1st Responder PA March

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FEBRUARY, 2014

PARADISE HITS SECOND ALARM

FRANK ROBINSON

Paradise Fire Department from Lancaster County was alerted to a fire at an Amish workshop on Esbenshade Road on December 24th. Crews went to work laying a long supply line with a tanker shuttle set up in this non-hydrant area.

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PAGE 2

February, 2014

Three alarm row home fire on last day of year

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posure home worsened and the fire extended into the next door residences. The second alarm was ordered.

The fire chief ordered additional hose lines onto the roofs of exposure buildings.

The extreme cold and snowy weather put a harsh strain on the operating firefighters. Water from hose lines began to freeze and made the fire scene hazardous.

One firefighter fell through the floor and had to be assisted. Incident command ordered the third alarm for additional manpower.

The fire conditions were under control in the exposure homes and firefighters moved into overhaul mode. The crews had the fire under control in less than two hours. The second and third alarm firefighters were released before

FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE

1:00 p.m. Firefighters remained until 3:00 p.m.

The state police fire investigator, Shenandoah police and fire marshals investigated the cause of the fire. The fire chief reported that there were no serious injuries.

The three alarm fire destroyed two houses and damaged two

other row homes. Shenandoah, Frackville, Ringtown and Lost Creek EMS crews provided rehab services. The Red Cross Emergency Response Unit assisted the firefighters and displaced residents.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

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Shenandoah, PA. On December 31st at 9:50 a.m., the Shenandoah Fire Department, Mahanoy City West End Rescue 993 and Shenandoah Ambulance were dispatched to 112 South Grant Street for a house fire with possible entrapment. Police and EMS found smoke coming from the front of the row home. The fire was spreading quickly and began to move throughout the two and a half story home.

Firefighters attempted to enter the home, but were forced off the porch.

Firefighters quickly knocked down the venting flames and deployed hose lines into the home. Firefighters advanced hose lines to the second floor of the exposure home.

West End Rescue 993 assisted with RIT operations. The exposure attack crews stretched hose lines into the attics, where they found heavy heat and smoke. The smoke conditions in the first ex-

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Turning Visions into Reality Architecture and Engineering Services Feasibility Studies Master Planning Construction Services Fund Raising Grant Writing

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 18 No. 2 - 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 in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to A division of: the attention of the newspaper during the s a m e month of publication.

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

LUKE PATTERSON

Parade for fire chief Fire companies across Berks, Lancaster, and Montgomery Counties lined to give a tribute parade to Ron Wentzel. Ron Wentzel served the City of Reading as Chief 4 and Western Berks Fire Department as Deputy 18. Ron is battling cancer and this parade was made as a surprise to say thank you for his service. Afterwards, crews stopped in to talk.

DENNY L CLOPPER

One of the three vehicles with entrapment involved.

Three die in three vehicle accident in Franklin County It was about 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 5th, when Franklin County 911 dispatched a reported auto accident with entrapment on Interstate 81 southbound at the 21, Greene Township, between Shippensburg and Scotland in Franklin County.

Box 15-81-7 was alerted sending West End Fire & Rescue, Fayetteville Fire Co., Shippensburg EMS, Fayetteville EMS, West Shore ALS, and Fayetteville ALS.

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Deputy 15 found a total of three vehicles with entrapment in two of the vehicles and at least seven patients. The box was upgraded to a mass casualty incident, requesting ďŹ e additional BLS units and additional ALS units. EMS units from Pleasant Hall EMS, Chambersburg EMS, Shippensburg EMS, and

Mont Alto EMS arrived along with Letterkenny Army Depot for a additional manpower.

Two people were found deceased. Five others were transported to the hospital with minor to serious injuries. One of those transported, later died from injuries sustained.

Fire police assisted with trafďŹ c control and detour routes around the scene for many hours.

- DENNY CLOPPER

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

JESSE SHUTT

Pillow handles Tractor Trailer Fire Pillow, PA. On December 27th at 7:57 p.m., Box 28-1 was dispatched to the 200 Block of Main Street, Pillow Borough for a tractor trailer fire. This brought units from Pillow, Berrysburg and Life Team Medic 6. Chief 28 was advised of multiple calls reporting a tractor trailer on fire and that it was sitting beside another tractor trailer. Lieutenant 26 found light smoke showing from the tractor trailer. Engine 28 stretched a single one and three quarter inch hand line. When crews made entry into the cab of the tractor, the fire had already snuffed itself out. The Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

LUKE PATTERSON

Reading Fire Department operates this 1996 Spartan Saulsbury Pumper as Reserve Engine 8.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

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Bob Long

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Lori Hodgkinson (Firefighter Fitness) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Bookshelf, Video) CORRESPONDENTS Adam Alberti • Stephen Barrett • Jason Batz Larry Browne • Amber Bubb • C. Ryan Berridge William Campfield • Denny Clopper John G. England IV • Dale Feehrer Tom Fronzaglio• Paul Garrett • Jeffrey Goldberg Dylan Hoover • Rob Hornaman • Marty Hrinko Roman Isaryk • Ron Jeffers • Douglas Kahn Timothy Knepp • JC Kriesher • Greg Leaman Nick Markowitz • Matt Miles • Kirk Neidermyer David Novak • Larry Penatzer • Terry Ritz Frank Robinson • Ryne Rutkowski • John Semple Patrick Shoop, Jr. • Jesse Shutt Kenneth Snyder • Steve Spies • Bruce Walters Robert Ward • Dennis Wetherhold Jr. • Brian Wozniak

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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Ohio: James Michael Hill, 52 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 5, 2013 Death Date: November 5, 2013 Fire Department: Sycamore Township Fire & EMS Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Hill passed away at home in his sleep. Hill had been on-duty and responded to an emergency incident within 24 hours of his passing. The cause of death is still to be officially reported but initial findings indicate a sudden cardiac arrest.

Pennsylvania: Russ “Rooster” Gow, 58 Rank: First Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: November 20, 2013 Death Date: November 20, 2013 Fire Department: Factoryville Fire Department Initial Summary: While at the scene of a residential structure fire, First Assistant Chief Gow collapsed from a nature of illness still to be reported. Gow was treated on scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

Maryland: David Roland Barr Jr. , 64 Rank: Fire Police Captain Incident Date: October 25, 2013 Death Date: November 7, 2013 Fire Department: Community Fire Company of Perryville Initial Summary: While working a traffic control point protecting the scene of a motor vehicle accident, Fire Police Captain Barr was struck by a car and seriously injured. Barr was treated at the scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries almost two weeks later.

West Virginia: Charles A. Pierson, 76 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: December 7, 2013 Death Date: December 7, 2013 Fire Department: Southern Jackson County Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: After responding to the fire station for the report of a motor vehicle accident, Chief Pierson suffered a medical emergency and collapsed while boarding the first due apparatus. Although fellow responders came to his aid, Chief Pierson passed away in the fire station from a nature of injury still to be reported.

New York: James C. Goodman, Jr., 52 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 11, 2013 Death Date: November 11, 2013 Fire Department: Nedrow Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Goodman passed away while at the fire station from a cause still to be officially reported. According to fire department officials, Goodman was found unresponsive in the exercise room of the firehouse.

Minnesota: Matt Frantz, 42 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: December 9, 2013 Death Date: December 9, 2013 Fire Department: Rice Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Frantz passed away from an apparent heart attack within 24 hours of responding to his fire station for a mutual aid fire call.

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

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PAGe 7

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

ANTHONY MICCICKE

Fire strikes home on Christmas Eve

ROBERT R. DEVONSHIRE JR.

A tractor trailer struck a home in the 3100 block of Route 30 Reading, PA. Early into the dayshift on December 24th, the Berks County Communications Center dispatched a box alarm assignment to 1130 Marion Street. With Engine 9 and Ladder 3's quarters two blocks away, a smoke showing report was given immediately by firefighters. Companies arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear of a two and a half story end-of-the-row. Four-one and three quarter inch lines were stretched to both knock down the main body of fire and to check the extension of the fire in the upper floors. The roof was opened above the fire area by ladder companies. All searches proved negative. The fire was placed under control with extensive overhaul at 10:00. The fire marshal's office is investigating. Chief Kemery was in command.

Tractor trailer crashes into Paradise Township home A Paradise Township home is in ruins following an overnight accident on December 13th. A tractor trailer ran off the road and into a home along the 3100 block of Rt. 30 causing two main supporting walls to be knocked down.

The residents were asleep at the time of the crash and woke up to find boards and plaster laying on top of them. They also found themselves pushed across the room on their bed because of the impact.

The husband and wife both es-

JUMP TO FILE #121313114

caped serious injury and walked out of their home following the crash.

The truck driver was transported from the scene for observation. The home had to be torn down due to the structural damage that was sustained from the impact of the truck.

Route 30 was shut down to traffic for several hours while the truck was removed from the scene and

the house demolished.

Paradise-Leaman Place Fire Company was in command of the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police, Gordonville Ambulance, Lancaster County Rescue Task Force, Lancaster County Fire Police Task Force and several neighboring Fire Companies assisted on the scene as well as Null's Towing did the truck recovery.

- BOB DEVONSHIRE

BARBARA WEST

Suspicious fire strikes vacant properties in Lebanon Lebanon, PA. On Saturday, December 21st, Lebanon firefighters found their hands full with a fire reported at Scull and Partridge Streets at 3:45 p.m. Crews arrived at 323 and 325 Partridge Street to fire through the roof of a two and a half story vacant dwelling. Firefighters fought the fire from the exterior due to the decrepit state of the structures. Several of the dwellings have and will be used for firefighter training throughout Lebanon County. The vacant block is part of a city redevelopment project.

JEFF GOLDBERG

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company firefighters assisting the Yardley-Makefield Emergency Unit package the driver for transport to a local hospital.

Car slams into school bus, Lower Makefield Township Lower Makefield Township, PA. Firefighters from the YardleyMakefield Fire Company were dispatched by Bucks County Fire Radio for an accident where a Subaru Impreza slammed into a Pennsbury School District Bus at the intersection of Big Oak and Pine Grove Roads.

Rescue 0 went in service securing vehicle hazards and as-

JUMP TO FILE #121513102

sisted the Yardley-Makefield Emergency unit package the driver of the Subaru for transport to a local hospital.

The Pennsbury District School bus was empty at the time of the accident.

The driver of the bus was not injured.

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Police conducted traffic control operations at the scene.

The Lower Makefield Township Police Department was investigating the accident.

- JEFFREY GOLDBERG

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ANTHONY MICCCICKE

High speed car accident breaks utility pole Reading, PA. On Friday evening January 10th, the Berks County Communications Center began receiving calls reporting a high speed accident on Hampden Blvd in the northeast. At 10:19 p.m., a rescue assignment was dispatched to Hampden Blvd and Union Street. Engine 9 arrived on scene to a downed utility pole in the intersection with a heavily damaged vehicle 50 yards further down the Blvd. The driver of the vehicle extricated himself and attempted to call a cab to take him to the hospital. The driver had numerous traumatic injuries was transported by ambulance to RHMC Trauma Center. Companies remained on scene for an hour. Chief Kemery was in command.

Correspondent Contest Sponsored by FF1 Professional Safety Services The readers of 1st Responder Newspaper have helped make www.1rbn.com the fastest-growing Fire/Rescue/EMS site on the web. Information comes from our valued correspondents. Each time you post an entry on our website, your name will go into a drawing for a monthly prize. Only web entries are eligible.

The prize for our February editions from FF1 Professional Safety Services is a 5.11 Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo. Our December editions winner of Fire-Dex FDXL50 Grey leather boots was Jeff Belschwinder from Troy, NY. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212.

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BILL NORRIS

Dwelling fire in Upper Darby On Monday, January 6th, Upper Darby Engine 36, Quint 37, Engine 26 and Tower 74 (RIT) with Medic 24-7 (East Lansdowne) were dispatched to the 400 block of Croyden Road for a dwelling fire.

Engine 36 reported smoke showing on the second floor of a two story row home.

As Engine 36 stretched in with a one and three quarter inch hose line, Quint 37 took the second floor windows, side A.

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Engine 26 had the rear alley (and utilities), while the Tower/RIT stood by on side A. Primary and secondary searches were negative and the companies put a quick knock on the fire.

Deputy Chief T. Boyce had command.

- MICHAEL BAKER

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

TERRY RITZ

Building fire in Upper Hanover Twp. JESSE SHUTT

On January 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m., East Greenville Fire Co. and several other local fire companies, were dispatched to a building fire at Blommer Choc. plant on Blommer Drive in Upper Hanover Twp. Deputy Chief 38 Rob Shafer reported a fire in the roaster. The fire was extinquished in a few minutes.

There were no injuries and only minor damage. Deputy 38 declared it under control and all units returned to their station.

Assisting East Greenville Fire Co. were Pennsburg, Red Hill, Green Lane, and Hereford Fire Companies. Also assisting was Upper Perk EMS.

White smoke issues from the house as crews work interior.

Millersburg and mutual aid fight structure fire in cold Upper Paxton Township, PA. At 11:31 a.m. on January 4th, Box 20-2 was dispatched to the intersection of Middle and Miller Roads in Upper Paxton Township for a residential structure fire.

Chief 20-1 arrived to a heavy smoke condition and found a two and a half story wood frame farm house fully involved in the 500 Block of Miller Road, requesting the full first alarm plus an addi-

JUMP TO FILE #010414114

tional tanker. This brought units from Millersburg) Elizabethville, Berrysburg, Halifax, Fisherville and EMS from Millersburg and Life Team-Medic 6.

Engine 20 pulled multiple hand lines and went into a defensive attack from the start. Engine 26

drafted from a port-a-pond on Miller Road and supplied Engine 20. Engine 20-1 established a fill site at a dry hydrant on Etzweiler Road.

Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews moved interior to start overhaul and to extinguish the hot spots. Units were on scene for four hours.

- JESSE SHUTT

COMMAND VEHICLES If you have photos you would like to see in our Command Vehicles feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

RALPH LENNON

Head on with two entrapped in the Poconos Lake Harmony, Albrightsville and Kidder Fire Companies along with Lake Harmony Ambulance and Lehighton ALS were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on Route 903 near the Penn Kidder School. Rescue 17 went to work on the first vehicle. The driver's door was removed and the patient’s legs were freed from under the dashboard. Albrightsville Squad 16 took the door on the second vehicle and assisted with patient care.

FRANK ROBINSON

The Lower Swatara Fire Company runs with this 2009 Ford Expedition.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

Page 13

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

STEPHEN BARRETT

Historic mansion fire in Foster Township Foster Township, PA. On January 10, 2014 at 8:30 a.m., the Foster Township and Cass Township Fire Departments were dispatched to 81 Hill Road for a possible house fire. The 911 center received multiple calls of the working fire, which was confirmed by police. Dispatched were Minersville EMS, Minersville, Pottsville City, and Frackville Fire Departments.

Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the historic mansion. Crews found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the home.

Engine 528 and Ladder 519 deployed hose lines and made an offensive attack. Ladder crews placed ground ladders to access the roof for ventilation.

Command assigned additional

JUMP TO FILE #011114111

fire units from Pottsville City to assist with RIT operations.

Smoke and fire increased and caused all crews to evacuate.

Frackville firefighters assisted the crews in stretching additional large hose lines around the home. Heavy fire conditions consumed the entire home, causing the roof and second floor to collapse.

The water pressure from the hydrant was insufficient to supply the multiple hose lines and the elevated master stream. Command ordered two tanker task forces (Schuylkill and Northumberland Counties) to set up a water shuttle system. The additional water supply from the dump site helped

boost the pressure.

An elevated master stream was used to penetrate the areas of the collapse where fire was still active.

The aggressive exterior attack helped stop the fire from extending to any additional parts of the mansion.

The fire was under control in two hours and all hot spots were out with no rekindles.

The Foster Township fire chief reported that there were no injuries to firefighters while fighting the fire in icy conditions. The historical mansion received major damage. The low pressure in the rural hydrant system and the snowy winter weather were a challenge to the firefighters and the firefighting operations.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

KEN SNYDER

Pen Argyl’s restored Hahn Pen Argyl, PA. For the past two years, area residents have been able to see the Lookout Fire Company's 1949 Hahn 1000/500 lead off the company's annual Labor Day parade. This crowd pleasing white double cab Hahn had been in service in the borough through the 70's. In 2002, the Hahn was purchased by Ronald Perin. He spent the remaining years of his life restoring the pumper with the intent to return it to the fire company. Mr. Perin passed away in 2009, at which time the members of the Lookout Fire Co. continued the restoration work. In 2012, the restored rig was driven in the parade by James Dietrich, the longest serving member of the fire company.

In the 2013 parade, a Mars warning light had been found and mounted onto the cab. Thanks to the vision of the late Mr Perin and the hard work of the Lookout members, future generations will be able to appreciate this historic piece.

BRETT MACK

Second floor fire in Reading Reading, PA. On Thursday evening January 9th, B platoon companies were dispatched to the 400 block of South 5th Street for a report of smoke coming from a house.

Engine 5 arrived around 8:44 p.m. at 422 South 5th at a three story MOR with smoke showing.

Two hose lines were stretched into the dwelling with fire located in a second floor front bedroom.

The fire was contained to the

JUMP TO FILE #011114105

room of origin and placed under control at 9:03 p.m. All searches were clear, and no injuries were reported.

The fire marshal's office is investigating. Chief Nefos (C5) was in command.

- JASON BATZ

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

DALE FEEHRER

Rescue 25, Friendship

Attack 27, Avon

DALE FEEHRER

Four stations merge in South Lebanon Township South Lebanon Twp., PA is located on the outskirts of the City of Lebanon.

The township is 21.8 square miles and is home to roughly 10,000 people. It contains both residential communities and heavy commercial industries.

The whole township was protected by four different fire stations Prescott, Hebron, Friendship, and Avon.

In February of 2013, the decision was made to merge all four stations into one department, the South Lebanon Fire Department.

The current plans are to keep all four stations identities as well as the apparatus they operate.

Currently the newly formed department operates: four engines, two tankers, one rescue, one brush unit, and one ladder truck.

The apparatus used were all built after the year 2000, except for an engine, a tanker, and the rescue.

One large item that was changed within the year is that the department now only operates with three chiefs. Before the merger, the township had 12.

JUMP TO FILE #011214108

Other items that are currently being discussed is narrowing down the fleet of apparatus, which currently stands at ten not including the support pieces.

Another future discussion is to close some stations and operate from one main station and/or one main station and one sub station.

The members I spoke with all agreed that due to limited resources both financially and by manpower, the falling numbers are both making it hard to continue to operate as four and they understand that change is needed.

The members remained positive as they continued to discuss options and future plans with the township supervisors.

This is the first full year since the merger took place and they still have many things to figure out before buildings are built and apparatus get removed as well as other major changes are made.

- DALE FEEHRER

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

Page 17

How’s your Driving? Hazards and emergency situations Part II There are many hazards and emergency situations that can be encountered while driving and one must be aware of what they are and how to quickly react in order to prevent serious injury or death to you, your passengers, or vehicles and their occupants.

How would you react to a blown tire, loss of brakes, stuck accelerator or an animal in the road?

Do you use additional caution when driving under inclement weather conditions?

These are just a few of the driving emergencies and hazards you may encounter when driving your personal vehicle or an emergency vehicle, and how you react could make the difference between loss of control and crash or no crash.

The most important thing that you can do is not to panic, and knowing what to do in an emergency situation will keep you from panicking.

In most driving emergencies, there will be a brief second or two to think before you act, not much time, but if you have familiarized yourself with how to react to certain events, you will have a better chance of survival.

Let’s begin with winter driving hazards in your personal vehicle.

Winter brings a shortened number of daylight hours that increases the number of driving hours with reduced visibility.

Before heading out make sure you and your vehicle are prepared.

Clear any snow that may have accumulated from your vehicle, making sure the front windshield, windshield wipers, and rear window have been cleared of snow and ice.

Clear headlights and taillights of any snow or ice and drive with your headlights turned on. The ability to see and be seen reduces your chances of being involved in a crash.

Drive slowly and cautiously while driving with the flow of traffic.

If someone is driving on your tail, do not endanger yourself by speeding up.

When the opportunity presents itself, allow the other vehicle to safely pass and be on its way. You may encounter them later having spun out or in a crash.

Drive at reduced speed while maintaining an increased distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, it will provide a greater margin of safety should you have to stop suddenly.

To avoid skids on snow and ice, brake early, carefully and gently.

"Squeeze" your brakes in slow, steady strokes. Allow the wheels to keep rolling. If they begin to lock up, ease off the brake pedal.

Most vehicles today are equipped with anti-locking brake systems (ABS) that operate automatically and will do most of the aforementioned once you have applied the brakes.

Driving your vehicle in a lower gear will give you better traction and improved braking control and

Now You Have an Alternative STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

reduced braking distance.

When sleet, freezing rain or snow start to fall, remember that bridges, ramps, and overpasses are likely to freeze first.

Also be aware that slippery spots may still remain after road crews have cleared the highways.

If no spray is kicking up from the tires on the vehicle(s) in front of you, it usually indicates ice has formed on the roadway.

When traveling on a multi lane highway stay in the lane that offers the least hazardous road conditions, usually the lane with the most vehicles and cautious drivers.

Responding to emergency calls during winter can be very treacherous and slow, requiring well maintained apparatus and qualified drivers familiar with winter driving conditions that include driving on ice and snow.

Drivers must be alert to hazardous road, weather and traffic conditions which will create delays in responding.

Impaired visibility from falling snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, or fog conditions may be experienced.

Streets blocked by snow, stalled and abandoned vehicles, fuel and delivery trucks, will add to the delay in response; enabling the incident to escalate and further endanger the safety of occupants and emergency responders.

Many apparatus now use permanently installed traction chain systems and sanders to increase traction and complete a safe response.

The use of full tire snow chains may be required in deteriorating conditions in some regions in order to effect and complete a response.

When do you put the chains on the apparatus can be a difficult question for some, but should be based on the weather forecast, present conditions, expected conditions, past experience, and time of day.

If you think you should put the full set of chains on your apparatus, go ahead and do it, they can be easily removed if not needed.

More importantly, you will rest easy knowing you have done all you possibly could do to effect a safe and complete response.

Driving in adverse weather conditions requires planning, patience and reduced speeds.

Further, if your apparatus gets stuck in a snow drift, it will require additional equipment to pull you free and you will be of no value to the emergency scene to which you were responding.

The NY State Driver’s Manual and Commercial Drivers’ Manual is being used as a reference for some of the information provided in this article.

To be continued. Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

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PAGE 18

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

FVFC#1

Fisherville and mutual aid handle vehicle fire Jackson Township, PA. At 11:39 a.m., Elizabethville Fire Company was dispatched to State Route 225 in the area of the quarry on top of Elizabethville Mountain for a reported vehicle fire. MICU 6-5 and Fisherville Chief 216 found the vehicle to be 1/4 mile back Quarry Road, which made it a 216-3 Box and Company 216 was dispatched at 11:45 a.m.

Units arrived on scene to find the cab of a utility truck fully involved. Engine 21 stretched a CAFS handline and went to work extinguishing the fire. Tanker 216

FRANK ROBINSON

JUMP TO FILE #010414113

deployed there CAFS trash line to assist with extinguishment.

Due to the vehicle being on a downward angle and the fuel tank being 3/4 full, the fire burned for quite some time until it could be extinguished.

Command requested two additional tankers to the scene to assist.

- JESSE SHUTT

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FRANK ROBINSON

Paradise hits a second alarm Paradise Fire Department from Lancaster County was alerted to a fire at an Amish workshop on Esbenshade Road on December 24th. Crews went to work laying a long supply line with a tanker shuttle set up in this non-hydrant area. A ladder pipe was set up along with multiple hand lines.

The fire was knocked down in two hours with the help of neighboring departments from Bird in Hand, Gap, Gordonville, Strasburg, Ronks, Witmer, Intercouse, Refton, and Bart Twp. Fire Companies responded. The cause was determined to be a faulty heater.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Heroes Realty Program found a local veteran his new home just in time for Thanksgiving Cris Bereguette and his family spent the holidays creating memories that will last a lifetime in their new home.

They closed just before Thanksgiving and Heroes Realty was proud to make sure the Bereguette’s were home for the holidays. Cris Bereguette, a Jersey City police officer and former Marine, purchased their first home with the help of the Heroes Realty’s Heroes Mortgage Program.

The Heroes Mortgage Program provides local heroes, who serve our communities everyday, with a variety of cost-effective mortgage opportunities. Our diverse portfolio includes programs for first-time homebuyers, a range of refinancing options, home equity loans, reverse mortgages and FHA and VA loans.

The Heroes Mortgage team is committed to providing discounted fees, low interest rates and many other advantages, not available to the general public.

“It was a really good experience for us,” said Bereguette, 32, who served six years in the Marine Reserves, which included a tour in Iraq. “Heroes Realty really treated us great and helped us with everything. Everything went smooth. I think it’s a great program and we were so happy to be in our home for the Holidays. It made things so much easier.”

To get Bereguette and his family in their new home by Thanksgiving, Martin Kaczmarczyk, the Broker of Record for Heroes Realty, arranged to move up the closing date, saving them another monthly rental payment on their old apartment.

It’s the least Heroes Realty could do for one of the selfless heroes in our community.

The Heroes Mortgage Program works with heroes and their families across the country on a variety of real estate transactions. These selfless men and women include firefighters and EMT’s, police officers, members of the armed serv-

ices, healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses and support staff – and educators.

Bereguette took advantage of his VA loan eligibility. Kaczmarczyk is an accredited Military Relocation Professional (MRP) – specializing in the VA loan process.

In addition, Kaczmarczyk, volunteer chief of the Wallington (NJ) Fire Department, negotiated the closing costs to be paid by the seller at closing to keep thousands of dollars in the Bereguette’s pocket.

There were a few issues found

February, 2014

Page 19

Call 877-541-HERO 877-541-4376 For More Information during the home inspection that needed to be fixed. Kaczmarczyk was able to negotiate a credit for the needed repairs so the Bereguette family actually walked away from the closing with a check from the seller to make the necessary renovations.

Kaczmarczyk showed the Bereguette’s more than 20 homes before they found the right one.

“It’s a privilege and an honor for us to work with heroes such as Cris Bereguette and his family,” Kaczmarczyk said.

“They deserve, among other things, the utmost care, profes-

sionalism and customer service for all they do for us every day. We always do all we can to provide our clients with the best rates and incentives on the market. Our heroes don’t deserve anything less.”

Still, Kaczmarczyk wasn’t done yet. He helped arrange a “heroes” discount on the home inspection for additional savings for the Bereguette’s.

Just like the heroes we proudly serve, Heroes Realty always goes above and beyond for these brave men and women.

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PAGE 20

February, 2014

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

For People Who Are Hard of Hearing, Blind, Deaf/Blind,

FRANK ROBINSON

The East Petersburg Fire Company now has a 2000 Pierce Lance Heavy Rescue.

Deep Sleepers & Seniors.

FRANK ROBINSON

Blue Ridge Fire Company now has this 2011 Pierce Dash CF 1500/500/20 F

DALE FEEHRER

The Silent Call Fire Kit is the perfect fire safety warning system for people who are Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing as it gives visual and tactile alerts in the event of an emergency.

The Friendship Fire Co., of S. Lebanon Twp operates this 2005 Seagrave engine (1500/2500).

www.silentcall.com Phone: (800) 527-5227 KEN SNYDER

The Lookout Fire Company in Pen Argyl, PA runs this 1998 Spartan/Smeal 1500/1000 as Engine 3211.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

PAGE 21

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House fire in Shermans Dale At 10:22 a.m. on December 4th, the alarm sounded for a house fire at 5386 Spring Rd. in Carroll Township in Perry County. A second alarm was struck right away due to heavy fire and smoke at the south end of town. When crews arrived, it was determined that all were out of the house and accounted for. The fire heavily damaged the house and the Red Cross was notified to assist the family. Crews remained on the scene till 1:30 p.m. doing overhaul and assisting the owner with salvage.

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PAGE 22

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

GOT DROP? KIRK NEIDERMYER

Police chase ends in accident with entrapment involving a police officer At 2:00 a.m. on January 1st, Columbia Borough Fire was dispatched to 3rd Street and Union Street for a vehicle accident with reported entrapment involving a police officer after a police chase. Chief 80 (Ryno) arrived shortly after dispatch and reported no entrapment with two class two patients. Engine 801 and Rescue 804 provided spill control and patient care.

This accident was a result of a police chase. Police departments assisting in the pursuit were Columbia Borough, East Hempfield, West Hempfield, and State Police. Assisting Columbia Borough Fire was the Fire Police Task Force 1, and multiple EMS agencies.

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1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

PAGE 23

NICK MARKOWITZ JR. JEFF GOLDBERG

Firefighters from Rescue 0 in service with oil dry controlling fluids leaking from the vehicle onto the roadway.

Interstate 95 rollover in Lower Makefield Township Lower Makefield Township, PA. Firefighters from the YardleyMakefield Fire Company were initially dispatched by Bucks County Fire Radio to a traffic accident involving a Ford Explorer, which was reported to be on fire in the Northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in the area of the Yardley Exit 51 on December 19, 2013.

Shortly after dispatch, firefighters were notified that the Ford Ex-

JUMP TO FILE #122013109

plorer involved in an accident was resting on its side with no fire.

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Rescue 0 went in service securing vehicle hazards.

The driver was self-extricated and checked out by the YardleyMakefield Emergency Unit.

Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police and police officers from the Lower Makefield Township Police Department assisted.

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Police in Traffic 0 conducted traffic control operations.

The Pennsylvania State Police were investigating the accident.

- JEFFREY GOLDBERG

Two vehicle accident in Pittsburgh The city of Pittsburgh has been trying to come up with answers for years now for a very dangerous narrow section of Penn Avenue, which is the scene of many accidents. On the morning of December 16th, a two vehicle accident occurred due to drivers traveling at excessive speed. Motorists appeared shaken, but not seriously injure. A bicyclist was killed right near here this summer by a hit and run drunk driver.

Pittsburgh Fire Department first responders were quickly on scene to render aide.

PAGE 24

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

FVFC#1

Tractor trailer crashes into house, bursts into flames, kills driver

TOM LESZCZYNSKI

Reading Firefighters pose for a picture at the annual 2013 Salvation Army Toy Drive.

Firefighters raise over $2800 for Salvation Army Toy Drive Get your personal copy of

The PA Edition

Reading, PA. Working in one of the poorest cities in America, Reading firefighters see first-hand the effects on families.

With many parents unable to afford extra things for their children, the Reading Salvation Army steps in to help.

On Friday December 20th, the Salvation Army accepted over $2,800 worth of toys from firefighters.

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

The money was raised through a T-Shirt fundraiser and donations from local businesses.

The toys were distributed to local families in time for Christmas.

- JASON BATZ

Name:______________________ Telephone:___________________

Reed Township, PA. At 1:11 p.m. on January 14th, Halifax was dispatched to South River Road in Reed Township for a reported accident with injuries. As units from Company 29 went enroute, Dauphin County Communications advised them that the location was changed to a 1/2 mile north of the Clarks Ferry Bridge on South River Road. A Life Team EMS wheelchair van was on scene reporting that a tractor trailer had left the roadway and struck a house and both were fully involved in fire with the driver of the tractor trailer entrapped in the cab.

Chief 29 had a heavy smoke column from close to ten miles out and requested the full first alarm.

Company 29 immediately went into defensive operations. Perry Truck 2 (Duncannon) placed their master stream in service to knock down the bulk of the fire. Due to the area having no hydrants, a

JUMP TO FILE #011414102

tanker shuttle was started and Engine 38 set up a fill site at a local pond to fill tankers.

The driver of the tractor trailer was found to be a Signal 12. Crews spent hours performing overhaul at the scene and crews from River Drive Towing removed the tractor and trailer from the house while PennDot inspected the bridge wall.

No one was in the house at the time of the fire.

Company 29 was assisted on the scene by Dauphin, Progress, Linglestown, Fisherville, Elizabethville, Millersburg, Harrisburg City, Duncannon and New Buffalo.

EMS companies on the scene were Halifax EMS, Life Team EMS, Duncannon and West Shore ALS. - JESSE SHUTT

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ANTHONY MICCICKE

Firefighters battle fire in Northmont during ice storm Reading, PA. With temperatures in the 30's and freezing rain falling, firefighters were sent to the Northmont section of the city for fire showing from a roof. Companies were on the road at 8:30 p.m. on the evening of January 5th headed for 2234 Northmont Blvd. Engine 9 arrived to a three story semi-detached dwelling with smoke and fire showing. Crews stretched into the dwelling for a fire on the second floor with fire extension into the third. Two more hose lines were ordered stretched into the third floor and exposure building. Firefighters also opened the roof above the fire. The fire was placed under control at 9:00 p.m., with all searches clear. One firefighter was taken to Reading Hospital for minor injuries. The Fire Marshal's office is investigating. Chief Stoudt (C3) was in command.

DALE FEEHRER

The Community Fire Co., of Silver Spring operates this 1993 E-One tanker with a 1500 gpm pump, and a 2500 gallon tank

FRANK ROBINSON

Kinzer Fire Company operates a 2003 Pierce Dash 1750/500 4x4.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

Page 25

PaGE 26

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

JEFF MILLER

Domestic attack leads to fire Mahanoy City, PA. On December 11, 2013 after 9:00 p.m., the Mahanoy City Fire Department, Frackville Ladder 43-20, and Mahanoy City Ambulance were dispatched to 1031 East Pine Street for smoke from the front of a row home. Multiple phone calls reported a row home on fire and a fight between a female and male in the street. The dispatcher warned all responding fire units that the scene was unsafe and to await the arrival of police.

Mahanoy City Police found dense smoke from the basement of the row home and a female in front of the residence bleeding from a head injury. She informed the police that her boyfriend assaulted her and lit the basement on fire. Police quickly located and took the male into custody. The dispatcher advised all the units responding of scene safety and a working fire.

Command found a working fire in the basement. The fire continued to spread quickly and began to move up the interior walls to the first floor of the three story row home. The incident commander quickly had the second alarm dispatched due to the row home building construction.

West End’s firefighters deployed hose lines in to the front door of the residence for an offensive attack. Attack crews found heavy fire conditions in the basement. Crews made a quick knock

JUMP TO FILE #010414109

on the fire and stopped its spread.

Humane and Citizen’s firefighters deployed hose lines into the front doors of the two exposure homes.

Basement walls and ceilings were opened up to check for fire extension. Tower-Ladder 456 sent its platform to the roof of the fire building. Firefighters ascended ground ladders to the windows to make vent openings.

Englewood Engine 369 sent its RIT team to the scene. The smoke and fire conditions in the homes improved and the crews had the fire under control in less than a half hour.

The fire chief believes the fire started in the basement of the home and was intentionally set. The homes at 1035 and 1029 Street received smoke and water damage.

The fire chief reported that there were no serious injuries to firefighters even with the cold temperatures. The assaulted and injured female was transported to a helipad at SCI Mahanoy by ambulance.

She was then flown to a trauma center with a serious head injury.

Mahanoy City Ambulance, Shenandoah ALS, Ryan Township EMS, and the American Red Cross provided rehab for the firefighters.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Barn destroyed in North Union Township North Union Township, PA. On December 30, 2013 at 6:00 a.m., the Nuremburg-North Union Township Fire Company, Nuremburg Ambulance, Sheppton-East Union Township Fire Department, and Ringtown Valley Fire Department were dispatched to 114 Raricks Road for a possible barn fire.

Ringtown Valley Chief 30 found flames coming from a medium sized farm building. The roof of the building collapsed and fell into the basement-garage area.

The fire continued to spread and large flames quickly overtook the entire building. The Nuremburg fire chief quickly ordered additional tanker trucks from Beaver Town-

JUMP TO FILE #010414111

ship, Columbia County.

The Ringtown Valley firefighters mounted a defensive attack and deployed hose lines to knock down the fire. Nuremburg Ladder 581 went to work advancing its blitz hose line. Tankers from Nuremburg-North Union, Sheppton-East Union, and Ringtown were used to shuttle water to the scene.

The smoke and fire conditions in the collapse storage building improved and the crews had the fire knocked down in less than 20 minutes. The fire was placed under con-

trol in less than an hour and required extensive overhaul. Command allowed some personnel to enter the bottom garage to look for hotspots.

The fire chief believes the fire started on the first floor of the storage building and reported that there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Nuremburg and Shenandoah Ambulance were on the scene throughout the morning and provided rehab services.

The garage received major damage and will need to be torn down and rebuilt.

- STEPHEN BaRRETT

APPARATUS IN ACTION

- STEPHEN BaRRETT

EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

DENNY CLOPPER

FRANK ROBINSON

LIfe Net 1 and Stat MedEvac land and sit next to each other at a landing zone in Hamilton Township

Paradise, Lancaster County Rescue 47 is seen here operating at a working structure fire recently.

The unit a 2004 Spartan/Crimson 1500 GPM pump and a 1150 gallon tank.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

Page 27

PAGE 28

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Christmas night fire destroys home

MICHAEL RHOADS

Dumping the house Lower Windsor Township, PA. At 12:44 p.m. on November 20th, the 42-700 Box was struck for a mobile home fire on the 100 Block of Haven Drive in Lower Windsor. 41 emptied the house in one minute with a staffing of 14. Chief Mack arrived on scene with fire showing. Engine 41 assisted Attack 42 with interior operations. Crews placed the bumper line in service and went to work. Crews assisted in overhaul operations before going available in just over one hour.

A Lancaster County family was left homeless following a Christmas evening house fire. The fire burned the roof completely off the house and gutted the second floor of the house on Jubilee Road in Fulton JUMP TO FILE# 122613112 Township.

The attached garage and several vehicles were also a complete loss in the fire that was reported just after 10:30 p.m. The Robert Fulton Fire Company quickly asked for their working fire, bringing additional resources from Lancaster and Chester Counties and units from Maryland.

Firefighters hauled water to the scene using a tanker shuttle because the rural area does not have hydrants.

Firefighters were initially told there were people trapped in the house. When they arrived, they found that everyone was able to get out.

Crews worked on the scene well into the early morning hours of the 26th.

A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was called to the scene to help determine the cause of the fire.

There were no injuries.

- BOB DEVONSHIRE

ROBERT R. DEVONSHIRE JR.

Firefighters worked to extinguish hot spots on the second floor from the exterior of the home.

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

LUKE PATTERSON

The West End Fire Department operates this 2002 Ferrara pumper as Engine 57.

DENNY L CLOPPER

Horrific horse and buggy accident in Newburg

LUKE PATTERSON

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department operates this 2001 KME 75' FireStix aerial. (1750 GPM,500 gallon tank).

Three teenagers, all between the ages of 16 and 18, were seriously injured late Sunday evening, November 4th, after the horse and buggy they were riding in was involved in a collision with an SUV. The accident happened at around 10:55 p.m. at the intersection of Paxton Run and Mowersville Roads, Lurgan Township, Newburg, Franklin County. All three teens were airlifted from the scene by two air medical helicopters, Life Lion and Stat Med Evac and flown to a nearby trauma center, all with serious injuries.

The female operator of the SUV

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

sustained only minor injuries and was taken to Chambersburg Hospital.

The horse and buggy were shattered into many pieces and the SUV sustained heavy front end damage.

The roadway was covered with many splintered pieces of wood from the buggy with the front seat thrown several feet onto the roadway.

The fate of the horse was unknown, although injured, ran away from the scene in an unknown direc-

tion. Neighboring families were out looking for the horse in fields and along the roadway.

State Police of Chambersburg were on the scene investigating the accident.

Emergency personnel from the Newburg Hopewell Fire Co., Pleasant Hall Fire Co., West End Fire & Rescue Co. of Shippensburg, Shippensburg Area EMS, Pleasant Hall EMS, West Shore ALS of Shippensburg and Chambersburg, and Fayetteville ALS responded and were on the scene.

- DENNY CLOPPER

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

PAgE 29

Vehicle News

DENNY CLOPPER

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

The Penn Township Volunteer Fire Co. of Cumberland The Citizens Fire Co., took delivery of a 2013 Pierce The members of Franklintown took delivery of a 2013 County, Company 50 recently purchased and placed Arrow XT Engine equipped with a 1750 gpm pump, and KME Predator Custom rescue-pumper. (1750/720/20f). a 1,000 gallon tank. into service a 2014 Kenworth tanker.

FRANK ROBINSON

FRANK ROBINSON

KEN SNYDER

The Plainfield Township Fire Company now operates a The Bath Fire Company now operates a 2013 E-One Ty- The Middletown Fire Co. No 1 uses this 2013 Ford phoon 1500/1000/30F. 2013 Freightliner/ERV 1500/1000.

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PAGE 30

February, 2014

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON STEVE GINDER

Lower Swatara Fire still operates this 1975/90 Mack/CF/Ranger Heavy Rescue.

Chief discovers working garage fire Reading, PA. Early Saturday, December 28th, morning members of the C platoon were just beginning their second dayshift when a box alarm was dispatched for the 600 block of North 9th street.

With companies responding to a reported garage fire, Chief Serba advised he was diverting to the Front and Buttonwood area to investigate a column of smoke visible in the sky. Moments later, Car 4

JUMP TO FILE #122813102

reported a working garage fire attached to a two and half story endof-row dwelling at 129 West Elm Street. On the east side of the city, Engine 9 reported no fire on 9th street. Apparatus were immediately diverted to Elm Street to assist Engine 7, the lone engine responding.

Two lines were stretched and operating into the fire building and exposure dwelling.

All searches were clear, with no injuries reported. The bulk of the fire was placed under control at 9:02 a.m. The Fire Marshal's office is investigating.

- JASON BATZ

JESSE SHUTT

Pillow Fire Company still operates this 1982 Hahn, 1,500gpm/1,000 gallons that was purchased from the nearby Elizabethville Fire Company.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Two homes damaged by fire in Minersville Minersville, PA. On December 29, 2013 at 2:50 p.m., the Minersville Fire Department and Minersville Ambulance were dispatched to 424 Pine Hill Street for a possible structure fire. Minersville Police found smoke coming from the front of a three story double home.

Minersville Fire Chief 510 found heavy fire and smoke venting from the front of the home. He confirmed the working fire and ordered a RIT team from Pottsville City.

Firefighters advanced a blitz fire hose line to the front of the home. Ladder 519 was sent to the roof of the fire building. Ladder 519 conducted horizontal ventilation. Firefighters made an offen-

JUMP TO FILE #010414110

sive attack in the second floor of the home.

Incident command requested a second RIT team to assist with RIT operations. The Schuylkill Haven RIT Team responded.

South Cass Engine 268 and Llewellyn Tanker 3-30 were placed on standby for Borough of Minersville. Frackville Ladder 4320 and Engine 43-10 stood by for other incidents.

Firefighters entered the two homes with additional hose lines.

The smoke and fire conditions on all floors of the homes improved.

Firefighting crews had the fire

under control in an hour with out and major incident.

Firefighters had all hot spots hot out by 6:00 p.m., but remained on the scene to protect from rekindles. The fire chief believes the fire started on the first floor of the home at 424 Pine Hill Street. The two, three story homes received moderate to major damage. The fire chief reported that there were no serious injuries to the residents or to firefighters.

The EMS units found all occupants evacuated and later provided rehab to the firefighters. The Schuylkill County Chapter of the Red Cross responded and assisted the displaced residents.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

LUKE PATTERSON

Shoemakersville Fire Department operates this 1986 Pierce Arrow with a (1250gpm, 750)

DALE FEEHRER

The Prescott Fire Company still operates this 1970 Hahn (1000/1000).

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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Page 31

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

KEN SNYDER

A view of Centralia's fire station

BRUCE WALTERS

Bedford County’s first structure fire of 2014 On January 2nd at approximately 4:30 p.m., Box 42-1 was sounded for a working structure fire at 712 South Imler Valley Road in King Township, Bedford County.

This brought fire units from Bedford County Company 42 (Imler Area), Company 38 (Alum Bank), Company 31 (Bedford), and Company 41 (Southern Cove). Also due on the first alarm were Blair County Station 70 (Claysburg) and Station 86 (Blue Knob).

Chief 42-2 (Claycomb) reported a well involved working fire in a two story single family dwelling. Engines 42-15 and 42-12 started making the interior structural attack on the dwelling. With limited man-

JUMP TO FILE #010414101

power and water supply, command requested a second alarm. This brought in fire units from Shawnee Valley Company 37, Everett Company 32.

Crews worked for over two hours until overhaul was complete.

The fire was kept to the second floor and roof, thus making many of the belongings inside salvageable. Fortunately, this was a vacation home and no one was displaced due to the fire.

- BRUCE WALTERS

Centralia’s residents win lawsuit, allowed to stay in burning coal town Centralia, PA. The last six remaining residents and a couple living in a nearby township, have won the right to remain in their homes for the rest of their lives. This decision was reached by the county and the state Department of Community and Economic Development on October 29th.

When the remaining residents pass on, the rights of their surface property will be transferred to the commonwealth. At that time, the state will level the property and leave the land vacant. The state had tried to remove the remaining eight residents from the above mine fires, but they sued to retain their property rights.

Since1992, the state has struggled to take borough homes via eminant domain, condeming all the

JUMP TO FILE #121613103

buildings.

Although there are several dates as to when the fire began, most records seem to indicate it began sometime in 1962. At its height, smoke from the mine fire was visible 24 hours a day coming from fissures in the ground in the borough, PA Rt. 61 and Byrnesville (now an abandoned town).

Beginning in the 1980's, some area residents were reporting ill health effects from the byproducts of the fire ie: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and unhealthy levels of oxygen.

In 1984, the US Congress gave more than $42 million for the resi-

dents to relocate, most of whom settled in the nearby towns of Mount Carmel and Ashland. The U.S Postal Service revoked Centralia's zip code in 2002. In 2009, Gov. Rendell started the formal eviction notices for the Centralia residents.

Today, this Columbia County borough of Centralia is virtually a ghost town with the bulk of its streets filled with vacant lots. Centralia is now Pennsylvania's smallest borough, but it still retains its borough hall and fire station. It is unknown how long the underground mine fire will continue, however, the town and the abandoned portion of PA Rt.61 have become a tourist attraction.

- KEN SNYDER

MEMORIES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

MIKE GLORE

The Hampden Fire Company of Reading operated this 1977 Hammerly/Pemfab 1250 gpm pumper as Engine 9. The rig would later be painted red before being disposed of in 1994.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

MATT MILES

Captain Michael Lawrence and Fireman Mike Lipsett from Truck 32 after working a 2nd alarm fire.

JASON BATZ

Cumru Township Firefighter Jeremy Brubaker poses with Spring Township Firefighter Tony Romano

JASON BATZ

Junior Firefighter Dylan Matz of Greenfields Fire Company of Berks County poses with Santa Claus

BARBARA WEST

Lebanon Bureau of Fire Safety Officer Bruce Daub at 323 and 325 North Partridge Street.

MATT MILES

Captain Floyd of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire running incident command at a multiple alarm fire.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

JASON BATZ

Child perishes after fire on Elm Street Mahanoy City Fire Department

JEFF MILLER

The members of the Humane Fire Company of Mahanoy City.

Reading, PA. On Friday, January 3rd at 4:28 p.m., the Berks County Communications Center dispatched a box alarm assignment to 1141 Elm Street.

Firefighters were repeatedly advised there was a child trapped on the third floor of the dwelling, as the communications center was receiving multiple calls.

Engine 1 arrived minutes later with smoke showing from a two and a half story MOR, with an individual on the roof. Chief Lessar advised the boy was still trapped and on the third floor.

A hose line was stretched into the dwelling, with firefighters from Tower 1 and Engine 9 aggressively searching the third floor.

JUMP TO FILE #010414102

The unconscious child was located and removed to the first floor of the structure to begin resuscitation efforts. The child was eventually transferred to a Western Berks EMS unit and transported to Reading Hospital.

The fire was placed under control at 4:53 p.m.,with no further injuries reported. The fire marshal's office is investigating.

Unfortunately, even after the valiant efforts by firefighters, the child succumbed to his injuries.

- JASON BATZ

names Person of the Year Mahanoy City, PA. On Friday, December 18, 2013, the Mahanoy Fire Department held their annual Christmas Party at the Good American Fire Company.

One tradition of the Christmas Party every year is to naming of the firefighter of the year.

The Department Chief Randy Kalce first welcomed everyone to this year’s party and thanked everyone of their dedication to the department.

JUMP TO FILE #010214125

He then named the winner of the Mahanoy City Fire Department Firefighter award. This year’s award went to the Assistant Fire Chief of the Humane Fire, William Killian II. Assistant Chief Killian was handed the award by last year’s award recipient Thomas Ward.

Chief Kalce recognized Assis-

tant Chief Killian’s dedication to the Mahanoy City Fire Department for 45 years of service.

Killian assumed the role of Operations Officer for many large fire incidents that took place in the past year.

Assistant Chief Killian then posed with the rest of his Humane Fire Company at the end of the night for a group picture.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

JEFF GOLDBERG

2014 officers announced for Newtown Fire Association Newtown, PA. The 2014 Newtown Fire Association line officers and administrative officers have been announced. The 2014 line officers are Chief 45 Carl Forsyth, Battalion 45 Brian Gerhard, Battalion 55 Matthew Gerhard, Captain 45 Nick Weaver, Lieutenant 45 Steven Gentile, and Chief Engineer Robert Adams, Sr. The 2014 administrative officers are President William W. Fabian II, Vice President Zack Dunkelberger, Secretary Ethan Crivaro, Treasurer Warren Dallas, Trustee Rob Sutton, Trustee Chris Jones, Trustee Charles Keller, Trustee Shawn Keen, and Trustee Ray Pugh.

DOUGLAS KAHN

Gettysburg Truck 1 on it's way to pick up goods and gifts for the needy from the residents of Gettysburg, PA with Mirena Kahn, age 7, and Evan Kahn, age 9, waving.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

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February, 2014

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON STEPHEN BARRETT

Second alarm on coldest day of year Shenandoah, PA. On January 7, 2014 at 7:30 a.m., the Shenandoah Fire Department, Mahanoy City West End Rescue 993 and Shenandoah Ambulance were dispatched to 200 South Ferguson Street for a house fire. Police found thick smoke coming from the front of the double home. The fire was spreading quickly and began to move throughout the two and a half story home. It threatening to jump to adjacent structures.

Intense flames were seen venting from the front windows.

Shenandoah Fire Marshal 745 ordered the second alarm, bringing Mahanoy City West End Fire Company Engine 465, Englewood-Butler Township Engine 369, Shenandoah Heights-West Mahanoy Township Engine 881, Frackville-Goodwill firefighters, Lost Creek EMS and Frackville Ambulance.

A supply line was dragged down the street. The squirt sent its ladder to the roof of the home.

Firefighters attempted to enter the home. The first and second floors became well involved in fire and vented out the front. The attack crews were forced to attack the

JUMP TO FILE #010814110

fire defensively.

Crews quickly knocked down the venting flames. Firefighters deployed hose lines to the rear of the home from Squirt 745. West End Rescue 993 sent its manpower for RIT operations.

EMS units on the scene learned of a possible trapped male in the exposure home on the B side. Columbia firefighters advanced hose lines from Squirt 745 to the second floor to search for a possible victim. The search crew found heavy fire conditions with the ceilings collapsing. The fire had spread through the wall into the exposure home. The fire conditions worsened. Command ordered all personnel out for a PAR check.

In minutes, the conditions on the roof worsened. The roof crew was ordered off the roof for their safety. Chief 740 ordered all firefighters to make a defensive attack with large hose lines and portable monitors. Squirt 745’s elevated master stream was placed into

service and flowed water into the collapsing roof. The fire continued to overtake the two homes and made the structure unstable.

The main body fire was knocked down by 10 a.m. Firefighters reentered the heavily burnt out home to finish extinguishing hot spots and the walls were opened up. The crews had the fire entirely under control in three hours. Firefighters remained on the scene till 2:00 p.m.

A number of frozen hose lines were taken back to the station by pickup trucks to be thawed. The extreme minus zero temperature put a harsh strain on operatons.

Water from hose lines froze and made the fire scene hazardous.

Shenandoah, Frackville, and Lost Creek EMS provided rehab.

The Red Cross Emergency Response Unit assisted the displaced residents. Ryan Township EMS deployed their rehab tent to warm firefighters. The state police fire investigator was requested to determine the cause. The Shenandoah fire chief reported no serious injuries to firefighters or residents.

Red Lion Leo No.1 Fire Company operate a 2008 Pierce Arrow XT Puc 1500/750/25.

DALE FEEHRER

Philly operates this 2009 KME Engine designated as Engine 66

- STEPHEN BARRETT DENNIS WETHERHOLD JR.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

East Stroudsburg, PA. The Acme Hose Company of East Stroudsburg operates this 2012 Pierce Velocity 100' rearmount tower as Tower 21. Tower 21 is equipped with a 2,000 gpm pump and 300 gal tank.

KEN SNYDER

RUSSELL CURLEY

Engine 19-2 of the York Township F.D. is a 1994 Seagrave 1500/750. It originally ran with McSherrystown, Southeastern Adams Volunteer Emergency Services and Glen Rock.

Tobyhanna Army Depot runs with this 2006 ambulance at the Fort Tobyhanna Army Reserve Base.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

W AT E RW AY S

OF

February, 2014

Page 39

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PAGE 40

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser

MATT MILES

Harrisburg City second alarm plus special calls On January 11th at 3:58 p.m., the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was dispatched to 1927 North Second Street in the 1-3 Box for a possible structure fire. As units were checking up so were the calls, county then advised of “numerous callers”.

Chief 37-2 advised of a working fire. Wagon 3 and Tower 2 found fire showing from a large duplex taxpayer. The fire had extended heavily into the B exposure, which was also a large duplex with fire showing.

Captain Miller established the command and immediately struck the first alarm, putting the county units on standby and bringing in Tower 3, Wagon 4 and York County Rescue 69.

Chief Enterline assumed command soon thereafter. With all hands working and the fire still doubtful, a second alarm was requested, bringing in Engines 30 and 37-1, Trucks

JUMP TO FILE #011314103

32 and 50, Rescue 44 and Cumberland Air 13.

Command special called Truck 34 and Engine 2-13 for manpower.

Units stretched multiple attack lines, opened up on multiple floors and worked the interior through several cylinders. All three city trucks went in service on side alpha and multiple ground ladders were thrown by York Rescue 69’s approach to RIT. This stubborn fire took a little over one hour to control. All hands on scene worked extremely hard and remained on scene for about two hours with overhaul and salvage.

- MATT MILES

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day?

There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows.

Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well.

Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show.

Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen.

"The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun."

ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can

VENDOR TIDBITS Notes from the emergency service business community

raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available.

"Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick.

"We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!”

The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks.

"We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-

beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department.

"A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since."

"I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner.

"We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good."

Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right.

Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.”

For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.

Comedyworks Entertainment!

Stand-up Comedy Show Fund-raising Comedians from HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show

“Featured in the 1st Responder News, VolunteerFD.Org, EMSMagazine.Com, ABC News, and NY Times.”

“Outstanding Comedy Show! Best fundraising night we have ever had!”

Somerset Fire Company, NJ

Comedyworks Entertainment!

w w w. c o m e d y w o r k s . o r g call toll free: 1(888)782-4589 e-mail: JoeyNovick@earthlink.net FRANK ROBINSON

Lewistown Fire operates a 1994 Seagrave which saw service in Frederick,MD.

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PAGE 41

FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our Flashback feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

1 PAUL GARRETT

The damaged buggy sits alongside the roadway as rescue personnel help the injured.

One airlifted after horse and buggy crash One woman was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center near Danville and another was taken to Jersey Shore Hospital after their horse and buggy was hit from behind on Route 44 in Limestone Twp. Sarah Yoder, was driving the JUMP TO FILE # 011613105 buggy with her mother Susie Yoder at around 2:45 Thursday afternoonm January 16th, on northbound Route 44, when a black Chrysler Town and Country minivan struck the left rear of their buggy.

The mother and daughter were heading to their home on Baier La. According to the driver of the minivan, he never saw the buggy as he was driving past the old Nippenose Elementary School in Limestone Twp. The impact crumpled the buggy and threw the two women out onto the ground. The horse was seen traveling north on the roadway and was finally found about 1/4 mile away near the Oval Methodist Church.

The animal looked unharmed, but the mother, Susie Yoder, was airlifted by Lifeflight to Geisinger due to the severity of her injuries.

PSP were on the scene investigating the accident. Nippenose Valley Volunteer Fire Department along with both Jersey Shore Fire Departments and Jersey Shore EMS, responded to the scene.

- PAUL GARRETT

June 1, 2012 RUSSELL CURLEY

On October 20, 2012, the Covington Fire Company received a call for a working for at Bill's (Ace Hardware) store. They required mutual aid from Moscow, Spring Brook, Madisonville, Dickson city, Elmhurts, Coolbaugh Township and Gouldsboro.

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February, 2014

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Commercial fire in Porter Township Porter Township, PA. On January 8, 2014 at 4:00 p.m., the Porter Township Fire Department, Tower City Fire Company, Lykens tower ladder, Williamstown tanker and Tower City Ambulance were dispatched for a commercial building fire at 1720 East Grand Avenue, in Reinerton. The 911 center received multiple phone calls that the rear of K&E Precision was on fire.

Reinerton firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the two story machine shop. The fire continued to spread quickly through the building and moved to the front of the structure.

Command requested that the second alarm and additional units be dispatched. Wiconisco, Pine Grove North End, Hegins, Tremont, Donaldson, LlewellynBranch Township, Newtown, Dauphin and Elizabethville Fire Companies responded. Command requested tankers to set up a tanker shuttle system.

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

Muir Engine 650 made an offensive attack to stop the fire.

Reinerton’s engine drafted from a portable dump tank. The engine crews backed up the first attack crew with additional hose lines and attacked the fire in the rear. The Lykens Tower Ladder 22 sent its Platform into the air.

The smoke and fire in the building increased and the crews were evacuated. The heavy fire conditions in the front and rear made the building unsafe. A defensive attack was ordered. Tower Ladder 22 used its master stream for the burnt out roof.

Smoke and fire in the building decreased and =crews made a second attack inside of the building.

Tankers were needed due to the loss of water pressure in multiple hydrants.

Second and third alarm firefighters deployed additional large hose lines to support the defensive attack. The smoke and fire in the building decreased and the crews continued overhaul. Pine Grove staged to assist with RIT operations.

The fire was under control in three hours. The extreme cold weather conditions made for a long evening. A number of firefighters suffered from cold weather exposure and had to be rewarmed. A number of local EMS units provided rehab.

The fire was under control and all hot spots were out with no major rekindles by 6:00 p.m. The fire chief reported that the building was a total loss and the adjacent houses received minor damage.

The state police investigator was requested to investigate the fire.

KEN SNYDER

Chief 1851 of the Se-Wy-Co Fire Company in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County uses this 2008 Ford F-250 4x4.

KEN SNYDER

The New Kensington Bureau of Fire uses this 2003 Ford Excursion as a command vehicle.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

FRANK ROBINSON

The Yoe Fire Company operates a 2007 Pierce Enforcer 1500/750/40.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Jersey Shore woman slides off driveway Freda Showers of Saladasburg was leaving her mother's home at 1008 Cement Hollow Road in Piatt Twp. on January 11th at around 10:00 p.m. when the Chrysler Town and Country minivan she was driving began to slide down her mothers driveway.

"I was coming down the hill and I hit the big tree there and it (the minivan) just went like slow motion into the ditch," explained Showers.

The minivan landed on Cement Hol-

JUMP TO FILE #011214118

low Road resting on the drivers side.

"I thought it had cinders on it. I thought I was okay, but the rain must have froze it," remarked Showers.

When rescue personnel arrived, they could not immediately remove Showers from her vehicle. Crews had to remove the windshield and the passenger seats to gain access to

the woman.

After about 30 minutes, she was removed through the back of the mini van. Luckily, Showers sustained no injuries during her ordeal.

“I'm fine, I'm just shook up, but I'm fine," she told responders.

Jersey Shore EMS along with Independent Hose and Citizens Hose responded to the rescue.

- PAUL GARRETT

FRANK ROBINSON

Saxton Fire Company operates a 2004 Pierce Lance 1500/750.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2014

Page 43

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30 hp / 165 lbs Short (15”) 55”x28”x26” 40 hp / 185 lbs Short (15”) 56”x30”x28” 50 hp / 225 lbs Long (20”) 56”x30”x30”

PAGE 44

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION 66 years of service

If you have Apparatus in Action, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

The Aspinwall Fire Department responded to a detail to be with and honor one of their own, Firefighter Bill May. Firefighter May has served in the department for 66 years.

Members pitched in for a few gifts and a holiday card and gathered in the spirit of brotherhood to bring Firefighter May some holiday cheer while he is convalescing after suffering an injury. Firefighter May's son, David, also serves with Station 102, keeping the family of firefighters tradition going.

Up until he was 80 years old, Firefighter May remained active. Now 88 years old, Firefighter May still offers words of wisdom and wise cracks to the younger members.

ANDY MARSH

BARBARA WEST

Lebanon Truck 18 operates at vacant dwellings at 323 and 325 Partridge Street

Notes From the Firehouse ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Notes From the Firehouse

By D.E. McCourt Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $14.95 This is a soft cover book measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches. It has 17 chapters within 213 pages. Each of the chapters is titled.

It is memoirs from a firefighter, who served with the Melrose, Massachusetts Fire Department. He retired in 1998. His father served as a captain in the Medford, Massachusetts Fire Department and his brother is also a captain there.

With most of these types of books, they are stories remembered by firefighters, who served in large fire departments. Melrose, in contrast, is a small city with three stations.

At the time of these stories, they ran with three engines, one truck and a rescue (an ambulance.)

There are parts in these chapters where lack of manpower and overtime is men-

tioned. Apparently they took their toll. I recently went to their website to find that the headquarter’s station no longer has an engine, so they are now down to two and one!

Melrose distinguished themselves many years ago by buying the first metal aerial ladder that the Peter Pirsch Fire Apparatus Company built.

It was in a Pirsch ad when Melrose replaced it years later with another one.

Getting into the book more, each chapter is a particular story either about an incident, a person, an event or simply circumstances. If you were a paid firefighter, your memory may jog when you read about details to another station, or being the new guy in your own station and the memorable harassment you went through which we recall and all laughed about later.

Some of the stories are pretty grim and graphic for so goes the experiences of being called to an emergency scene.

Some of the calls could never be captured by the imagination because they go beyond it! In the book there are times when mutual aid comes into play for other cities or from other cities.

If you are familiar with the greater Melrose area you can probably figure out who these other towns are but other than that they are not specifically named.

I think it is a good read when you have the time!

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RON BANKS

Reading firefighters handle fire at paper mill Reading, PA. On January 6th the Berks County Communications Center dispatched companies to Sealed Air Corporation at 450 Riverfront Drive for a report of a fire in a ventilation system. Engine 5 and Chief Nefos arrived at the property with employees attempting to contain a fire in a paper rolling machine. Car 5 had firefighters stretch a 300 foot hose line into the building, with remaining firefighters sent to the roof. The fire was eventually contained to the roof area around the ventilation system. The fire was placed under control at 5:33 pm.

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

DALE FEEHRER

Truck 69 of Hempfield a 1991 Spartan-LTI, 75' Quint

LUKE PATTERSON

The Western Berks Fire Department Operates this 2001 KME 4wheel drive with a seating capacity for six firefighters

February, 2014

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February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have a photo for Little Big Guys, please upload it to our website, www.1stResponderNews.com, email it to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

Washington Fire Company of Ashland operates a 1986 The Franklintown Community Fire Company operates Gibraltar Fire Company operates a 1979 Jeep CJ 7 22/98.

Chevy brush truck. It has a 75 gpm pump and a 200 gal- this 1985 Chevy Brush unit with a 190 gpm pump and a lon tank.

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PAGES

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PAGE 48

February, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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