Every year the Maryland State police host a Polar Bear plunge at Sandy Point State park on the Chesapeake bay to raise funds for Maryland special Olympics.  Over the last several years the DCFD has taken part in the fund raising event.  This year two of our own Fred Gordon from #2 and Aaron Foster from #4 participated in the event raising over $1600 for the cause.  We congratulate them on their success and who knows what members will join them next year.

The members would like to welcome two new officers to the house.  Acting Captain L. Chapman and Lieutenant M. Capps.  Acting Captain Chapman is coming to us from 26 Engine as the Lieutenant on #4 platoon.  He will be the Captain of the house assigned to #1 Platoon.   Lieutenant Capps comes to us from the 4th Battalion as Sergeant assigned as the Chiefs Aide on #2 platoon.  He will be the Platoon Commander on #2 platoon.

With recent promotions two wagon driver spots have come available.  Congratulations to Ryan Fischer and Alex Graham on their promotion to wagon driver.

As #1 platoon was completing their apparatus check and starting the daily house work a box was struck for 1815 17th St.  Units arrived with nothing evident but would eventually find an apartment on the 7th floor on fire.  Engine 21 second due checked the basement.  After checking the basement the crew was then assigned to checked the exposure apartments.  No extension was found and the engine returned a short time later.

Shortly before 1300 hours a box was struck for 2905 of 11th St. N.W.  First arriving units reported a working fire.  Engine 21 second due stretched the 350 and covered the basement.  Units found fire in the basement with extension to the first and second floors.  Engine 21 assisted with extinguishing the fire and controlling some utilities before returning in just over a hour.

At 1902 hours the box was struck for 3323 16th St. N.W. with Engine 21 first due.  The engine arrived to find a room off.  The crew stretched the 350 and extinguished the same.  The engine returned in about an hour.

Wagon Driver Djante Rodgers (DJ) from number three platoon has been promoted to Sergeant.  DJ was appointed to Engine 21 in 2003.  His first assignment is to CSU - 4.  We wish him luck and hope he makes it back some day.

Shortly after 0130 hours the box was struck for 1311 Oak St.  Engine 11 arrived to find heavy fire coming from the row house.  Engine 21 3rd due picked up Engine 11's supply line while the crew backed up 11.  The crew was then ordered to the exposure building where they found heavy fire in the attic.  The Engine operated for approximately two hours before picking up.

At 1647 hours a box alarm was sounded for 4222 47th St. N.W.  Engine 21 and WS 55 responded on the box as the water supply company.  First arriving units went on the scene with heavy fire showing.  Engine 21 arrived and was told to lay a line to side alpha and stretch a line to the second floor.  Due to the conditions command order all units out of the building for a short period to regroup.  The crew reentered the house and assisted in extinguishing the fire.  The engine remained on the scene for about three hours.

Several members of the house attended the funeral of Technician Fred Perry of Truck Co. 13 #1 Platoon.  As we say goodbye we keep the the family, friends and the members of the "House of Pain" in our thoughts and prayers.