree. All equipment must be hiked in. Typical hikes will be 1-3 miles and require a lot of manpower.
Sadly, this hiker suffered fatal injuries when she fell. She had to be placed in a basket and hauled back up the rock face so she could be hiked to a waiting ambulance from Montebello Fire & Rescue. The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident. The patient was an 18 year old student from Liberty University.
A total of three units and approximately 10 persons responded from Montebello Fire & Rescue.
A total of two units responded from Wintergreen with a total of 9 persons.
The total call time was approximately 3 hours.
New Staff at Wintergreen Fire & Rescue
April 5th, 2013 - We would like to welcome 4 new staff to the family at Wintergreen Fire & Rescue. They will be filling 1 On-Property Shift, and 3 County Crew positions.
Caleb Marden, Firefighter/EMT-E (C Shift, On-Property)
Chris Gaudreault, Firefighter/Critical Care Paramedic (B Shift, County)
Ryan Ferro, Firefighter/EMT-E (B Shift, County)
John Maywalt, Paramedic (C Shift, County)
Snow at Station 1... 4 foot snow drifts
March 6th, 2013 - Over 18 inches of snow and counting; and 4+ foot snow drifts.
Station 1 this morning as seen by all visitors to Wintergreen Resort.
Chimney Fire in Rockfish first due
March 5th, 2013 - At 8:00am, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, Rockfish Fire and the 151 Crew were dispatched to a Chimney Fire on Lobbans Lane.
Upon arrival, there was smoke showing from the sides of the chimney thru cracks in the flue; but no smoke inside the house. With assistance of Volunteer John Harrington, Firefighter Brad Moser worked from the top, while additional resources worked inside. Once on the roof, Wintergreen observed a cracked flue, and proceeded to clear the clogged chimney pipe.
Units on scene included Engine 1, Rockfish Engine 50, and 151 Crew (Wintergreen 175).
Slopes and Snowy Skies
February 2nd, 2013 - At 2:10pm, Wintergreen Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a Ski Patrol call on lower A-side for an unconcious and unresponsive pt. Waynesboro First Aid Crew was staffing our station, as we had all of our medic units in rotation from over 9 calls in the last 2 hours.
Staffed with two of our full time Medics and Waynesboro's personnel also, which included a part-time Medic of ours, we were met slope side with the patient. The patient was then transported to the Grassy Ridge LZ, where UVA's Pegasus met us for a transfer.
We want to thank Waynesboro First Aid Crew & UVA Pegasus for their help in this rescue.
Units on scene included Engine 2, Chief 1, Wayneboro First Aid Crew No.6, and UVA Pegasus Helicopter.
Katies Way & Phillips Lane Structure Fire
January 31st, 2013 - Wintergreen Fire and Rescue was dispatched and responded at 7:00am to Katies Way & Phillips Lane for a "Structure Fire".
Upon arrival crews found smoke escaping from the building. The fire was pushed back and put out.
The owner of the home was not injured.
Units on scene included Engine 1, Chief 3, Medic 175 (151 Crew), Response 9, Faber Engine 30, Faber Tanker 37, Rockfish Brush 54, and Rockfish Tanker 53.
First Snow of 2013
January 17th, 2013 - Wintergreen Fire and Rescue has seen the second major snow fall of the season today. Estimations of 4-12 inches were predicted, and as of 7:30pm over 8 inches has fallen.
This morning the chains were put on the trucks, so we are ready to respond as soon as called.
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