On March 6, 2011 Cornelius and Huntersville Fire Departments were dispatched to a smell of natural gas coming from an apartment on One Norman Boulevard on the west side of Cornelius.  Captain Lang, Cornelius 17, was near the address and responded in his personal vehicle.  Upon arrival Capt. Lang spoke to occupants to determine which apartment the smell was coming from.  He then gained entry into the third floor apartment where he encountered heavy smoke throughout the apartment.  Engine 4 arrived an deployed the Apartment Line (a hose load on our trucks that is used for apartment and large building fires) to make an attack on the fire.  Chief Barbee arrived on scene shortly afterward and assumed Command of the incident.  Hook & Ladder 44 was assigned search and rescue and performed a primary search of the apartment to ensure there were no fire victims inside.  During the search of the fire involved unit firefighter D. Darnell, of the ladder company, found and rescued Daisey, a 9 month old Pomeranian puppy (see picture).  Engine 3 arrived and its crew assisted crews on the third floor.  Engine 3’s engineer established a water supply to the hydrant from Engine 4.  Huntersville Engine 22 and Rescue 2 arrived and assisted crews with minimizing water damage to the two apartments below the fire apartment. The sprinkler system at the complex kept the fire from extending into other rooms of the apartment and other units within the building, however there was extensive water damage.

The on call Fire Marshall was dispatched to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.  Crews performed overhaul and salvage once the investigation was complete.  After all operations were complete, the sprinkler system was restored and the building was turned over to property management.

In all, 22 Cornelius members (6 part-time paid) responded in 2 engine companies, 1 ladder and 1 rescue company.  Mutual aid from Huntersville netted 1 engine and 1 rescue.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours.

This property is valued at $1,500,000. Estimated damage was only $30,000 for property and $10,000 for contents.

RESPONDING UNITS:

Cornelius FD:

• Engine 4
• Engine 3
• Hook & Ladder 44
• Rescue 4
• Chief’s Car

Huntersville FD:

• Engine 22
• Rescue 2

Medic:

• ALS Unit

Join me in congratulating Mike Fox, AKA “Big Ham”, for 40 years of service to Cornelius–Lemley Fire Rescue and the Town of Cornelius.  Mike’s 40th anniversary was March 1.  To put things in perspective, he has served us longer than most of our members have been alive!  The average age for our firefighters is 37.

Mike has held every position in the department from firefighter to chief.  He retired from the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshalls Office in December of 2009 as The Fire Marshall.  He continues to be an active, valued member whose leadership is called on regularly.

Mike has raised the bar and set the standard for each member to strive to reach.

Big Ham,

To say “Thank You” seems insignificant compared to what you have done for our department, town, and county.  You are the icon for Cornelius–Lemley Fire Rescue.  We are truly blessed to have had you as a member.

Respectfully,

Chief Jim Barbee