Advanced Fire and Rescue Services

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AFRS ARCHIVED NEWS

AFRS was once again instrumental in providing support for the 4th of July Spectacular, held at Porter Ranch.
AFRS provides year round support to community efforts state wide.

Other agencies providing support were the Los Angeles Police Department, LAPD Explorers, LAPD Reserves, California Emergency Moblie Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department and LAFD Explorers.

AFRS wishes to congratulate John Boenzi on his graduation from LA City FD Tower on 7/3/08. Great job, John!

A recent event at Phoenix International Raceway, AFRS was once again called upon to put into effect the expert training that brings to the forfront the skills of the entire group.No injuries, except to the car, due to the quick response of the AFRS rescue crew.

Friday, Dec 21, Captain Craig Sanford with Firefighter Allois, Firefighter Morales and Firefighter Portillo made a delivery of donated toys to the child family center of Santa Clarita. This is an annual toy run organized by AFRS

AFRS Captain Gary McBride was recently shown in a local publication as AFRS was deeply involved in the Southern California firestorms. Many of the AFRS crew aided local efforts in helping to contain the many destructive fires that blanketed Southern California.

AFRS has been a large supporter for NHRA, in Las Vegas and more recently at Pomona Raceway.

AFRS provided fuel island support at the NHRA event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway recently. This complex event is one of the most highly attended events at the Speedway and AFRS leads the way again in excellent support.

The recent firestorms in Southern California provided AFRS with 'hands-on' experience. AFRS continues to be deeply involved in community and safety in all aspects.

Capt Craig Sanford recently returned from extensive NASCAR training at Kansas Motor Speedway. AFRS always employs the newest techniques and methods available.

AFRS is proud to announce an affliation with "Mechanix Wear" safety equipment.
For more information or to order any of the Mechanix Wear equipment, please contact AFRS

Once again, AFRS participated in “Fire Prevention Week” at a local Elementary School in the City of San Gabriel.
The topic this year was “Practice Your Escape Plan” and EDITH (Exit Drill in the Home).
Captain Fuentes, Firefighter Velasco, and Firefighter Arabit informed children on the tools they use in the fire service and how education helped them achieve their goals in the fire service.
Captain Fuentes talked about how important it was to practice their escape plan in the home, how the fire department “READ” smoke in the fire service, and how important it is for the students to continue to “READ” throughout their education.

AFRS recently sold & donated several peices of emergency equipment to the Antelope Valley Medical College.
In an effort to promote a growing relationship with the colllege, AFRS will continue to support the Fire Science and EMT classes at Antelope Valley Medical College.

Captain Craig Sanford has been recently appointed to the position of Pit Fire Chief for the NASCAR Truck Series events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Capt. Sanford and the AFRS will be covering all safetly aspects of the garage, pit lane, fueling islands and R.V. camping areas.
Capt. Sanford and the AFRS crew are looking forward to working with the local groups at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to ensure the finest safety coverage available.

June 1 brought AFRS to a stunt stand-by for MTV. All went well with no injuries and a prefect pipe ramp roll over! This stunt is in conjunction with a new MTV program in the works.

Once again the intrepid members of AFRS braved the snow and cold conditions in Wendover, NV to support a concept car testing.

AFRS once again brought the best & brightest to NASCAR at Las Vegas Motorspeedway. working in conjunction with the Clark County Fire Dept, AFRS always supports and contributes greatly to such high profile events as NASCAR.

At a recent HSR event at Phoenix International Raceway, AFRS posed with 2 of the premier Brecht Motorsports race cars. Brecht Motorsports is a continuing and major supporter of AFRS.

Nick Watkins recently graduated from L.A.Fire Academy and Capt. Craig Sanford was given the honor of pinning on Nick's official badge.
Congratulations, Nick!

In order to comply with a recent increase in equipment to provide the best possible support for the NASCAR Series, AFRS purchased a new rescue truck and outfitted it with a slide out from Global Fire Rescue Apparatus (G-FRA) Inc.

In a recent trip back to the NASCAR headquarters in Concord, North Carolina, Capt Sanford was able to gain important insight on the latest NASCAR safety information. The trip also included a visit to Lowes Motor Speedway.

AFRS begins the year 2007 with an updated training station, ten new additional firefighters and a new rescue unit. During the first two months, we will work up to 2000 hours at events in California, Nevada, and Arizona. In addition to the events, we start our preplanning and training for one of our main events, Las Vegas - NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Sam's Town 300 - NASCAR Busch Series.

At the recent AFRS Christmas party,long time supporter & web master, Kati James, was honored with a lovely plaque.
It was a wonderful party and a great time was had by all in celebrating the Holiday Season.
(Capt. Sanford, Capt. Benavidez, Kati, Capt. Fuentes)

AFRS was called on for stunt standby in the harbor area of San Pedro, California Sat. Nov. 18th. All went well, no injury's and a lot of fun. The film and stunt crew were great to work with.

Las Vegas – October 2006
AFRS added a new venue to its list, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). NHRA has been providing millions of racing fans with the fastest and most spectacular form of drag racing for the past 53 years. This past weekend top speeds reached 320.81 MPH in 4.55 seconds. AFRS provided fire suppression to the fuel station during the day and emergency services throughout the night. The weekend was successful thanks to AFRS Team and LVMS Safety Team who provided emergency services to drivers/fans throughout the event.

October 2006
AFRS helped promote National Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14) “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat" by visiting a 1st grade elementary class in San Gabriel, Ca. Captain Fuentes and Firefighter Velasco talk about firefighter equipment, hot things in the home, how to cool a burn, (Stop, Drop, and Roll) and etc.

AFRS once again brought a strong presence to the annual Coronado Speed Fest. The Navy was exhibiting the LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) with AFRS standing at the ready.
The AFRS crew was kept busy during the week end, re-affirming their skills and putting into practice their many hours of training.
With consistant, ready and fast response, AFRS proved once again the versitility of the crew and leadership.

October 2006 - Thanks to all who attended the Second Annual Firefighter Festival of Hollywood!
The fundraising event is held to help generate funds for the LAFD Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial and bring the community together. The days event included good food, live music and talking to the public/future firefighters about AFRS Company’s past and future events. AFRS was represented by Captain Greg Fuentes and Firefighter Steve Cerpa.

September, 2006 - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Smith's Las Vegas 350.

Due to on going construction at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a portable fuel tanker was brought in for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. AFRS provided fire suppression for the fuel tanker throughout the weekend. During our down time, AFRS continues with its' ongoing training to insure outstanding service and highly trained personnel.

Once again AFRShas proven their community support and willingness to help in any situation.
Recently, at N/B 14, north of the Jaw Bone Recreaction Area, AFRS encountered a roll-over auto accident, involving an 84 yr.old female passenger with minor injuries.
The 'cutout' took about 15 minutes to complete, have the victum on a backboard with a c-collar and ready for transport by ground ambulance to Antelope Valley Hospitol in Lancaster, CA.

AFRS continues to provide First-Aid support at the 11th year Saugus Speedway's Annual Oldies and Goodies Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show.

August 2006: AFRS provided professional rescue service for MKM Open Road Race in Battle Mountain, Nevada "The Pony Express 130". Top speed reached up to 210 MPH on a two lane highway. Photos show Emergency Vehicles staged for "Rooky Practice Day".

As in the past, AFRS displayed its emergency equipment and provided a demonstration on its extrications skills on two vehicles.

After the demonstration, AFRS members' participated in a game of dodge ball and walked away with the 1st place trophy. From left to right: Jeff Ray II, Michael Velasco, Coach Craig Sanford, Lester Garcia, Will Portillo, and Steven Cerpa

AFRS supported MKM Racing at their annual road racing event and took advantage of the Wendover Fire Department's 'burn trailer' to sharpen and practice skills that might be needed at the high desert event.

Congratulations to AFRS firefighter Nick Watkins! Nick has been accepted to the Los Angeles City Fire Department and starts the fire tower in August 2006. AFRS wishes Nick the best of luck and "keep up the good work".

Congratulations to long time family and AFRS friend Ryan Prusa. Ryan was accepted to the Paramedic Training Institute along with a few other selected explorers and is being sponsored by the LAFD.
AFRS wishes Ryan the best of luck and "keep up the good work".

At a recent NASA event at Buttonwillow Raceway, AFRS Rescue 1 and Tow 1 safely extricated #62 from the tire barriers at Turn 2. Again proving, no matter where cars end up, AFRS can safely and quickly clear the track.

AFRS welcomes "CARE-FLIGHT" air ambulance, stationed in the Reno-Fernley area. "CARE-FLIGHT" provides the more remote areas with excellent air ambulance service.

At a recent HMSA event at Reno-Fernley, AFRS had the opportunity to spend a minute of free time playing in the new snowfall.

AFRS was recently involved with The City of Santa Clarita ‘Emergency Expo ‘Ease the Risk in 2006’. The Expo featured: Search and Rescue demonstrations, Safety and Preparedness exhibits, Emergency Supply vendors and much more.
AFRS provided information on uses of portable fire extinguishers and displayed there emergency rescue tools.

AFRS has as versitle a line of equipment as personnel. The AFRS owned ambulance was recently used as a movie prop at the El Toro Air Station. Many of the AFRS members have worked on this feature film from 4/10/2006 until 4/13/2006.

Once again, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, AFRS provided NASCAR with full paddock and track support. In conjunction with the NASCAR and Las Vegas Speedway safety crews, AFRS was on the front lines providing outstanding service with the latest equipment and highly trained personnel, to ensure that this was the safest event possible.

AFRS team members Tracy Bartolomo & Gary McBride represented AFRS at the annual Dallas Helicopter International Show.

"MOVING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE
WE ARE BOUND TO COLLIDE WITH ONE ANOTHER"

AFRS was not only off-camera support for the Best Picture of the Year, Crash, but several members of AFRS also appeared in the movie.
Gary McBride, Tracy Bartolomo, Phil Benavidez, and Jennifer Downs all made an appearance in this Oscar winning movie, once again proving the versitility of the AFRS crews.

AFRS was in Phoenix, supporting VARA & HSR West this past month. It was a return to Phoenix International Raceway for AFRS who had not been there since the 2002 season.
The ability of AFRS to support multiple events in several states at the same time continues to speak of the flexability and excellence of the members of AFRS

>News & updates on Gary McBride from Capt.Fuentes.
8/10/06
To All AFRS Member:
Late this afternoon, Captain McBride was call to help the next door neighbor in removing a rattlesnake from the yard. (His community service for the day)
Unfortunately around 1600 hours, Captain McBride was bitten by the snake. He is currently in the ICU at the Henry Mayo Hospital and is in critical condition. He was intubated and has been given anti-venom.
Captain Sanford and his wife are in route to hospital and will keep us informed.
At this time, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
We all know how tough Captain McBride is and soon he will be back on his feet giving us a hard time.
8/11/06
Gary is still in ICU, his hand and arm is swollen, he has been given more than 12 vials of anti-venom, and his platelet count are improving.
No visitors allowed at this time. Captain Sanford said Gary’s family is with him and he looks comfortable.
Captain Sanford and I want to thank you for your concern and as soon as we get more updates, we will contact you.
8/13/06
Gary had a good day on Saturaday. He slept all day and the Doctor's said that his doing better
All body function are working well, including his kidney and liver. It's unknown how soon it will before he is moved out of the ICU.
8/14/06
Gary was awake yesterday and today. He is still on the respirator and will be until the swelling in his lungs and chest go down. He is in stable condition, but still critical.
Craig visited him today, and asked Gary when he gets out and feels better, "Are you still going play with snakes?" Gary nodded. "Yes" He must be felling a little better.
8-17-06
Gary is off the intubater, talking and much more alert today!. He is still in the hospital but making great progress after a very rough week.
This is good news for all of the AFRS family who know & love Gary & want to see him back at full strength as soon as possible.
8-19-06
Great news, Gary has been moved out of ICU & into room 224. Visiting hours are from 11-8 but if you go, please remember it has been a VERY long week for him & keep it short.
8-30/06
Gary is at home as of Friday Aug 25th. He is resting, grumpy and getting back to normal. This is going to be a slow process but knowing Gary, he will be working hard to be back at full strength soon.
Please give him a call if you like at:(661)298-3070.

Tracy Bartolomo recently graduated from Daniel Freedman Paramedic Academy. The graduation took place at: Veterans Regional Auditorium in Culver City, CA & places Tracy as another highly qualified EMT with AFRS.

10TH Annual Toy Run to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

Tis the season of giving!!! AFRS participate in the 10th Annual Toy Run for Kids, which provides the single largest donation of toys to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. With over hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts and rows of fire trucks which was led by AFRS. The parade departed from Woodland Hills to Children’s Hospital in Hollywood.

This annual Toy Run was begun 10 years ago by Mr. Leeton Lee and supported by AFRS & Capt. Craig Sanford.. The "elves" come from all over the area to help out with this very worthwhile and community-orientated effort.
Gary McBride and Joe Aloisi moved Santa to the HR Textron christmas party in Santa Clarita Sunday 12/04/2005 in a further effort to extend the holiday spirit.

AFRS has started sponsoring individuals intrested in the Fire Service. In July 2005, AFRS sponsored Nick Walkins and John Boenzi to the Rio Hondo Fire Academy to begin their training. After five long months of training in ladders, hose lays, rope and knots, fire control, etc. their graduation is uopn us.

On November 12 2005, AFRS would like to congratulate Nick and John for a job well done. Nick and John will continue their training with AFRS as a stepping stone in their quest to becoming full-time firefighters in the Fire Service.

AFRS recently supported a "demo" day, at Buttonwillow Raceway, for the newest, fastest and latest cars waiting to hit the track.

AFRS provided EMT support for the 15th Intertribal Marketplace at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian at the Autry National Center (Los Angeles, CA)
This signature event at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian showcases pottery, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, mixed-media, weavings, beadwork, woodcarvings, and cultural items created by more than 100 Native artists

At a recent VARA event, in Las Vegas, AFRS continued to demonstrate the superior quality in which it trains and puts that training to use to provide each event the best possible support.

AFRS is planning to offer a two to four hour training programming for the corner workers from our motorsport racing clients. The program would include class instructions, hands-on training and a Certificate of Completion.

At the recent Coronado Speed Fest, held at the Navel Air Station, AFRS once again proved why they are one of the most sought after rescue services. An incident at turn 5 put the crew to the test in an emergency extraction and life saving measures. AFRS also handled several 'routine' calls and continues to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in the industry.
AFRS crew:
Capt. Sanford, Phillip Benavidez, Myles Bois, Chris Bois, Mike Pena, Luis Mares, Gary Stratford.

This past Saturday, Advanced Fire and Rescue Services attended Los Angeles City Fire - 1st Annual Firefighter Festival in Hollywood.

Capt. Craig Sanford, Capt Greg Fuentes and Firefighter David Feliciano arrived on scene at 0830 hours. Rescue 1 was located in front of Los Angeles City Fire Station 27 and had a booth on the apparatus floor. The day’s events included talking to the public/future firefighters about AFRS Company’s past and future events. We handed out Jr. Firefighter stickers and let the kids try out AFRS equipment. We renewed old acquaintances and ended the day with a feeling of being a part of the Firefighter Family.

The Festival’s objective was to generate funds for the construction of the long-overdue LAFD Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial. This Memorial is committed to honoring the memory of all firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the City of Los Angeles.

AFRS was proud to be part of the Festival and to donate our funds to such a great cause.

AFRS members, Gary McBride & Art Vela made quick work of a tow
at a recent VARA event at Buttonwillow Raceway.

AFRS just returned from another sucessful NASCAR Truck Race in Las Vegas, NV.

AFRS set up the support at Saugas Speedway, recently, for the 10th.Annual Car Show
Base set-up shows the wide range of equipment and total committment to safety that
AFRS brings to every venue

Training officer, Greg Fuentes shows a prospective AFRS recruit some of the newest support equipment.

AFRS will gain be supporting the efforts of Habitat for Humanity in September.AFRS shows continuing community support in this effort by relieving several local fire departments & emergency services, thus freeing them to aid in the clean up from Hurricain Katrina.

AFRS is deeply involved in the community spirit and providing support and aid when and where ever they are needed.

Battle Mountain claims another high speed victim!
At the final event of the season, MKM Racing again proves that a high speed crash at,204 MPH, can be walked away from.
AFRS was instrumental in ensuring that quick and professional rescue was in place for the latest high speed crash at Battle Mountain.

(AFRS crew with a demo car, training for high speed incidents)

AFRS members from left to right:
Gary Stratford, David Feliciano, Donald Chavez, Phillip Benavidez, Joe Aloisi, Art Vela, and Capt. Craig Sanford on the top.
For pictures of the crash

AFRS supported General Racing & HMSA at Laguna Seca for the annual Pre Historics Race. The crew, including Capt. Craig Sanford, Greg F. Myles B, Mike, Phil B, Donald C, Luis M. Michael P, & David F. had lots of practice with some newer equipment, air bags and plenty of 'grease sweep' at the "Corkscrew"

AFRS has recently acquired updated equipment that allows for quicker and more accessible mobility in crowded areas such as paddock rescue & crowd assistance. This new equipment allows AFRS to have total mobility to areas not usually supported fully & further adds to the effectivness of the total AFRS support.

AFRS comes to the aid of CSGR at a recent event at ThunderHill!

AFRS and Habitat for Humanity team up again!

Recently, AFRS and Habitat for Humanity combined efforts again to support this important mission to help the less fortunate. AFRS strongly supports this effort and shows community spirit and involvement in every aspect.

AFRS at Wendover.
A British team trying to set a speed record for an electric car gave up because the mustard-yellow, torpedo-shaped vehicle wouldn't start for a third morning in a row. They plan to return next year for another try at topping 300 mph (480 kph).

The 34-foot-long (10.4-meter-long) "e(equal)motion" car ran well in England and on a single practice run on a desert highway about 120 miles (200 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City, but then ran into a series of baffling electrical problems.

The current record for an electric car is 245 mph (395 kph), set by an American team in 1999 using a similarly streamlined car powered by thousands of "AA" batteries. That record, sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile, was set on Utah's nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, which are too wet at this time of year for speed trials

Builder Colin Fallows sits on his car (Rescue 1 upper left corner) and driver Mark Newby scratches his head after failing to break a record with the British electric "e=motion" car Saturday, May 7, 2005, south of West Wendover, Nev.

AFRS was involved in the world premier of a music video by 'Simple Plan", "Untitled".
Advance Fire & Rescue Services Staff included:
Craig Sanford, Greg Fuentes, Art Vela, Gary McBride, Donald Chavez and Nicholas Watkins.

Simple Plan's brand new Untitled" video hit NUMBER ONE on MTV's TRL. (April 26th 2005)
On the Left: JEFF STINCO: Lead Guitar On the Right: SEBASTIEN LEFEBVRE: Guitar, Backing Vocals

NEW TRAINING OFFICER

AFRS has promoted Greg Fuentes to Training Officer. AFRS, in an ongoing effort to provide the best and most current training opportunities, has promoted Greg Fuentes to the position of Training Officer. New training schedules and procedures will be ongoing with AFRS

AFRS, at a recent event for HMSA, at Reno-Fernley Raceway, again demonstrated the skills that keep AFRS in the forefront for quick and safe response.

AFRS brought out the newest addition to the fleet of support vehicles at the Las Vegas NASCAR event in March.

See additional photos here.

AFRS has contracted to be techinical advisors on the television soap opera "Days of Our Lives" on March 28th.

The United Kingdom has contracted with AFRS to support an 'electrical car' world record attempt in Wendover in May.

AFRS continues to support many local car clubs at scheduled track days through out California. Some of the upcoming events include:
NASA
HMSA
HSR
MKM
CSRG
VARA.

AFRS Capt. Craig Sanford and AFRS member Greg Fuentes at a recent release of the DVD "Ladder 49"
Read the rest of this story.

At the recent NASCAR event,March 8th -14th, in Las Vegas, AFRS and the crew, responded to:
50 fire responses, 15 medical aides, 3 traffic accidents. Once again AFRS proves why they are the premier fire and rescue services used by NASCAR for this event and Clarke County.

AFRS has been retained again this year by NASCAR CUP and Truck series for extensive track support. Capt. Sanford is attending meetings to make sure that all the needs of this spectacular racing series is met to perfection.
In-depth training sessions and meetings will be taking place during the off season for NASCAR to insure that AFRS is supplied with all the latest information for their first race.

Oct. 18-21 During a recent event at Las Vegas, AFRS was contacted by the Israeli Air Force with a request to stand by for support during a series of night landing exercises in conjunction with Red Flag exercises at Nellis AFB. AFRS further expanded their reputation as the source of premier service for a widely varied and ever extending circle of clients in providing excellent coverage for this exercise.

On a recent movie shoot for "Reasonable Doubt" AFRS members Greg Fuentes, Nick Rossi, Jon Saravia and Capt. Gary McBride provided emergency and technical support. Again, AFRS proved to be an invaluable source of skills and information to enhance the realism of this movie.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the sight of a recent NASCAR Truck Series Race & CHAMP Cars. AFRS team members Nick Watkins, Greg Fuentes & Captain Craig Sanford were only a few of the AFRS crew to provide support for this high profile event.

To view the wide range of AFRS equipment, please click here.