On Tuesday, June 4th, 2019, along the DC/Montgomery County Maryland line, at 5:04 p.m., an alarm for a fire was sounded for residence at 5223 Western Avenue, Northwest.
Among the units responding to the scene was Truck 14, designated as the first due truck. Hearing the arriving engine reporting smoke showing all sides, the crew prepared for battle.
Arriving on the scene, Truck 14’s crew began to ladder and ventilate the two-story detached home. They then entered to begin a primary search, as the assigned Rescue Squad had to travel a considerable distance.
Firefighter/EMT Patrick Adams (from St. Mary’s County) entered the house and began a search. As he continued the search, he encountered high heat and smoke conditions and an extreme amount of clutter. Feeling his way along the wall in zero visibility, he found a bedroom door, entering inside to continue his search. While doing so, he found and broke out a window to relieve the severe conditions.
Continuing his search, he felt what appeared to be a body atop a bed. The smoke was so thick Firefighter Adams had to put his facepiece right up to the object to confirm it was indeed a victim.
Adams attempted to radio for assistance but was drowned out by other firefighters communications. He was forced to make his way back to the door to find help and encountered Lieutenant Travis Capps of Engine 21. Capps radioed that a victim would be coming out, and together they dragged the man through severe clutter and over a variety of objects in order to reach the street.
The victim was handed over to awaiting EMS personnel and CPR and other resuscitation efforts began. The crew from Ambulance 28 and EMS 5 were able to regain a pulse, and the patient was transported to the hospital. Sadly, he expired the following day.
For their efforts involving great personal risk in locating and removing this patient under severe conditions and amidst severe clutter, we honor the following members with a Class II-5 Valor award:
Firefighter/EMT Patrick Adams – Truck 14
Lieutenant Travis Capps (Retired) – Engine 21
Patrick Adams is a Honorary Member of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department with 12-years of service. His brother Jason Adams is a Life-Member of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department with over 25 years of service, along with Jason’s wife who has over 14 years of service for the department.
