Waldorf Firefighter Injured on
"Routine" Call

December 10, 2003 2247hrs:

Fire 12 was dispatched for a reported tree down on Bensville Road in the area of Rebecca Drive. The weather conditions included high winds gusting 20-30mph and heavy rain. Engine 124, with Firefighter Tom Houle and Sgt Chris Foss, proceeded to the area and located the downed tree. A vehicle had struck the tree, knocking it down, and completely blocking Bensville Road. Due to the lack of visibility, Sgt Foss requested support from the Sheriff's Office to assist with traffic control while they attempted to clear the tree from the road. F/F Houle, wearing full firefighter protective gear, began cutting the tree into pieces with the chainsaw. Moments later, a vehicle traveling southbound on Bensville Road struck the tree at full speed. The vehicle went completely under the tree, smashing the passenger side roof area almost flat. F/F Houle was struck by the tree and knocked to the ground. Sgt Foss immediately radioed for assistance and went to the aid of F/F Houle. Units from Company 12, who were just clearing other calls, immediately responded for the report of a firefighter down. F/F Houle sustained possible head and chest injuries. A helicopter was requested but due to weather conditions it was uncertain if one would be available. MSP Trooper 2 attempted the flight, but was cancelled due to an existing vertigo condition F/F Houle suffers from. Ambulance 129 transported F/F Houle to the Johns Hopkins Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Units from Company 12 remained out of service until returning to their station for debriefing. The accident is under investigation by the CCSO.

At this time, we are pleased to report F/F Tom Houle is at home recovering from his injuries. F/F Houle was brought home for the Shock Trauma Center around 0600hrs this morning. He is reported to be in good condition following his close encounter with the tree. On behalf of all the members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, we would like to wish F/F Tom Houle a speedy recovery.

A special Thank You goes out to the crew of Maryland State Police Trooper 2. Despite poor weather conditions, Trooper 2 went above and beyond the call of duty to respond to our injured brother. Although Trooper 2 was cancelled, they were only minutes away from the Landing Site and were willing to risk their lives to save one of ours. On behalf of Chief Dan Stevens and the members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, we would like extend our appreciation for what you were willing to do.

Original Dispatch: Engine 124

Additional Responding Units: Engine 121, Engine 122, Ambulance 129, Utility 12 (Dept PIO), EMS Utility 12, Medic One, Safety 12, Chief 3, Chief 3A, and Chief 3B.

Landing Site: Bryans Road Engine 112 and MSP Trooper 2.