Recent content by fltpara16

Retired FDNY Firefighter Robert “Bob” Toepfert, 88, passed away December 20th, 2025 in Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia. Bob lived at Lake Monticello, Virginia. He was a friend and neighbor. Bob was appointed to Engine 21 in 1960 and retired from Ladder 162 in 1980. Bob’s...

Thank you Tom for an excellent presentation, and thank you to jbendick and Atlas for putting together this event. I have not been able to attend for a while. It was enjoyable to join in the fellowship and to learn about a very interesting Fire Rescue Department. I am glad to know I will be in...

I have communicated with IC of yesterday’s Virginia Incident this morning. He is an excellent instructor and I am going to urge him, once all the information is in, to get out and present this incident to as many firefighters as possible. Maybe he can recruit someone from Loudoun to join him. We...

This is still under investigation, but it is leaning toward a propane explosion. I responded to this neighborhood many times for gas leaks and investigations. Very large houses all serviced by propane, no natural gas service to most of the homes. After arrival and the explosion, companies...

One more photo from the scene from a drone.

House explosion, most likely from a propane leak. 1 civilian fatal, 1 civilian critical. House of origin completely destroyed. At least 7 others damaged. All primaries and secondaries complete and negative except for the fatal found in the house of origin. This is the Department I retired from...

A lot going on in the video you do not see very often: ladder pipe operation, 6" supply line deployed from the satellite hose wagon, and the use of the ramps over the 6" hose to get the Rescue back in service.

Eddie was my friend and neighbor in Virginia. I was at his home on Monday when he passed. He was surrounded by family and friends including his wife Teri and one of his sons. It was an honor to get to know him over the past 15 years. Ed was always pleasant without a complaint, and we enjoyed...

Rest in Peace Cap.

The small Department in Virginia I started with had Sergeants. When I was hired, the Department only had 22 personnel and the Officers included a Chief, two Lts. And a Fire Inspector. As the Department grew, there was a need for more officers to maintain the span of control. The City Manager at...