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POWER LINES START FIRE, MCKEESPORT AUTO BODY SHOP DESTROYED
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
CITY OF MCKEESPORT, PA – At 5:18 P.M. on July 16th, City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to McKeesport Auto Body, located along Rebecca Street, for a report of live wires down on the building. Firefighters arrived and found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building and the alarm was upgraded to a second-alarm structure assignment. - See full story on page 4
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August, 2021
ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies
Company
Page
1st Out Specialty
7
Armor-Tuff Floors
23
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
HERO HE ERO ER OES OE OES S
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
Backstop USA
Campbell Supply.
15
1, 24 ALAN HOFFMAN
Command Fire App.
Brush 241 of the Bowmanstown Vol. Fire Co. is a 2016 Ford F350 with a 250-GPM pump and 225-gallon tank.
20
ESI
3
Fire Flow Services, Inc.
21
Firehouse Expo
17
Fire Line Equipment
19 FRANK ROBINSON
Kimtek Corporation
5
Mid Atlantic Rescue
11
Two Bros. Auto Transport 14
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No. 8 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
Jim Thorpe Fire Department operates a 2019 Ford F350/Reading 250/250 Brush Truck.
"Serving since 1988, I’m a retired Assistant Chief from DeKalb County Fire Rescue in Atlanta, GA and current Deputy Chief with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue in Bradenton, FL. The inspiration for this tattoo was to show others my love and dedication for the fire service and riding my Harley Davidson Electra Glide." -Kyle Bradshaw
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ALAN HOFFMAN
This 2008 Ford F-350 pickup serves as Utility 25-91 with the Goodwill Fire Company of Trexlertown.
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PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com FRANK ROBINSON
Northampton Fire Department now operates a Tom Car 4x4 75/100 as Unit 4247.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
August, 2021
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Power Lines Start Fire, Mckeesport Auto Body Shop Destroyed CITY OF MCKEESPORT, PA – At 5:18 P.M. on July 16th, City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to McKeesport Auto Body, located along Rebecca Street, for a report of live wires down on the building. Firefighters arrived and found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building and the alarm was upgraded to a second-alarm structure assignment. Crews made entry and found a fire quickly running along the roofline of the building. Crews found bad hydrants in the area, so several tankers were requested as crews attempted to make an interior attack. Command requested that crews evacuate the building after the fire had spread to chemicals stored in the building, and having no water supply estab-
JUMP TO FILE #071721116
lished, additional tankers were requested from Westmoreland County. Crews then set up a defensive attack on the main fire building while other crews worked to protect an exposure home. A thirdalarm was requested just before 8:00 P.M. as fire continued to rage inside the building. Crews worked for several hours before the fire was brought under control. The scene finally was cleared almost nine hours later at 2:03 A.M. No one was injured. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
Fire pours from McKeesport auto shop.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
MEMORIAL BOARD If you have photos you would like to see in our Memorial Board feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Area firefighters, family and friends of Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteer Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Matregrano gathered on Sunday, July 18th, at a memorial service at Station 66. Nick passed earlier this year in January. Nick was a resident of the Perkiomen Valley for 47 years. In addition to being a volunteer with station 66, Nick had been past-Chief at Schwenksville Fire Co. Station 73. Engine 73 (now Lower Frederick Two. Fire Co.’s Engine 52-1) was a truck that Nick went out on often on calls in Schwenksville borough. This truck was able to be featured in the service. Amelia, one of Nick’s granddaughters, wore Nick’s helmet and was an active participant in the ceremony. Thanks to Nick’s family for allowing him to be part of our Station 66 family for many years. Thanks also to all of our many mutual aid partners who helped make the day special to remember Nick and his many years of service to the community. Nick was a valued volunteer with the Perkiomen Twp. Fire Co. since 2017, and was a past-
Chief at Schwenksville Fire Co. 73 and an active member there for 42 years. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol for 33 years. Nick served on the PA Fire Commission, was a CPR Instructor and also an Emergency Medical Responder. Nick also taught Protective Services at the North Montco Technical Career Center. Nick conducted first aid and CPR training and was also an excellent french-fry maker. Nick will be remembered as a great storyteller. He would really draw you in. He enjoyed his family, teaching our members and traveling. He will be greatly missed. His was a life well lived. Nick loved his family and friends deeply. He and his wife Marilyn were both wine enthusiasts and loved traveling. He was a loving father and grandfather. His favorite pastimes were building forts, feeding his birds and deer, taking care of his pond, and sneaking cookies to his grandchildren. Thanks, Nick, for your many years of dedication to the residents of Perkiomen Township and beyond. - TED HODGINS
TED HODGINS
Amelia, one of Nick’s granddaughters, wore Nick’s helmet and was an active participant in the memorial ceremony.
August, 2021
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August, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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CORRESPONDENTS ••• Jim Alercia • Joshua Amberman • Stephen Barrett • Jason Batz • Denny Clopper • Timothy Coover • Bob Devonshire • Dale Feehrer • Alan Hoffman • Roman Isaryk • Ron Jeffers • William King • Nik Knauer • Joshua Knoll • JC Kriesher • Joseph Lennon • John Malecky • Artie Osniak • Bryan Phelps • Kevin Quigley • Eric Rasmussen • Lucas Richardson • Terry Ritz • Frank Robinson • Don Filippo Scicchitano • Shane Shifflett • Darin Smith • Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber Jr • Dennis Wetherhold Jr.
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Kentucky: Garry Key, 70 Rank: Acting Chief Incident Date: January 10, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Zoneton Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Acting Chief Garry Key developed COVID-19 while on-duty from attending mandated fire department meetings and other fire department functions. He passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from the virus. New Jersey: John Jonker, Sr., 80 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 10, 2021 Death Date: February 10, 2021 Fire Department: Erskine Lakes Fire Company #1 Initial Summary: On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Firefighter John Jonker, Sr., participated in a training drill at the fire department. Shortly after returning home, he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. He was unable to be revived and passed away. Arkansas: Edward Karriem, 41 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: February 13, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Little Rock Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Battalion Chief Edward Karriem was the commanding officer at the scene of a residential fire. He was found unresponsive in his vehicle and firefighters immediately performed CPR. He was then transported to the hospital where he later passed away. The cause of his death is under investigation. Pennsylvania: Phillip Craig Ginter, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 20, 2021 Death Date: February 21, 2021 Fire Department: Beavertown Rescue Hose Company Initial Summary: While working a four-alarm fire at a local farm, Firefighter Phillip Craig Ginter became ill as he helped to pump water at a designated fill site. Ginter became unresponsive and had no pulse before
EMS arrived. As a result, responders on scene administered CPR on Ginter. Once EMS arrived, Ginter was transported to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital where he passed away. Pennsylvania: John Evans, 64 Rank: Fire Boat Pilot Incident Date: January 19, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: While stationed at his assignment at the Marine Unit, Fire Boat Pilot John Evans contracted COVID-19. He passed away from the virus on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Michigan: Jeff Brozich, 57 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 1, 2021 Death Date: March 1, 2021 Fire Department: Madison Heights Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, March 1, 2021, while on duty at the fire station, Captain Jeff Brozich suffered a heart attack and passed away. Kentucky: Ronald Ingram, 72 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 3, 2021 Death Date: March 3, 2021 Fire Department: Woodford County Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Captain Ronald Ingram was part of a response to a shed fire. Shortly after his arrival onscene, Ingram collapsed. CPR was immediately initiated, and Ingram was then transported to a local hospital where he passed away. Indiana: Martin "Marty" Meyers, 50 Rank: Captain Incident Date: February 9, 2021 Death Date: March 4, 2021 Fire Department: Kokomo Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Captain Martin “Marty” Meyers contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
August, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Just a few…. FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
DALE FEEHRER
The East Petersburg VFC operates this 2010 Pierce Saber PUC (1500/1000) as Engine 23-1.
Recipes don’t have to be complicated to be good. Many times, the best meals are the simplest. A good recipe does not have to read like a dictionary of ingredients. Sometimes all it takes is three quality ingredients, simple execution and a confident cook. Why three ingredients you ask? After three, a recipe can start to get muddled down, resembling more of a hodgepodge of flavor
and textures. Keeping the amount of components to a minimum does a few things. First and foremost it allows the ingredients to shine. This is why choosing quality is of the utmost importance. Organic, fresh produce is best, especially if in season. I highly suggest going to your local farmers markets for fruits and vegetables. It is a great way to learn what grows in your area, which is what usually will taste best. Buy the best meat you can that is within your budget, such as grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork and free-range chicken. Quality meat can make a huge difference when you are cooking it simply with a few other ingredients. You could also shop the local farmers market for this as
well. Using only a few items also helps in keeping costs down, which is always a good thing, especially in the firehouse. It will also allow your budget to be spent on those quality ingredients we just spoke about. And lastly, it helps simplify a recipe, which is important, especially for the new cooks out there. Some recipes can seem daunting with too many steps, which can be discouraging to some. Keeping it simple builds confidence in the kitchen with basic cooking techniques, which will only make you a better cook. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Caprese uses only a few ingredients, making it a quick and easy meal that’s also delicious, especially in the summer!
GRILLED CHICKEN CAPRESE Serves 4 Ingredients: ALAN HOFFMAN
Truck 33-31 of the Han-Le-Co Fire & Rescue Company is a 2015 Pierce Quantum with a 105’ Aerial, 2000-GPM pump and 500-gallon tank.
2 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast, halved (or 4 thin cutlets) 2 Ripe Tomatoes, sliced about ½” thick 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Sea Salt, to taste Black Pepper, to taste 1 tsp. Dried Oregano EVOO 1 Bunch Fresh Basil Procedure: -Preheat the grill to mediumhigh heat. Spray with a nonstick or oil grates.
KEN SNYDER
Tanker 151 of the Trucksville FD is a 2016 Freightliner/4-Guys 750/3500.
-Drizzle EVOO over chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper and oregano. -Place chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and top with tomato slices and shredded cheese. Cover the grill and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cooked through to 165° internal temp. -Remove from the grill and drizzle with EVOO. Tear basil leaves on top and serve.
RAINMAN14
The Scranton Fire Department operates this 2017 Sutphen SP100 Aerial Platform as Truck 1.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
August, 2021
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ALAN HOFFMAN
Liberty Hose Co. #5 Holds Dual Truck Housing SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA - On Saturday, July 17th, the Liberty Hose Co. #5 of Schuylkill Haven held a parade and dual truck housing for their 2019 GMC Sierra Utility Unit and 2021 KME Panther Pumper. Awards in 14 different categories were given out. A total of 50 pieces of apparatus participated in the parade.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Crews use defensive attack.
Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Crafton Knights of Columbus
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CRAFTON, PA – At 12:30 P.M. on July 9th, fire crews were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall located along West Crafton Avenue. JUMP TO FILE# Crews arrived to 071721114 find heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building. Crews made entry and found heavy fire in the roof area and tried to make an attack, but were forced to evacuate the building due to quickly deteriorating conditions. Shortly after crews evacuated, the roof of the building collapsed. A second-alarm was requested for additional manpower. Crews remained on scene for several hours while an excavator was brought in to help remove debris. One firefighter was treated for a heat related illness. Construction workers were working on the roof and inside the building when the fire broke out and were able to get out of the building. The fire is now under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
DALE FEEHRER
Lieutenant J. Bamberger of the Citizens Fire Co. of Palmyra pauses for a minute to rehydrate during a working fire in Conewago Twp., PA.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
The Emporium Fire Department in Cameron County is one of only two fire companies in the county, (Sinnamahoning being the other). The 398-square-mile county, with roughly 5,000 residents, is almost all forest, with Emporium being the County seat. The closest mutual aid comes from Saint Mary's in Elk County, at 19 miles away. Sinnamahoning is 22 miles. Even this small town has had it's share of emergencies. Recently having a large sawmill fire, there was a major train derailment several years ago, and a major downtown fire that destroyed almost an entire block. Thank you so much to Chief Adam Johnson, Jacy Langley and Chad Olay for moving rigs around for photos. A class act, out in the wilderness.
Submit Calendar items three ways
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Engine 14-2 is this 1996 KME Renegade with a 2017 Shore Equipment refurb. It previously had a white-over-red paint scheme and has a 1250 pump, 750 water and 250 foam.
The newest addition to the fleet is this 2020 Rosenbauer Commander, operating as Ladder 14. Having been placed in service in December 2020, it has a 2000 pump, 500 water and a 109' rearmount ladder.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Tanker 14 is a 2000 International-2674/KME with a 2016 Shore Equipment refurb, also previously was white-over-red. It has a 500 pump and 2500 water.
The current Rescue 14-1 replaced this rescue truck, 1990 Ford L/4 Guys, and a 1992 KME Renegade 1250/1000 engine that was almost a twin to the current Engine 14-2.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Rescue 14-1 is a 2011 KME Panther with a 1500 pump, 750 water and 25 foam, plus a full complement of rescue equipment.
The new Rosenbauer replaced this 1997 KME Renegade 2000/150/102' rear-mount tower.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
• Post on our website at www.1RBN.com • Email to news@1strespondernews.com
• Mail to: 1st Responder News • 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553 This 2014 Ford F-550/Shore Equipment runs as Brush 14. It has a portable pump, 300 water and on board foam.
This 2015 Ford F-350 operates as Utility 14.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
August, 2021
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Shop online at www.MidAtlanticRescue.com
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Vehicle News
DALE FEEHRER
KEN SNYDER
The Ralpho Fire Co. #1 now operates this 2020 Pierce Enforcer-Ascendant desig- The New Stanton Fire Department 25 has acquired this 2021 KME Panther nated as Ladder 294 (2000/500/107'). 1000/500/10A/20 B.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Lititz Fire Co. #1 has taken delivery of this 2021 E-One Typhoon pumper Mifflinburg Hose Company (Union County) has a 2018 Dodge 3500/JD Welding run(1500/530). ning as Utility 3. It has a 500 pump, 285 water and replaces a 1985 Chevrolet K20/2005 JD Welding with 300 pump and 279 water that was sold to Gregg Twp. Fire Co. in Centre County.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire has taken delivery of this 2020 Pierce Arrow XT The Wellersburg District Fire Company (Somerset County) acquired this 2009 with a refurbished 95' Aerialscope aerial. This piece will be designated as Truck 2 GMC/Wynn from neighboring Corriganville, MD. Rescue 630 has a 210 pump and 300 and is the first mid-mounted aerial in the City of Lancaster in over 30 years. water along with full rescue tools.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
JC KRIESHER
Mahanoy City Fire Chief Dan Markiewicz directs crews on the 'C' side during a two-alarm row home fire in Girardville.
DALE FEEHRER
Firefighter B. Leid of the FD of Mt. Joy, PA is seen here operating a few lines at a recent dwelling fire in Rapho Twp., PA.
Second floor apartment fire in Coatesville, 7/18/21.
Firefighters Make Quick Work of Coatesville Apartment Fire COATESVILLE, PA - On Sunday afternoon, July 18th, at 12:52 P.M., firefighters from Coatesville, Thorndale, Modena, Coatesville VA, Minquas, and Keystone Valley, along JUMP TO FILE# with EMTs from 071921110 Washington Hose and Paramedics from Tower Health, were dispatched to the 500 block of E Chestnut Street in Coatesville for an apartment fire reported with subjects still inside. Firefighters from Coatesville arrived less than a minute later with smoke showing from a second-floor apartment and confirmed a working fire. As more firefighters began to arrive on the scene members from Coatesville made entry into the apartment and began to extinguish the flames while also searching for any trapped occupants. Luckily, all occupants were able to escape the flames uninjured. Firefighters had the fire under control in less than 10 minutes. Chester County's Fire Marshal was also on the scene investigating the fire. - MARK WALSH
KEN SNYDER
Emmaus FD Holds Housing EMMAUS, PA - On June 21st, the Emmaus Fire Department held a ceremonial housing for its new 2021 Spartan engine. After the housing, this unit was officially placed into service via radio.
IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Members make a knock on the fire.
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANK ROBINSON
Hawley Fire Department still runs a 1991 KME 1250/1000.
DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Sugarloaf Fire Co. operates this 1988 Spartan/FMC 1500-GPM pump with a 1000-gallon water tank. Engine 177/13 is the second due rig for the department.
ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
DALE FEEHRER
During a recent water supply drill in East Lampeter Twp. (Lancaster County), Engine 41-1 of the Hand in Hand Fire Co. took the "fill site" assignment at a local pond. In this shot the ducks were enjoying a swim just as operations began.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
August, 2021
PAGE 15
Bob Long
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Crews work to ventilate the building after finding a car on fire inside. PA BYSTANDER
Plymouth, PA Engine 3, a 1995 Seagrave, pumping at a structure fire on 6-6-21.
Vehicle Fire Found Inside North Huntington Building NORTH HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA – Just before 7:00 P.M. on July 13th, firefighters were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a commercial building located along Route 30. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the building
JUMP TO FILE #071721115
and crews made entry to attack the fire. Firefighters found a vehicle fire which they were able to quickly contain, but the fire did
extend into the building. Crews were able to locate the extension and quickly extinguish the fire. Crews remained on-scene for about two hours performing overhaul and ventilation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
AFD E.9 in service at the Allentown second-alarm dwelling fire, March 26th.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Ladder 231 on the scene of a two-alarm house fire in Catasauqua on Saturday, April 3rd. DALE FEEHRER
The Pleasant Hill FD owns this 1947 International with a John Bean high pressure pump and 400-gallon tank.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
80 Years of Fire & Rescue Apparatus in Fairfax County, Virginia: 1923-2003 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
80 Years of Fire & Rescue Apparatus in Fairfax County, Virginia: 1923-2003 By Peter West and Mike Sanders Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $35.00 This is a soft cover, 8 ½ inch by 11 inch book, that has 176 pages. It is said that a picture is worth 1000 words. This book has over 500 black and white quality photos, most of which are apparatus but with a good number of ambulances included. There are also fire stations, both with and with-
out apparatus in front of them. One thing I can say is that all of the vehicle photos are well positioned as to angle and sun exposure. The only color photos are those on the cover. The two men who put this book together (with a vast number of apparatus photographers) proclaim their dedication by the very fact that they state that the information provided is as correct as can be determined, but they leave open the door that if for some reason there is an error, that they be notified of it. There are 399-square-miles in the county, which has 37 stations including the City of Fairfax. These stations are outlined in the book by number. A vast array of different vintages of apparatus awaits the reader. As an apparatus photographer for 47 years, I can appreciate the models and designs especially of the older trucks which were easier to identify than many of today. There is also an index of manufacturers at the end of the book with page numbers of the respective brands making it easy to look vehicles up. This is a book that is worth the price!
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CHUCK LOWE
Klingerstown (Schuylkill County) ran this 1978 Hahn 1000/500 as Engine 65.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
The care of Senior Members Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
I remember years ago, one fire department carried on its rolls people who were senior members. These were men who have served many years. They may not have participated much on the regular runs, but they might have come out for major fires to support the younger crews. They may have brought food or coffee, or they may have watched the pump or help pick up after the fire. The important thing was that
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these people were still useful and treated with respect. The way that fires were fought may have changed, since they stretched their lines, but listen to the principals. You may find something that has been forgotten that is still very useful. Many times, people are discarded because of their age or physical limitations. I think of fire companies or departments, who may work with a person of special needs. The person may only be able to wash a fire apparatus or perform some task that we may consider menial, but for them, it gives them dignity. I have seen members retire and then lose their identity because they always went to the fire station or knew where the action was, because they were in the middle of it. They may be in their home or in a nursing home but their mind may rekindle the fire from years ago and they get to fight the fire in their memories. Wait a second, if the old firefighters, the firemen, want to tell their stories, why not write them down. Each town or city has its own history. We can record the firemen telling us the story of the fires and put that on a website as part of the department’s history. We can keep a record of the tools and techniques that were used. We can learn extrication techniques without having to use hydraulic tools of today or how to vent a roof without using a saw. I have never known an axe that would fail to start. I think of people that I know through some of the fire organizations and I am honored to be working with men who are 95-years-old. The older members come up with ideas that the younger people may forget about, the essentials, the fundamentals. A while ago, some young firefighters were so sold on technology. They were being taught about how to call a “mayday”, using their radios. Someone asked a question that most people did not think about: “how do I call a 'mayday' if you lose your portable radio or if it gets damaged”?. One of the senior members recounted that they would look out the window and see if they could find a fire chief or officer. If they could, they would take off their helmet and throw it at the chief or offi-
cer and see if they could hit them with the helmet. They said it was a sure way to get their attention. Each one of us has value at all times. Let us continue to stay in touch with the people who should have our respect. These people are the reason why so many people wanted to be a firefighter or work in public safety and serve our fellow man. Right now, we have many senior members who may not be able to leave their homes, or are in nursing homes or have other challenges. Are these people now forgotten? How about doing a rotation on visiting them? Take your company or department roster, have people sign up so that the member has a visitor at least every weekend. Check to verify that your chaplain is making their rounds to visit and stay in touch with the senior members. By visiting, you may be able to help the senior member continue to get benefits that they have earned for their service. You may really bring a smile to them and stay such a meaningful part of the family’s life. I know plenty of senior members who may know or have known almost everyone in town, but today they may not be able to get out. They may be restricted as to where they may go. They may be restricted to a bed, a room or a facility. Please put yourself in their place. How would you feel? Bored, lonely, forgotten? I know that you may have other people who may want to join in a conversation, if in a nursing home, so allow for that in your time visiting. Your visit brings smiles to people’s faces and you brighten their days. To my senior members, I say thank you. To Uncle Emil, Walt, Chubby, Senior, CC, Big Ed, Dad, thank you for raising me and teaching me. May I always find a way to honor you. Please continue to take care of the senior members. They have put their lives on the line. They may have taught you. They deserve our continued respect and compassion.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month’ feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Both the Emmaus Fire Department and Emmaus Ambulance Corps now fall under the Department of Emergency Services with the Borough of Emmaus. This is their new emblem.
PET FRIENDS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Pet Friends” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
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DALE FEEHRER
"Chief" of the Wilkes-Barre Twp. VFD is a 4-month-old Dalmatian. During the daytime hours, Chief resides at the firehouse and during the evening he comes home with the actual Chief of the department. In the near future Chief will be enrolled in K-9 search and rescue training to be utilized for Luzerne County and surrounding areas.
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THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
ALAN HOFFMAN
Pennsylvania Pump Primers 45th Annual Muster HARRISBURG, PA - On Saturday, July 10th, the Pennsylvania Pump Primers held their 45th Annual Muster at Riverfront Park along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. A total of 107 pieces of apparatus participated in the muster. Awards were given out in various categories.
FRANK ROBINSON
Myerstown Goodwill Fire House was built in 1825 and is still owned by the Fire Company.
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