Riverdale Fire Department, Inc.
4714 Queensbury Road Riverdale Park Maryland   20737 United States
301.883.7707 [MAIN] 301.856.0948 [FAX]
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4714 Queensbury Road
Riverdale ParkMaryland 20737
United States
301.883.7707 [Main]
301.856.0948 [FAX]

EMERGENCIES -DIAL 9-1-1

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Riverdale Fire Chief Making Great Strides PDF Print E-mail
Friday, April 08 2011 16:05

If you would like to leave a message to Chuck, please click here

UPDATE 05/02/11 2100 hrs.

At this time, we are happy to report that Chief Ryan has been moved from ICU to the step-down unit (3E) at the Washington Hospital Burn Center.  His condition over the weekend has greatly improved and he has been disconnected from IV pain medication.  This move enables him to receive more visitors thant were allowed in the ICU.  We encourage anyone interested to visit Chief Ryan.  Please be mindful that he is still in the recovery process and at times may not be able to recieve visitors, or there may be an abundance of people already there and visitation may have to be limited.  The Chief still has a long road of recovery ahead of him and the support shown by visitations is what is keeping him going strong. Many have asked, and we are also happy to report that he can now recieve gift baskets, flowers, etc. provided they contain NO DIRT.  Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE 04/19/11 2030 hrs.

We are happy to report that Chief Ryan continues make great strides in his improvement.  He continues to undergo skin graft surgery and will remain in the ICU for a while longer.  He is able to receive limited visitation now and it is requested taht oyu coordinate any visitation those that are standing vigil at the Burn Center.  Most of his time is spent rsting and recovering from the operations, however he was able to make 10 laps around the ICU today. He is determined to make as short of period of time as he is able before returning to both the Riverdale Fire Department and his brothers at Rescue 3. 

For a breif insight into what these gentelmen experienced, please view this interview with Lt. Alvarado and F/F Deavers on their return to the burn center for a follow-up examination following their release.

Continue to keep all the firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as the continue their various roads to full recovery.

UPDATED 04/15/11 0930 hrs.

Chief Ryan was released from the ventilator yesterday and is talking continuously.  This is great news.  Visitation is still extremely limited and we will keep everyone updated as visitation policies change.  Additional surgery is scheduled for today.  Further updates will be posted as significant changes in the Chief's outlook occur.  You can also follow his progress by visiting the DCFF Burn Foundation website. 

UPDATED 04/14/11 0930 hrs.

As reported on Tuesday, Chief Ryan underwent several hours of surgery.  He is expected to undergo additional surgery Friday.  He is still on the respirator, however he is being weened off of it.  He is still unable to receive any visitors.

We are happy to report that the other DCFD firefighter who were injured are improving greatly.  In fact, two have been released to go home.  We all hope that Chuck and the other DCFD firefighter will be released as soon as possible.  Please continue to keep all of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATED 04/12/11 1830 hrs.

While we do not have the complete details, Chief Ryan underwent several hours of surgery today and we understand that all went well.  He is, however, still unable to recieve ANY visitors.  Once he is, we will let you know.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this most crucial time of his treatment and recovery.

UPDATED 04/11/11 1530 hrs.

Chief Ryan was able to complete 5 laps around the ICu today and is continuing to progress greatly.  Due to upcoming procedures, the hospital staff has mandated that he have NO VISITORS until further notice.  As soon as he is able to have vistors again we will make the information available here.  Thank you to everyone again for all of your support. 

UPDATED 04/10/11 1430 hrs.

Chief Ryan contniues to make great progress.  He was able to complete 4 laps around the ICU today and is still intubated at this time. He is still unable to receive visitors other than family and we are hoping that sometime this week that will change. Once we receive notification, we will make that information available online.

We continue to thank all of those who have offered assistance and words of encouragement during this crisis.  Please continue to keep all of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their road to recovery. 

UPDATED 04/09/11 1800 hrs. 

Chief Ryan has made tremendous progress over the past 8 hours.  Even while still intubated, he was able to walk two laps around the ICU (and rumored to attempt a detour to the fire station, however his line was too short).  He was also able to move his arms and hands, which is a very significant sign of progress for a burn victim.

The Washington Hospital Burn Center is still seeking volunteers to donate blood to assist with the firefighters that were injured.  The Blood Services Center is located on the first floor of the Hospital Center, to the immediate left of the main entry doors.  The center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

If you would like to make a donation (or drop off a card) on Chuck's behalf, please make a check payable to the Riverdale Fire Department and drop it off at (or mail to) the offices of the Town of Riverdale Park, 5008 Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737.

An example of the local news coverage can be found at NBC Washington Channel 4. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Firefighters_Hurt_Washington_DC-119518669.html

Chuck has a long road of recovery, please keep your thoughts and prayers with him and the other firefighters who were injured in the blaze.

 

Original Story 

Early this morning, at approximately 1:00 am, Chief Charles A. Ryan, III was on the job at Rescue 3 in the District of Columbia (DCFD) at a house fire in the 800 block of 48th Street, NE.  While performing as a member of the search team comprised of firefighters from Rescue 3 and Truck 13, Chief Ryan and 4 other members of the DCFD were injured when the roof of the single family home collapsed.

Chief Ryan is in critical condition with significant burns at the Washington Hospital Burn Center. Three other firefighters with varying degrees of burns were also admitted to the Burn Center. The Washington Hospital Burn Center currently seeking people to donate blood to assist with the injured firefighters.  Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to stop by the Blood Services Center at the Washington Hospital Center.  Any help is greatly appreciated and we ask everyone to continue to keep Chief Ryan and the other injured members of the DCFD in your thoughts and prayers.

Chief Ryan has been a member of Riverdale for 25 years and has served as Volunteer Chief for several terms.  HIs father is also a Life Member of Riverdale and a past Chief.  His stepson, Anthony Anastasi, is also a member and currently serves as Tower Captain.

At this time the Burn Center is limiting visitation to family members only. 

As further pertinent information becomes available it will be posted here.  Please do not contact the station seeking information.

On behalf of the Riverdale Fire Department, thank you for all of the phone calls and email of support and assistance.  It is much appreciated.  Please keep all these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.

If you would like to leave a message to Chuck, please click here.

Last Updated ( Sunday, May 29 2011 21:25 )