History - Retired Career Firefighters Montgomery County, Maryland

Who Came First? Montgomery County Career Firefighters History The hiring of career firefighters started much earlier than was first imagined when I started this project. Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Silver Spring Fire Departments led the way in the 1920’s and 1930’s. I would like to thank the many people who have contributed their memories to this project. In some cases there is conflict about who were the first people hired. This conflict may never be resolved, but I will put in the information as it is received and attempt to make it as accurate as possible. John McLuckie, June 2014 V.14-­‐01 Any comments regarding this narrative should be addressed to John McLuckie at: potfdhistory@aol.com Hiring by Station: Station One: Station 1 opened in 1915, in a shed near the current site of the Fire House Restaurant. Silver Spring VFD was incorporated in 1918. First hired was Earnest “Ernie” Brant. As time went on, other paid men at Company 1 were Steve Richter (whose title was Superintendent of Paid Men for a time before being made Captain by Chief David “Dave” Gratz), William “Bill” Ale (Sr.), Robert “Bobby” Yeabower, Frank “Buddy” Heller, Bob Matthews, Robert “Bob” Tierney, Robert “Bob” Borrows, Harry Mills (also at Co 16), John Hardy , Fred Sheckles, Charlie Moran and Eldridge Brown (“Brownie” finished out his career at the Academy). Another Silver Spring member remembered that Stanton “Hootie” Alden was supervisor of Paid Men and Dick Rajotte was an early employee. The following information was provided by Charles T. Burton (Tom) SSFD Retired. Before Bill Ale was hired at Station 1 two other employees worked there. Their names were Richard Dietz and Earl Van Horn. They were the ones that convinced Bill Ale to leave his plumbing job in Northwest D.C. and join Silver Spring. Richard Dietz, Earl Van Horn, Bill Ale, Robert Matthews & Hal Liberman all were volunteer members of the Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Department. Richard Dietz and Earl Van Horn both left to become the first paid personnel at the Bladensburg VFD, Station 9 PGFD. Bill Ale was the only one in the group to remain at Silver Spring. James Graves also from Landover Hills followed some years later. Station 2: Station 2 opened in 1922and became a municipal Fire Department in 1948. Some of the early employees were Chief Melvin E. McBride ( 1948-­‐1988), Bill Flag And Steve Lascola. During the 1940’s to 1950’s there was a full paid staff during the day for the Engine, Truck and Ambulance. City of Takoma Park Fire Department career personnel 1972. Kneeling Left to right – Sgt. Robert E. Rhan, Deputy Chief Stanley R. Fickes, Lt. James E. Jarboe and Sgt. John H. Parsly. Standing Left to right – SOM Raymond E. Carter, Robert M. Shepherd, Thomas R. Baker, Richard Reid, Doyle L. Kelly, Howard L. Stephens, Douglas M. Aquino, David G. Moltrup, Bruce O. Allen, Donald R. Willey and John S. Lyon. Not pictured – Fire Chief Stephen J. LaScola, Jr., Capt. Charles J. West, Sgt. Roland W. Schwartzbeck, AFM Thomas T. Williams, PFC Edward W. Adams, PFC Richard T. Hirsch, Bernard L. Collins, Tyler B. Huntington, Walter C. Wilkinson and MaryPat Waigand (Secretary). Station 3: Station 3 was opened in 1921 On March 2nd, 1963, the first group of individuals hired were Bill Clark, Sgt. Norman Anders. Sgt Bob Hathaway, Sgt. James Barrack, Larry Fisk, Thomas O’Conner, and Benny Poole. Note: The first career personnel were hired after a multi-­‐ alarm fire at Roy’s Place Restaurant on East Montgomery Street. No units from Station 3 got out until the Second Alarm. L To R , Warren Stevens, John McLuckie, Earl Moore, Fire Chief of Helinski, Finland and John Best E31 in about 1974. Station 4: Station 4 opened in 1925 First career firefighters hired in 1962 were Sgt. Eldridge Pier, Eugene Arrowood and John Kern. Steve Hobbs advised that the first hired at Station 4 were Sidney Bailey and Jackie Stull. Jackie went on to become a Montgomery County Police Officer and Sidney left to be a car salesman. Sidney is the step father of Donnie Smith who is a current DFRS employee. Station 5: The present Station 5 was built in 1946. First personnel hired were Walt Beall, Buddy Dennis, Maynard Hawkins, Tommy O’Conner, Jack Richardson and Tom Williams. The following photo was taken at Station 5 at retirement luncheon for Sgt Jim Fletcher in 1984. Front row kneeling -­‐ Tech Willard Horine, Lt. Mario Reda, FF Ed "Ziggy" Zbignewich, Tech. Glen Briggs, Lt. Melvin Howard Standing -­‐ Fire Chief Fred Bagley, FF Bill Pettit, FF Jerry Rochester, FF Joe Yannone, FF George Gosbee, Tech. Jack Jarnigan, Sgt. Jim Fletcher, Tech. George Heflin, FF Julie Dennison, FF Pat Sutter, Lt. Frank Gaegler, FF Bill Krouse, FF Fred Berti, Sgt. Roger Strock, FF Jim "Greek" Dimopoulos, Tech. Jerry Warren, PM Rick Nichols, Capt. Del Seeyle, FF Steve Cox, Lt. Louie Schaub, FF Stu Hanson, Sgt. Dale Wright On engine -­‐ Lt. Jack Walters, Tech. Lanny Pippin, FF Dennis DiBenedetto, FF John Feissner, FF Dale Johnson, FF Leroy Isreal, FF Mark A. Davis Can you identify the driver and aid man in this picture ? Station 6: First Career Personnel hired in 1939. The first Fire Chief was Angelo J. Bargagni. The first Station 6 was opened at 7620 Old Georgetown Road in December 1926. The present Station 6 was opened on January 1, 1970. Old Station 6 in the 1940’s Station 7: The present Station 7 was built in 1931. The first career personnel were hired in 1927. The Chevy Chase Fire Department was ready to operate and open on Tuesday, February 1, 1927. The first truck put into service was an American-­‐La France Cosmopolitan Triple Combination Pumper, Chemical and Hose Motor Car. The Executive Committee hired a Battalion Chief from the District of Columbia, William F. Lanaham, to be the first Fire Chief at a salary of $62.50 per month. The 5 other firefighters hired were J.H. DePerini, C.F. Mullineaux, J.D. O'Connor, J. Mosby Wooster, and G. L. Hogan so that the engine was fully manned along with the volunteers 24 hours a day. Their salary was $50.00 per month. Thanks to Maureen McKenzie, Office Services Coordinator, Chevy Chase Fire Department for this information. Station 8: Station 8 was originally at 13 East Diamond Avenue. The present Station 8 was build on Russell Ave. in 1978. The first career personnel were hired in August 1967 and consisted of Elvin “Bud” Burdette, Melvin Nichols, Edward Pyles, and Cpl. Frank Wright. L to R -­‐ Mike Lavelle, Doug Glover, Mike Boccabello, John Cooley, and Greg Franklin at “The Real Dedication of Station 8”. Kenny Atwood in1974 He became the lead mechanic for Gaithersburg FD. He also was a mechanic at the Shell station @Georgia and Layhill. Also part of the family from Atwood Lane up Layhill Rd. Station 9: The present Station 9 was built in 1940. The first career employee was Jerry Crum and he was hired in December of 1968. Then came Wayne Ahalt , Charlie Main, Skip Issacs, Larry Lease, and Jack Lambert. Station 10: The present station 10 was built in 1984. The first career employee was Henry Jones. He was then replaced by Reuben E. “Pete” Hunter in mid 1958. Station 11: The original Station 11 opened in 1932. The Present Station 11 was opened March 11, 1954. The first career firefighter hired in 1948 was Hezekiah Smith. Thanks to Joan Miles for preserving this dedication program. Robert Worsham, was hired in 1950 and retired in 1972. Dr. Joseph Baily (GEFD Physicain), Juno the Mascot and Bob Worsham. Picture taken in the 1950’s Glen Echo Station 1957 Station 12: The department was charted in 1941. The present station 12 was opened in 1946. The first career personnel were NOL employees working casual labor on their days off. The first career personnel hired for Station 12 in 1958 were Spencer Mullican and George Willie. Other Sources say Sid Bailey, Charlie Ferdock, Tommy Folks, Johnie Jordan, Jack McElfish, Bill Sweeny and Willliam Stone Another source states that William C. Stone was one of the first paid men after WWII at Station 12. Station 13: The present Station 13 was rebuilt in 1993. The first career personnel were hired in 1986. They were Warren Stevens, Bobby O’ Brien, Donnie Hineman, Carl Mauney, Josh Wolf, Tina Specht, Brian Anderson, Barry Reid, Brian Fowler and Jay Zuspan. Station 14: Station 14 was organized in 1946. The first career employee was John Repass hired about 1965, followed by Charlie Brunner and Ron “PoPo” Wachter. This photo was taken around 1960 by Walter Hershey from Station 8.. The man is my father and the little girl is Walter's daughter. Contributed by Ty Stottlemyer. Station 15: The first fire station was built in 1949. The first career personnel were hired in July 1966; Sgt. Billy Harwell was the first career Sergeant, who partnered with Jack McElfish. Dennis Wood worked at Station 15 from 1976 to 1988. Some of the first employees were: Donnie Hurdle, Gary Jones, Tom Logan, Ron Ricks (in 1970), Ted Potter and George Wade. Station 16: Station 16 was opened in 1947. The first career personnel were Sgt. Jack Walsh, “Jinks” Butler, Carroll Gray, Bob Matthews, Harry Mills, Tom Coghlan, Alan Yankee and Robert “Booby” Seek. Also, John Knott ( hired in 1957) and George Pendleton worked with Seek. Station 17: The present fire house was rebuilt in 1965 after a disastrous fire. The first career personnel hired in December 1974 were Larry Gaddis, Wayne Shaw and Roger Williamson. Station 18: Station 18 was opened in 1953. The first career personnel were Orville Brown, George Higgins, Bob Parsley and Sgt Maynard Hawkins. Station 19: Station 19 was opened at the present location in 1960. The first career personnel were Eugene “Genie” Helbert, Joe Holt, John Kerns, Jim Miles, Fred Perry (later went to DC), Ed Mitchell (later went to Communications after it was established at the COB in Rockville). Other early-­‐on employees at Company 19 were Phil Aravanis, Bob Matthews & Dave Wiemer (both at 19 and 1). Company 19, in 1960, started with a full shift of paid personnel during the day with one man on duty at night (common back then were 10 hour days and 14 hour nights). Jack Walsh was the Lieutenant who came over from Company 16 while almost all of the others had been at Company 1 prior. Night shift was seven nights straight with days broken up. This made for a 72 hour workweek, later shortened to a 64 hour week in late 1963 or 1964. Station 20: Station 20 was opened in October 1957. Some of the first career personnel were Roy Carter, Frank Hall, and Bill Riggleman. Station 21: The present Station 21 was opened in 1962. The first career personnel were Lt Donald Windsor, Sgt. Tom Melvin, Danny Barrett, George Higgins, George Landis, Sonny Newhall and Jacques Smith. Station 22: Station 22 was opened as a Bethesda Station around 1959 or 1960. It closed on July 1, 1977 and the personnel went to Station 26 to man Truck 26. The first individual hired was Hiram “Pappy” Layman. He was the first station commander. Chuck Hall went to Sta 22 in July 1965 when the 3rd shift was hired. They went from a 56 to a 48 hour work week. Sgt Richard Miller was a BFD roving Sgt. and worked at Sta 22. Ewell “Mule” Trevey was a Sgt. and Cecil Collins was a Cpl. at Sta. 22. Tommy Collins, Dick Custer, Jay Dance, Ron Gue, Russell Holmes, Bobby Lowman, Bob Medairy, Leonard Moxley, and Bob Runkles all worked at Sta. 22 in the 1960’s The present Station 22 is in Germantown/Kingsview and opened on March 13, 2009. The first career personnel were:
Station 23: Station 23 was opened in 1963. The some of the first career personnel were Bill Marth, Paul Mindte, Hal Hap and Dan Wetsel. The Station 23 log book of Monday July 1, 1963 shows the following personal reporting for duty, H. R. Hathaway, T. O’Conner, T.Jarboe, E.B. Poole, A.L. Burke, W.H. Clark, Workman, and J.W. West L to R, Wayne Courtney, Mike McCollough, Lt. Jack Barr, Fred Crawford, Charlie Courtney, “Buddy Dabbs and Pete Schectman in 1977 in front of E-­‐231. Station 24: Station 24 was opened in 1962. The first career personnel were Lt.Charlie Ferdock and George Willie. Franks Bollinger Provided the following information: In October of 1967 seven men were hired to staff new truck 24 George Evans, Robt Kutz, Ron Galemore, Lee Nicholson, Earl Bible, Tommy Baker, and John Kenny(?) Station 25: Station 25 was opened in 1978. 1st Station Commander was Butch Johnson. Glen Briggs, David “Detzie” Davis, Wayne Hammonds, Bill Miskill , Ron “Robby” Robinson and Pat Suter were early-­‐on employees. Ron “Robby” Robinson was among the first assigned there on Medic Ambulance 259, which later became Medic 7. The Early Days of Station 25 By John McLuckie Station 25 opened on February 20, 1978. The station opened in a county built "Butler Type" building at 14111 Georgia Avenue, near the intersection of Georgia and Connecticut Avenues. The "green shack" as it was called had a 2 lane drive through bay with one large apparatus door at each end. This allowed the engine and latter the ladder truck to exit out the drive way to Georgia Ave. However there was no designated driving lane out the rear of the building across the 7-­‐11 parking lot. The ambulance and later medic unit had to navigate through to parked cars in the 7-­‐11 parking lot which at peak business hours could block in the EMS unit. It was said that station being such close proximity to the 7-­‐11, had the worlds’ biggest commissary. The station was to be an interim solution for emergency services coverage for the Bel Pre area, till a permanent station was built, but it ended up being used for about 15 years. The first day assigned personnel reported to the station, they had a fire station and coffee, but no fire engines or ambulances. They went to Station 18 and picked up A189 which became Medic Ambulance 259. They went to Station 5 and picked up E52 which became E251. Truck 25 came later in the year. In the summer of 1978 enough paramedics were hired and Medic Ambulance 259 became Medic 7. (A medic ambulance at that time carried only IV fluids a very limited drug supply and no cardiac monitor). Tech. Deetz Davis operating E251 at an apartment fire in Aspen Hill in the 1980’s The Officers at Station 25 were: Lt. Butch Johnson Sgt. Jim Fletcher Sgt. Melvin Howard Sgt. Jack Smith At that time Capt Buddy Dennis was Car 53, the Operations Captain running out of Station 5 and Fred Bagley was Chief 5. The first paramedics were Gary Bishop, Jerry Rochester and Ron Robinson. Sgt Joe Conrad was EMS supervisor. Personnel worked a 3 day, 3 night and 3 off schedule. This was later changed to a 24/48 schedule which became standard in Montgomery County in the late 1980's. When Truck 25 was added only 2 personnel were assigned to man it. This made for some unique procedures for responses. If it ran with E251, it had to wait till response check at 4 minutes, "for personnel to come from home". (Something that never happened) If it was running by itself and the engine was in the station either the firefighter or officer flipped over and rode the truck. After a working house fire on Bel Pre Road where the local fire chief asked why it took the truck so long to arrive, the practice of waiting till fail time to respond was stopped and 3rd person was added to the truck crew. Station 25 had some challenges for personnel; there was only 1 bath room with one toilet and urinal for as many 9 personnel. You had a 2 bay engine room and 7 small rooms in the station, Watch Office, Officers Office, Day Room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Utility Room and Bunk Room In the early 1980's saw the first female career personnel assigned to Station 25 in the person of Julie Dennison and Debbie Olivia. It could always be said of Station 25 it was a busy station, with personnel getting a wide variety of Fire and EMS experience. Several of the young personnel at Station 25 went on to be senior officers in MCDFRS Medic 7 January 1980 Station 26: Station 26 was opened in 1974. Station 26 ‘s first Call was 2/28/1974 for a dryer fire on Grosvenor Lane. Staff Lt. Jack Barnsly, Tech William “ Hutch” Hutchson, FF John Lightfoot and FF Randy Trammel were assigned. Station 27: Station 27 is the Training Academy Station 27 opened in 1972 . The first to staff it were Chief Warren Isman, Capt. Herman Hathaway, Capt Mary Beth Michos, Lt. Larry Shamer and Technician Eldridge Brown. Station 28: Station 28 opened between 1968 and 1970. The first career personnel were Sgt. Melvin Nichols, Ed Pyles, Bud Burdette, Ron McGrew, Richard Kellerman, Jerry Munday , Doug Glover and Ed Frank. Station 29: Station 29 opened on Russell Ave. in August of 1975 Station 29 first opened as the pre-­‐location of Station 8 on Russell Avenue. Some of the first personnel stationed there were Dave Brown ,Bud Burdette, Greg Franklin, Doug Hynson and Ted Lanouette. Another old timer says the lineup was: Lt. Larry Raymond Sgt. Bud Burdette Sgt Ed Frank Sgt. Andy Johnson Tech. Ronnie McGrew Tech. Leroy Nichols Tech. Doug Glover FF Jay Collie FF Monte Crown FF Jay Dickens FF Mike Dutrow FF Don Farr FF Tony Lombardi FF Kenny Marsteller FF Rick Watkins Station 29 opened at its present Germantown location in 1981. The first career personnel at this location were Rick Taylor, Frances “Whitey” Hollern, Eric Carlson, Wayne Shaw, Ronnie Naugle, Dale Hevner, and Evers Trice Station 30: February 4th to May 1st 1969 Engine 105 operated from a garage on River Road. It was dual dispatched with other stations. May 1, 1969, Engine 105 was designated E301 and Station 30 came into existence. Station 30 was opened at the present location in May 29, 1971 The career personnel were casual labor at $100.00 a week; they were Billy Butt, Robert Hunter and Neal Walker. Dave Dwyer advised that Station 30 could not open until an ambulance was placed in that station. To help out and get them started, B-­‐CC put and ambulance and staff out there for a temporary period of time. Station 31: Station 31 was opened in September 1978 as a temporary Station located at 9615 Darnestown Road. The career staff assigned there were: Lt Jack Barr (Station Commander) Technician Fred Crawford Technician Ralph Mobley Technician George Moore FF Roland Bailey FF J.D Slagle The units assigned to Station 31 were: E311 (Old E31) R Model Mack E312 B Model Mack (I think it may have been old E232) B315 (Old B35) GMC The new ambulance didn't arrive for several months. That unit was one of RVFD's rechassied Hortons. Technician Tom Kavanaugh and FF Mike Warfel worked the first shift that the station was "open for business". Tech. Ray Enright (or Fred Crawford) and Larry “Cupcake” Haight” were "in the house" the night before-­‐-­‐for security reasons-­‐-­‐but did not run calls. Station 31 at 12100 Darnestown Road Original Staffing was One Technician and 2 firefighters. Byron Miller was one of the first firefighters. Earl Moore was the Station Commander when officers were placed there on shift work and he retired from there in Aug 1992. Station 33: Station 33 was opened in 1970 The first career personnel were Lt. “Honeybee” O’Conner, Charlie Brunner, Ray Enright , Tom Musgrove and Ronnie Naugle. Station 34: Station 34 Germantown/ Milestone was opened on 9-­‐11-­‐2011, with Engine 734, Tower 734 and Ambulance 734 These units were manned by A Shift Capt. Michael Hanson Lt. Peter Dugan MFF Jeffrey Fritz MFF Ira Gold FF Robert Fass FF Dwight Reed FF Richard Krebs FF Brent Miller FF David Hensley B Shift C Shift FF Charles Grimes FP Jamie Baltrosky Capt Evers Trice Lt Kenneth O’Leary MFF Richard Morrissey MFF Michael Steed FF Jeremy Shaffner FF David Briscoe FF Lee McShane FF Thomas Musgrove FF Atlee Harris FF Herman Palma-­‐Arzola FFP John Horrell Capt. Station Commander Alan Butsch Lt Michael Murdock MFF Andrew Getting MFF Daniel Issac FF Joshua Devries FF James Riddle FF Amanda Viragh FF Steven Laughman FF Ralph Thomas FF Kory Compson-­‐ Parish FFP Andrew Stoner Station 35: Station 35, Clarksburg, opened on Sunday, November 20, 2005, with the following staff for a single engine. E351 B Shift Capt Tony Cochran FF Benjaman Horseman FF Corey Phelps FF Dean Hardy C Shift Capt Mann FF Anderson MFP Robb MFF Wiseman FP Lawerance FP Cleveland A Shift Capt. Zuspan MFF Longo MFF Lease FF Dugas FF Doyle FF Fossett Station 40: Station 40 opened in December 1st 1971 The first career personnel at Station 40 were a mix of career personnel from Station 4. Sgt. Dennis McLaughlin was the first station officer, along with Sgt. Lenny Fitch There were 5 career personnel at both Stations 4 and 40 in the beginning of 1971. At night and weekends there were two. Personnel would swap between Stations 4 and 40 every 6 months. They were Bill Stroup, Charlie Thomson, Paul Butler, Bill Herron, Tom Hyde, Calvin Griffin, Mike Suter, Neal Hobbs, Steve Hobbs, Norman Fraley, Stacy Stone, and later Bill Craddock, Joe Hiponia, Tom Carr, Joe Vilella, Sgt Larry Lease, Wayne Koontz, Matthew Krelleher, Roland Baily, and Lt Terry Howard. Lt Richard Foster was the first senior officer of both stations working out of 4 and then 40 when it opened. Roger Howard was the mechanic. An addition to the Station 40 lineup was provided by John Patton, “ I was hired in July 1 1973 right after Neal Hobbs and along with Bill Gartner. Eugene Arrowwood was in the original group before Bill and myself. Gene lived in the house next to Station 4. “ “All these were after Bill Gartner and myself: Paul Butler, Bill Herron, Norman Fraley, Stacy Stone, and later Bill Craddock, Joe Hiponia, Tom Carr, Joe Vilella, Sgt Larry Lease, Wayne Koontz, Matthew Krelleher, Roland Baily, and Lt Terry Howard”. ECC: In 1952 the first dispatchers hired at Fire Board 1 in Silver Sping were Martin Best, Robert Harding, Bob Hobbs, Eldridge Pier, George Smith, and Bill Ward. The early radio communications at Silver Spring provided radio coverage for SSVFD, MCPD and WSSC. In the early days dispatchers were issued side arms, one old timer remembers. Fire Board 2 was located at the County Roads Shop at the railroad tracks. Washington Grove, Gaithersburg was established around the same time and those dispatchers were William “Bill” Berry, “ Edward Peanuts” Cochran, William “Billy” Harwell, Robert Harding, James “Jimbo” Nickelson, Bernard “Monk” Stoltz and Rodney White. Rescue 1: Ken Zeltvay and Ed Bickham were the first County Medics hired in 1974 for Medic 1. Thanks to Tim Keefer for researching the infomation on BCCRS. Rescue 2: In 1972 the career personnel consisted of the following: Lt Dick Weber Sgt. William Bell Sgt. Charles Green Pvt. Carl Baker Pvt.Edward Bickham Pvt Dave Griffin Pvt. Rick Long Pvt. Jack Russell Pvt Joe Conrad (volunteer hired per diem was permanently hired later that year) In 1974 the county hired (transferred) for Medics 1 & 2 Carl Baker Ed Bickham Joe Conrad Ken Zseltvay from (Station 5) Medic 3: Montgomery County Hired Joe Hiponia, Nelson Irey and Tom Purdue for Medic 3 at Station 3 in 1975. First Minority Firefighters hired: Lou Boozer advised that the first African American firefighters were himself, Donald Saunders and Fred Tarpley. Kenneth Mitchell at Hillendale -­‐Carlos Alfero Sr. at Silver Spring -­‐Chuck Earley at Sandy Spring -­‐Neal Hobbs at Sandy Spring First Female Firefighters hired: Maureen Morello at ECC hired Feb. 28, 1977 Pam Foltz Vicki Dierick Marie Wratten Denise Pouget Stephanie Cacupardo Jill Hite hired as Jill Lavelle, Sept. 17,1981 at Takoma Park and was the first female at Chevy Chase in 1984. Debbie Dibenedetto hired in Jan. 1982 (First Female Paramedic) Julie Dennison hired in May 1982 and was the first female assigned to Code Enforcement. Pam Kirkman hired June 2, 1985 The Montgomery Division of Fire Prevention was created by the Montgomery County Council on May 28, 1949 and began functioning on November 21, 1949 with the appointment of Mr. Charles H. Howe Jr. as Fire Marshall Some of the first County Fire Inspectors were Don S. Battersby, Edward “ Peanuts” Cochran, William “Bill” Berry, Daniel Karsner, Lloyd W. Knighton, Theodore E. Potter, Robert “Skip” Smith and Thomas Slater. Later came Leonard King, Paul Mindte, Earle “Benny” Poole and Jim Routh. Underwater Rescue Team William Herren Sr. provides the following information. I started at Cabin John in 1972. Started diving with the police dive team same year and then they turned the team over to DFRS as a joint venture in 1973. We received radios pagers and our own alert tone as the Underwater Rescue Team " URT " I was put in charge of it was sworn in as a Deputy with the Sheriffs Office and ran the team until 1986. We dove on a lot of incidents during our time serving in that capacity including the first diver to dive on the Air Florida crash. Then in 1976 I transferred to 11 as a Technician and about 1980 to 4 & 40 and retired as a Master Firefighter/Diver.