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JANUARY, 2017
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Hamilton, PA - On December 7th, Marion Fire Company was alerted to 2474 Etter Road in Hamilton Township for machinery on fire with possible exposures. Franklin County 911 took a call reporting that a skid loader had caught fire and was located beside one of the large sheds on the property. Franklin County 911 quickly dispatched units out on Box 8-04 at 3:22 P.M. for the call.
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January, 2017
Three Alarm Fire Displaces Four Families in Waynesboro
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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 20 No. 12 - 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 A division of: brought to the attention of the newspaper during the s a m e month of publication.
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Waynesboro, PA - On the evening of December 13th, firefighters from Pennsylvania and Maryland were alerted for a structure fire in the Boro of Waynesboro after Franklin County 911 received reports of a dwelling fire in the 200 block of Ringold Street. Departments on Box 2-01 were dispatched out on the structure fire assignment at 8:19 P.M. Chief Shawn Adolini from Waynesboro Fire was advised by dispatch that they had a reported kitchen fire at 247 Ringold Street and that all occupants were evacuating the structure. Deputy Chief Jody Sanders from Waynesboro arrived on the scene minutes after dispatch to find a three-story duplex with two dwellings involved and heavy fire showing. Deputy Chief Sanders assumed Command-2, reporting he had flames coming from the roof and immediately requested the second-alarm started. Firefighters were hindered by downed power lines upon their arrival, but were able to make entry and began an aggressive interior attack on the rapidly growing blaze. Chief Adolini arrived on the scene at 8:28 P.M., at which time Deputy Chief Sanders passed Command and was assigned safety. Multiple crews were working to control the blaze as Chief Adolini worked to evaluate the scene when crews reported the fire was spreading into a third residence. Concerned with the rapidly deteriorating situation, Command requested a thirdalarm assignment. Upon arrival of first-in units, crews had heavy fire conditions on the second and third floors of both residences at 245 and 247 Ringold Street, with fire spreading into the adjacent property at #249. Firefighters were able to establish multiple hose lines, along with ladder pipe operations from the aerial units on the scene. Firefighters were able to get a quick knock on the fire at #249. Thanks to their teamwork, crews were able to gain control of the fire and stop it from spreading any further. Command was advised at 8:40 P.M. that interior crews had a bulk of the fire knocked, but still had active fire in the main fire building that they were working to extinguish. Firefighters battled the fire for over an hour. Command reported at 9:36 P.M. that the fire was finally under control. Units were committed on the scene for several more hours, conducting extensive overhaul operations due to the heavy damage that was done. Fire Marshals responded to the scene and were able to determine the cause to be accidental in nature, from unattended cooking. The units at 245, 247, 249 and 251 Ringold Street were all found to be uninhabitable by City Building Inspectors who responded to the scene. Units 245 and 247 seemed to be a complete loss, but they believed units 249 and 251 may still be salvageable. All occupants were able to evacuate the
JUMP TO FILE #121516101 buildings prior to fire departments arrival. No occupants were injured during the incident, but several family pets were lost. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries received while fighting the fire, but was later released. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced families. Over 80 firefighters from five different counties between Pennsylvania and Maryland responded out to assist during the fire in Waynesboro. Pennsylvania crews on the call were Franklin County units from Waynesboro Always There Hook & Ladder Company2 Station-1, Waynesboro Mechanic Street Co. 2 Station-2, Mont Alto Fire Co. 5, Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. 3, Blue Ridge Summit Fire & EMS Co. 4, New Franklin Fire Co. 17, Fayetteville Fire Co. 7, Marion Fire Co. 8, South Mountain Fire Co. 16, Waynesboro EMS Co. 2, Waynesboro Hospital Medic-200, Adams County Fountaindale Fire Co. 3 and Cumberland County’s Cumberland Valley Hose Co. 53. Maryland crews on the call were Washington County units from Leitersburg Fire Co. 9, Smithsburg Fire Co. 7, Longmeadow Fire Co. 27, Hagerstown’s Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck-1, Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Safety Officer-207 and Washington County Rehab Unit255. Additional assistance was received by Fairfield Fire Co. 2, Emmitsburg Fire Co. 6, Buchanan Valley Fire Co. 27, St. Thomas Fire Co. 18, West End Fire Co. 15, Pleasant Hall Fire
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Co. 11, Wolfsville Fire Co. 21, Hagerstown Antietam Fire Engine2 and Halfway Fire Co. 26, who responded out, filling in at multiple stations between Franklin and Washington County to make sure
New Franklin Truck-17 in operation on the 2-1 Box.
the areas remained covered while crews were committed in the Boro of Waynesboro. - WILLIAM KING
SHANE SHIFFLETT
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
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.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Clearfield County, PA - The Glen Richey Fire Company operates this 1991 International 4700/Frontline as Squad-7. This unit originally saw service in Collinsville, IL. Reading Engine-9 and Alsace Manor Brush-8 work a flank near the base of the mountain.
JUDD WEBER
Massive Brush Fire Burns Mount Penn
FRANK ROBINSON
Newport, PA - Newport Fire Department Citizens No. 1 operates this 2015 Sutphen 1500/1000.
Reading, PA - With B-Platoon firefighters starting their first night shift on November 21st, multiple calls began to flood the Berks County DES 911 center reporting a fire on Mount Penn. Engine-9 arrived at the base of Mount Penn, behind Reading High School, and found a large, wind-driven brush fire spreading to the north. Chief Brian Thorpe (Car-8) requested brush units from the county, along with tankers. With the gusting winds assisting the fire, multiple requests went out to
JUMP TO FILE #112216119 surrounding municipalities for additional help for the next several hours. Off-duty firefighters were also called in to backfill apparatus already on the mountain. Officials established a Command Post at the Price-Rite parking lot in the city to observe fire conditions and operations. Firefighters were hampered by plummeting temperatures. At 2:05 A.M., officials declared most of
the fire contained. City Engines 2 and 12 remained with State Forestry crews for the remainder of the morning. The scene was turned over to State Forestry, who remained with the fire for the next several days. Units from Alsace Manor, Lower Alsace, Gibralter, Earl, Oley, Mount Penn, Goodwill of Hyde Park, Exeter, Greenfields, West Reading, Kenhorst, Cumru and State Forestry units also responded. - JASON BATZ
Palmyra, PA - Palmyra Fire Co. of Lebanon County operates this 2009 Seagrave engine, designated as Wagon-1 (1500/750).
DALE FEEHRER
DALE FEEHRER
Lampeter, PA - The Lampeter Fire Co. operates this 2005 Spartan/Crimson engine, which the company purchased from Liverpool, NY just a few months ago.
JUDD WEBER
Firefighters work the brush fire, which consumed nearly 100-acres on Mount Penn in Reading.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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Two Alarm Fire in Halifax Displaces 20 People Halifax Boro., PA - On the afternoon of November 17th at 4:17 P.M., Box 29-6 was dispatched to the 300 block of Armstrong Street for a reported residential structure fire. This brought in units from Companies 29 (Halifax) and 216 (Fisherville). Chief 29-1 JUMP TO FILE# went en-route and 112916126 was advised of a grill fire on a deck with extension to the back of the structure. With this information, Chief 29-1 requested the first-alarm to be dispatched. This brought units from Companies 20 (Millersburg), 38 (Dauphin), 35 (Lingelstown) and Perry County 2 (Duncannon). Units from Co. 29 arrived on the scene with the rear of the fire building fully involved and spreading to the exposure on the "Bravo" side. Engine-29 laid in from the hydrant at 3rd and Armstrong Streets, where multiple lines were pulled off of Engine-29 and placed into service. Engine 29-1 positioned themselves on North Fourth St. and drafted from Tanker-216's port-atank. Multiple lines were pulled off of Engine 29-1 and placed into service. Truck-20 set up on North Fourth St. ("bravo" side of the exposure building), in front of Engine 29-1 and went in service. Truck-20 was supplied by Engine 29-1. With the fire having spread to the exposure building on the "Bravo" side, Chief-29 requested a second-alarm to be dispatched. This brought units from Companies 21 (Elizabethville), 26 (Berrysburg), 23 (Wiconisco), 37 (Rescue of Susquehanna), Perry County 9 (New Buffalo) and Cumberland County 20 (Northeast) to the scene. As crews arrived, they went to work on various actions, including assisting with extinguishment, salvage and overhaul of the structures. Perry Truck-2 set up on the "Alpha/Bravo" corner of the exposure building and went into service. A port-a-tank was dropped at the intersection of 5th St. and Armstrong St. and Engine-26 drafted from it, supplying Perry Truck-2. Engine-216 set up a tanker fill-site at the creek in Deppen Park. A strong effort by the first arriving crews kept the fire from spreading to the exposure on the "Delta" side of the original fire building. Crews spent hours overhauling both the fire building and the "Bravo" side exposure building. A total of 20 people were displaced as a result of the fire.
Heavy smoke is shown pushing from the front of the fire building, while to the left, crews can be seen working.
SETH LASKO PHOTOGRAPHY
Crews work to halt the spread of the fire to the "Delta" side exposure.
SETH LASKO PHOTOGRAPHY
- JESSE SHUTT
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January, 2017
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
New Jersey: Alfred A. Stewart, 79 Rank: Firefighter (Former Fire Chief) Incident Date: November 6, 2016 Death Date: November 6, 2016 Fire Department: West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6 Initial Summary: Firefighter Stewart reported to the fire station for a company drill. He remained alone at the station to perform maintenance duties while other company members attended the drill. At some point, Stewart ascended a ladder inside the station for these maintenance duties. When fire department personnel returned from the drill, they found Stewart entangled in the fallen ladder. Despite lifesaving efforts, Steward was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. It is unknown whether Stewart suffered a medical emergency while atop the ladder and then fell, or if the ladder had fallen while he was on it, causing his trauma. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of Firefighter Stewart's death.
Indiana: Michael Payne, 58 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: November 7, 2016 Death Date: November 8, 2016 Fire Department: Brookston Prairie Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Michael Payne and members of his department responded to a truck fire on Interstate-65 north of Lafayette, IN, just before midnight on 11/07/2016. After the fire was extinguished, Chief Payne fell ill and collapsed. Lifesaving efforts were initiated and Chief Payne was transported to Indiana University Hospital (Lafayette) where those efforts continued until he passed away at approximately 0145hrs on 11/08/2016.
Georgia: Michael W. Curry, 42 Rank: Master Firefighter Incident Date: November 19, 2016 Death Date: November 19, 2016 Fire Department: Savannah Fire & Emergency Services Initial Summary: Master Firefighter Curry was involved in operations at an emergency incident on River Street late Saturday afternoon when he suffered an apparent medical condition. Emergency medical personnel attended to Curry on the scene and were escorted in their transport of the firefighter to Memorial University Medical Center. Curry passed away at the hospital Saturday evening.
Kentucky: Ted Rodney Collett, 41 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 29, 2016 Death Date: November 17, 2016 Fire Department: Red Bird Volunteer Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter Collett suffered head and arm injuries on October 29th while working a wildland fire incident when a tree limb fell and struck him and the fire apparatus he was on. Firefighter Collett was airlifted to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment but succumbed to his injuries the evening of November 17th.
New York: Merle L. Nell, 78 Rank: Fire Police Captain Incident Date: November 26, 2016 Death Date: November 26, 2016 Fire Department: Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon Initial Summary: After becoming ill while working on a mutual aid fire call with his fire department, Fire Police Captain Nell passed away in the hospital from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: “A New Year, A New You” Let me start by saying, I’ve only ever made one New Year’s resolution that I have actually kept. Well it’s that time of year again, where we all over-indulge in the awesomeness of the holiday season, and then make our amazing New Year’s resolutions, including our new goals and the “it’s time to change” moment. With some very sophisticated internet research, i.e. the Google, I was able to confirm my hypothesis that the NUMBER ONE New Year’s resolution each year is to “get fitter.” I also learned that only about 8% of Americans actually achieve this goal. My knowledge about the state of fitness within the fire service makes me think that we are no different, and the statistics posted on NFPA.org really speak for themselves: Firefighter Death or Injury by Cause: Overexertion/Stress/Medical 2010: 54% 2011: 52% 2012: 48% 2013: 33% 2014: 58% 2015: 59% Again, I am hypothesizing here, but really, are we any different?? As a whole, we sure do act like it. Just do a quick internet search for “Firefighter T-Shirts.” A number of “we are different” slogans will pop up. I could list them, but why when you all know them by heart, regardless if you actually wear them or not. But are we “really different,” or are we just like everyone else out there?? Physically, for sure; but mentally, maybe not so much. As with any Member of Service, we choose to do a very dangerous job by risking our lives for others. But at what cost?? The cost has to do with those numbers listed above. Just look at the cause provided: Overexertion/Stress/Medical.These causes speak to the type of people we are. We work hard, i.e. overexertion. We see and do things that are beyond most peoples grasp, i.e. stress. This job taxes us, our bodies and more importantly, our hearts, i.e. medical. So why aren’t we taking better care of ourselves?! I wish I knew the answer, but I don’t, and I honestly don’t believe anyone really does. So why not make that change now? A new year and a new you should start TODAY. Before you even begin, let me tell you this much. It won’t be easy. Actually, it’s going to suck…a lot. Especially during the
JUMP TO FILE #120116101 first 30 days. But again, just look at those percentages listed above. If we all just embraced the “suck,” dug in deep and pushed through, imagine the fire service we could create! Imagine how much better you’d be, for yourself, for your family and for the fire service as a whole. Another thing I wish I could do is provide you with a way to make this happen for yourself. But here’s the thing…there’s no manual. There’s no one book, one DVD, one gym, one diet or one style that will work for everyone. Of course loads of people will disagree with me, mostly because they might have a product, a theory or a style that they claim will change you forever, and it just may! But I can’t find that for you. That one goes back to the resolution theory. You have to commit to a positive change. You have to start, and start NOW. Take a few moments while you’re at the station and look around. You’re not alone there. Your brothers and sisters all put their bunker gear on one leg at a time, and no matter where they are on their fitness journey, they are there to help you. Another positive about the fire service is that we are all about embracing the “suck” together. The level at which a fire crew works together to achieve a common goal is simply unbelievable to most. So why not make this resolution together? Why not agree, as a crew, that you’re going to spend time together working on yourselves, both physically and mentally. Together, we can do anything. Alone, we are just that…alone. Remember that one New Year’s resolution I mentioned earlier, that I actually kept? It was to always return my shopping cart to the cart rack. It seems so trivial, I know, to just push it back to where it belongs. Try it though! You just may be surprised what you learn about yourself and others. Happy New Year!
911-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Mt. Joy Twp. Business Destroyed by Blaze Littlestown, PA - On Friday, November 18th, emergency crews on Adams County Box 20-1 were alerted for a structure fire in Mt. Joy Township at 9:19 P.M. Adams County 911 received several reports of a structure fire at the Smokehouse Crafts business, located at 3830 Baltimore Pike. Chief-20 was advised of several calls coming in, reporting a well-involved structure with explosions coming from inside the structure. On the report given, Chief-20 requested the working fire dispatch started. Several fire departments from Pennsylvania and Maryland were dispatched to the fire. Firefighters on Engine-201 were the first to arrive to find a two-story structure and attached garage with heavy fire showing and several vehicles on fire as well. Chief-20 arrived and reported a fully involved structure to dispatch and assumed Command.
JUMP TO FILE #112016100 Firefighters attempted an interior attack and found heavy fire in the basement of the structure. Interior crews were quickly withdrawn from the structure by Command due to the heavy fire load. Crews then switched to a defensive attack from the exterior of the structure. Firefighters responding to the fire faced water supply issues, making it difficult to battle the blaze. Firefighters pulled multiple handlines to fight the blaze, as crews worked to establish an adequate water supply. Additional tankers were called into the scene by Command to assist. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. Pennsylvania State Fire Marshals were called to the scene to de-
termine the cause of the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours into the morning, conducting overhaul operations and assisting the State Fire Marshal’s Office as needed. No injuries were reported during the incident, but several pet birds were unaccounted for. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined and is currently under investigation. Over 50 fire and EMS personnel responded out to the fire. Alpha Fire Co. 20 responded and received assistance from Harney Fire Co. 11, Taneytown Fire Co. 5, Pleasant Valley Fire Co. 6, Gettysburg Fire Co. 1, Barlow Fire Co. 22, Southeastern Adams Emergency Services Co. 29, United Hook & Ladder Co. 33, Irishtown Fire Co. 14, Greenmount Fire Co. 23 and Heidlersburg Fire Co. 25. - WILLIAM KING
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
- ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO
DALE FEEHRER
PROVIDED
Durlach-Mt. Airy, PA - The Durlach-Mt. Airy Fire Company continues to operate this 1992 Pierce Lance tanker, (1750/2500).
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
BERKELEY SPRINGS FIRE COMPANY
Smoke from the Woodmont Road fire could be seen all the way from Berkeley Springs, WV.
Pennsylvania Firefighters Assist Maryland Crews with Mountain Fire
Rachelle Lutz has been an EMT for 17 years and is currently in Paramedic Class. She has been a firefighter for 19 years, and is a state Certified Firefighter-1. Rachelle currently runs EMS with Jeannette EMS and Irwin VFD EMS. She is also a firefighter with North Irwin VFC. When asked what inspired her to get the tattoos, she responded "I got the star of life one in 2013 after 13 years of certification. The Maltese Cross one was just done in June of 2016, the same day I received my certificate for passing the state Firefighter-1 exam! If you look, behind both are tendons and muscle (tattoos). This symbolizes that these two things, Firefighting and EMS are a part of me...of who I am. I have tried to get away from the field, but have always been drawn back to it. My entire family is involved. I have two uncles who are paramedics and have served as officers in the fire department as well. My aunt is a Paramedic and a junior coordinator at a fire department. My mother took the EMT with me, but is no longer active. She is a nurse. My great grandfather was a founder of a fire station. I also have cousins involved in the fire department and/or EMS. The heart shape is simply a symbol of my love for the field. The EKG lines are important. The one is my husband's rhythm, and the other is mine. He is a Paramedic and a Firefighter-1 as well. In fact, we tested for the state exam together."
Fulton County, PA - On November 21st, Pennsylvania firefighters responded out to assist Washington County, MD with a mountain fire located west of Hancock. Hancock Fire Company in Washington County responded out at 12:22 P.M. for a brush fire on Woodmont Road. Hancock units were quick to respond and found heavy smoke coming from the area. Deputy Chief Ben Hoopengardner from Hancock immediately requested additional brush units and tankers to assist as crews worked to gain access to the fire. Once access was made, firefighters found downed power lines which had sparked the fire. Firefighters battling the fire were faced with high wind conditions, causing the fire to rapidly spread. Crews battled the blaze which spread across 7-acres of wild land area, near the Woodmont Rod & Gun Club for over two-and-a-half hours before gaining control. No injuries were re-
JUMP TO FILE #112316104 ported during the incident and no buildings were reported damaged. Fire crews were committed on the scene for several more hours with the Department of Natural Resources Forestry personnel working to hit hot spots and to make sure that they had the fire out or well contained. Final fire crews were able to start clearing the scene around 6:30 P.M. that evening. Over 70 emergency personnel members from the tri-state area responded out to assist with the fire. Hancock Fire Co. 5 received assistance from multiple agencies from Allegany and Washington Counties in Maryland, Morgan and Berkeley Counties in West Virginia, and Fulton, Franklin and Cumberland Counties in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania personnel re-
sponded from Fulton County Needmore Fire Co. 55 and McConnelsburg Fire Co. 56, Franklin County Mercersburg M.M.P.W. Fire Co. 9 and St. Thomas Fire Co. 18, and the Cumberland County Strike Team from Cumberland Valley Hose Co. 53 and Vigilant Hose Fire Co. 52 out of Shippensburg. Maryland personnel responded from Clear Spring Fire Co. 4, Little Orleans Fire Co. 43, Williamsport Fire Co. 2, Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Hancock Rescue Co. 59, Washington County Special Operations-20, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division and Washington County Emergency Rehab-255. West Virginia personnel responded out from Berkeley Springs Fire Co. 1, Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2 and Hedgesville Fire Co. 30. - WILLIAM KING
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
Hershey, PA - A photo of Life Lion taken during the late 1990's.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Skid Loader Fire Destroys Storage Building in Hamilton Twp. Hamilton, PA - On December 7th, Marion Fire Company was alerted to 2474 Etter Road in Hamilton Township for machinery on fire with possible exposures. Franklin County 911 took a call reporting that a skid loader had caught fire and was located beside one of the large sheds JUMP TO FILE# on the property. 120916100 Franklin County 911 quickly dispatched units out on Box 8-04 at 3:22 P.M. for the call. As units responded to Hamilton Township, Franklin County 911 received additional calls reporting a heavy column of smoke coming from the area as units were responding on the call. Marion Duty-8 reported heavy smoke showing from a mile out as he was approaching the scene. Franklin had received follow up calls at that point, reporting the fire had spread to the structure the skid loader was sitting beside. Duty-8 immediately requested the Working Fire Dispatch Assignment started based on the reports dispatch had received. Duty-8 arrived on the scene and confirmed with dispatch that the fire had spread and that he had a working structure fire. Firefighters had a 30'x75' storage building with heavy fire showing. First-in crews from Marion and Franklin Station-4 worked to make an aggressive fire attack as other crews arrived and worked to establish water supply. The fire, which started with the skid loader, quickly spread to the structure and sparked a brush fire as well. Several brush trucks were called to the scene, along with additional tankers to help control the fire. Firefighters were able to gain control, extinguishing the brush fire and containing the blaze to the storage building involved without spreading to any further exposures. Crews had the fire under control within 30 minutes of their arrival on the scene. Over 50 emergency responders were called out to the Hamilton Township Blaze. Once contained, firefighters worked for several more hours to extinguish the blaze that destroyed the storage building used for farming equipment. No injuries were reported. Marion Fire Co. 8 responded out on Box 8-04, receiving additional assistance from Franklin Station-4, St. Thomas Fire & EMS Co. 18, New Franklin Co. 17, Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. 3, Chambersburg Headquarters Station-1, Fayetteville Fire Co. 7, Mont Alto Fire Co. 5, Letterkenny Fire Co. 13 and Franklin County Air-10. Units from Washington County, MD also responded out of Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Leitersburg Fire Co. 9 and Smithsburg Fire Co. 7. - WILLIAM KING
SHANE SHIFFLETT
SHANE SHIFFLETT
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
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.
RICHARD BILLINGS
KEN SNYDER
Engine-3012 of the Bangor VFD supplied the ladder tower at an apartment fire at 56 Broadway on December 4th.
DALE FEEHRER
Marietta, PA - Marietta FD's Engine-10 recently supplied numerous lines at a two-alarm dwelling fire.
FIRE EQUIPMENT
If you have photos for Fire Equipment please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
DALE FEEHRER
Maytown, PA - Maytown FD's Engine 79-2, a 1997 Seagrave (1750/1500), is seen here shortly after arriving to a Mutual Aid twoalarm dwelling fire in Lancaster County.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Chambersburg, PA - New Franklin Co. 17 and Letterkenny Army Fire operating at a two-alarm brush fire on October 31st.
Mechanicsburg, PA - Equipment from Hampden Fire/Rescue Company-30.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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.
ANDREW DRESHER
New Columbus Fire Company runs this 2015 Ford F550/KME Rescue.
FRANK ROBINSON
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
ANDREW DRESHER
Halifax Firefighters Save Cat From House Fire
Schuylkill County's Donaldson Fire Company operates this 1999 Ford F-550/500-pump/250-water/10foam, with a KME body as Rescue 12-50.
Halifax, PA - On November 17th, a cat was rescued from a house fire located on Armstrong Street. The owner had thought the worst and was elated to be reunited with his cat, carried by Firefighter Matt Danner of Halifax Fire Co. 29.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Spring Brook Fire Company of Lackawanna County operates this 2014 Ford F-550/300-pump/400water/Freedom Fire Apparatus as Brush-53.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
MEET ROVER
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Firefighter Safety Requires Proper Attitude STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
No matter what your mom, dad, best friend, or lawyer tells you, somewhere along the line, you have to buy into your personal safety. You must be an active participant, concerned with staying out of harm’s way. This is a shared responsibility beginning with you and progressing up the chain of command to the Chief, with each higher rank bearing an even greater share of responsibility for themselves and their subordinates. Firefighter safety requires PROPER ATTITUDE. You must be in the mindset that you will be alert and concerned for your own personal safety at all times, while complying with department policies, rules and training procedures, regardless of your own personal opinion. While concerned for your own safety, you will look out for and be aware of your fellow firefighters and their actions, and prevent them from performing unsafe acts. There may be some of you who may disagree; believing looking after others (as mentioned previously), is someone else’s responsibility. Wrong! If your fellow firefighter is doing something that can precipitate injury and/or death to himself/herself, and you stand by idly, you and others may become a casualty as a result of his/her unsafe act. Intervene to stop the unsafe act! We are all in this together and getting back home the way you showed up is what firefighter safety is all about. There is no better definition of firefighter safety! There are those believers in the trenches who will try to convince you that firefighter safety has taken the aggressiveness out of firefighting. Safety is not, nor should be, a deterrent to aggressive firefighting. That is what we are all about. Aggressive firefighting can take place within the constraints of safety, and need not delay rescue and rapid knockdown. What it requires is a good size up, good command structure, and thinking before acting. Your personal size up and the incident commanders size up will indicate whether an aggressive offensive assault can be safely implemented, or if a defensive posture should be the initial game plan. For many in the fire service, there exists a hidden bravado that firefighting is one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous profession, and with that comes death and injuries. Not necessarily so! Will we eliminate all death and injury? Probably not in my lifetime, but we must continue to reduce the annual toll. It is long past time to deflate the bravado of the
“most dangerous occupation." There have been many changes in the fire service relative to firefighter safety over the past dozen or so years and what they require is implementation and structured discipline to be effective. Talking about safety is not the same as practicing safety. In the past, we have rung our hands, shed our tears, offered our apologies and chalked it up to the dangers of the job. In time, we would once again proceed down the same well-worn path, one that often led to injury and death, learning absolutely nothing from the previous incidents. When will we learn? When do we say, “Enough is enough!”? We can no longer boast and maintain a "macho" image that includes avoidable pain and suffer-
ing or injury and death as a result. The incidents of death and injury that were the result of poor or no training, lack of supervision, insufficient personnel, failure to use protective gear and equipment, no accountability, complacency, laziness and/or sheer stupidity, contribute to a needless annual toll. We may be considered America’s Heroes, but we don’t have to prove it by “shooting ourselves in the foot” to maintain the image, as some of our injuries and deaths may have been avoided. Safety requires each of us to have the attitude to stay safe in all we do. We owe it to ourselves, our families, our department and the communities we serve. Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
January, 2017
PAGE 19
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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
JASON BATZ
Rehresburg, PA - Keystone Fire Company used to run this 1948 Reo 500/300.
Fire Station Floor Experts
FF Ken Licwinko works to overhaul the outside of this rear kitchen after a fire.
JASON BATZ
Kitchen Fire on Muhlenberg Street Reading, PA - On Tuesday, November 22nd, the Berks County Department of Emergency Service sent crews to a reported kitchen fire. Tower-1 arrived at 1331 Muhlenberg Street, a twoand-a-half story, middle-of-row dwelling, with smoke showing from the first-floor. Firefighters stretched a line into the rear of the dwelling and quickly knocked down a fire in the kitchen. The fire was placed under control at 12:54 P.M., with all searches cleared. No injuries were reported and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
FRANK ROBINSON
Over 1,500 Customers Over 35 Years Experience Over 150 Fire Stations
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January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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.
B. COOLBAUGH
Mocanaqua FF Stanley Helstowski (left) and Chief Stephen McDaniels discuss conditions on the 2nd-alarm house fire.
Early Morning Fire in Shickshinny Hits Two Alarms
CLEONA FIRE CO.
Cleona, PA - Cleona Fire Co. has their pride patch painted on the wall in their engine bays.
Shickshinny, PA - Mocanaqua Fire was dispatched on November 18th to the Shickshinny Boro for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Chief-175 advised that an electrical outlet was on fire on the second-floor of the residence and reported that an engine was to continue into the scene for the investigation. Engine-2 arrived and took the address of the residence with smoke showing from the eaves. At that time, the engineer from 118 hand-jacked hose back to the hydrant and the engine crew gained access to the second-floor, where they could feel heat; however, no fire was found until the ceiling was pulled in a bedroom, where they were then met with fire conditions. Chief-118 advised Command to upgrade the box to a working fire. Crews stayed on-scene for sometime completing overhaul operations before being released.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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Commercial Building Fire in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Monday, November 28th at 9:55 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a fire alarm at a commercial building in the township. When Chief-38 arrived, he had smoke and flames showing in the rear of the complex. He immediately called Montgomery County Radio to upgrade to a building fire and established Command-38. The upgrade included more man- JUMP TO FILE# power and 112916124 equipment to assist in the manpower pools to attack the fire. The quick response of the fire companies' arrival and the use of hand-lines had the initial fire knocked down within 30 minutes. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire and the damage were unknown, pending the outcome of the investigation. Extensive clean-up was to follow. Assisting on the assignment were fire companies from Pennsburg, Red Hill, Green Lane, Hereford Twp., Milford Twp. and Trumbauersville. Also on-scene were Fire Police from Red Hill, Harleysville EMS and Upper Perk EMS. - TERRY RITZ
TERRY RITZ
TERRY RITZ
MVA with Injuries in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Friday, November 25th at 2:25 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a two-vehicle accident with injuries, located at the intersection of County Line Rd. and Kutztown Road. The two vehicles involved were a Malibu sedan and a van. A female passenger was being attended to in the Malibu before being transported to a local hospital. The severity of the injuries and the cause of the accident are pending on the outcome of the investigation. Assisting the fire company was an EMS unit from Bally, Fire Police from Hereford Fire Co. and the PA State Police. TERRY RITZ
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Carbon Monoxide Detector Sounds in East Greenville East Greenville, PA - On Friday, November 25th at 10:45 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to 542 Washington St., located in the boro, for a carbon monoxide detector sounding. A second dispatch from Montgomery County radio was for a full com- JUMP TO FILE# pany response and an 112816119 assist from Pennsburg Fire Co. with a tower and engine. The incident turned out to be a malfunction with the oil heater. Chief-38, Jason Wilson, called off Pennsburg and held it to East Greenville. There was one female occupant home at the time. There were no injuries reported. Ventilating fans were used, along with the opening of windows to clear the smoke and smell out of the exhaust from the heater. Also assisting the fire company was the Upper Perk Police. - TERRY RITZ
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Firemen of the Bronx
TIMOTHY COOVER
Rheems, PA - Rheems Fire Department Station-70 is located in Lancaster County.
Firemen of the Bronx By Monarch Films Available from: FSP Books & Videos 118 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $14.99 (DVD) This is a short, 35 minute video of a two week period in which the producers rode with two fire marshals in the Bronx. These events took place before 9/11. Marshals are essentially arson investigators. In New York, they call them “criminal fires” and most of the fires in the Bronx at the time were from arson. The boro has 65 fire stations, at least during the time of this video. Though the title has “of” on the jacket, the actual movie is entitled “in” (Firemen in the Bronx). This is a quick moving video which is narrated. The viewer can also hear the voices of the firefighters up close. Most all of the fires are in va-
cant or occupied multiple dwellings, which the fire department describes as “brick” construction, while textbooks describe the category as “ordinary” construction. The description of the video states that nine firefighters died while fighting what was deemed as arson fires. There is no location given for any of the fires and the camera jumps around. In one case, a child was rescued by a firefighter and some time is devoted to that story. Another incident involved a rescue company (I suppose), reporting to the emergency room of a hospital to load a man of over 1400-pounds into an ambulance for transfer. There is plenty of truck work and stream operations to see. Also, the apparatus can be seen from the past, such as solid red Mack CF/Ward pumpers, Seagrave rear mounted aerials and Mack tower ladders. In one scene, a flashover can be observed coming out of the upper story of a multi-storied building. A tribute is made for FF Peter McLaughlin, who died in the line-of-duty. In another scene, the use of a thermal imaging camera is briefly demonstrated. During the brief stay with the marshals, they explain the reasons why arson is not as prevalent today as in the past. It is the "Bronx of yesteryear" in a nutshell, and it is presented well!
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
DRILLS/TRAINING
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
Sheppton-Oneida Holds Triple Housing Sheppton, PA - On October 15th, the Sheppton-Oneida VFC held a parade, dedication and a triple housing. Newly acquired vehicles included Rescue Squad 09-70, a 2015 Ford/KME; Tanker 09-30, a 2016 International/KME 1250/2000 and UTV 09, a 2016 Polaris Ranger.
JASON BATZ
Reading, PA - Reading Firefighter Ron Frey works with new recruit William Farmer during a recent Humat drill.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES
DEPARTMENT PROFILE
If you have photos for Firefighter Profiles please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
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
Hershey, PA - The Hershey Volunteer Fire Department recently moved into its new building.
The front of the newly built station.
TIMOTHY COOVER
JAMES SEIGER
The addition of the history room will keep you asking questions!
TIMOTHY COOVER
Cumru Township, PA - Assistant Chief Robert Snyder officially retired from the Cumru Township Fire Department on Tuesday, November 15th. Officially, Chief Snyder served for nearly six years; however, he has been involved in the fire service for 34 years. In 1982, Bob joined the Friendship Fire Co. of Mohnton as a junior firefighter. Bob went on to attend college at Shippensburg University and was a live-in with the Vigilant Hose Co. of Shippensburg. During the four years that Bob was a member, he obtained the rank of Lieutenant. He returned home to Berks County and continued to serve in Mohnton, working his way through the ranks to achieve a Captain's position. In 2002, Snyder found his way over to the Cedar Top Fire Co., where he reached Assistant Chief in 2007. Cumru Township began the process of merging three local fire companies into a combination department and Bob was appointed to the position of Assistant Chief. Chief Snyder was also involved with several other emergency services committees and agencies, as well as serving as a "non-suppression" instructor with the PA State Fire Academy. Congratulations on your retirement Bob!
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
TIMOTHY COOVER
Crews Handle Overnight Vehicle Fire in East Donegal East Donegal, PA - Crews from East Donegal and Maytown Fire Departments were dispatched for a vehicle fire during the overnight hours of October 30th. Chief-791 arrived to find a fully involved truck, which firefighters quickly knocked down.
Crews Respond to MVC with Medevac in Franklin County Franklin County, PA - On Saturday, December 3rd, Franklin County units on Box 7-81-44 were dispatched out at 3:14 P.M., to Interstate-81 for an MVC with possible entrapment and fire. Firefighters from Fayetteville and Franklin Station-4 were quick to respond to the accident, which was near the Walker JUMP TO FILE# Road exit. Franklin 120416114 County 911 received multiple calls reporting two tractor trailers involved in the collision. Chief-46 from Station-4 was the first to arrive to find two tractor trailers involved in both the north and southbound lanes. Chief-46 was able to quickly evaluate the scene and determined that there was no fire involved and confirmed no entrapments. Deputy Chief-7 from Fayetteville arrived shortly after Chief-46 and assumed I-81 Command. Firefighters were faced with a large fuel spill from the accident while EMS evaluated several occupants involved. After evaluation by EMS, Command requested air medical from Life Lion out of Carlisle to be started for one patient with serious injuries. Fire department units were
committed on the scene for nearly an hour working to contain the fuel spill and mitigate any other hazards. Fayetteville Company-7 worked to handle hazards with the truck in the southbound lane while Station-4 crews handled the truck and hazards in the northbound lane. Fire department crews from both companies received additional assistance from Franklin County EMA and Penndot and Greene Township, who responded to the scene due to the fuel spill of approximately 100-gallons. Fire department units were able to clear the scene around 4:30 P.M. while Penndot and Pennsylvania State Police remained on the scene until the removal of both vehicles on the scene was completed. It was confirmed that only one occupant was transported from the scene to Chambersburg Hospital by Fayetteville EMS, while Life Lion-3 landed and air lifted a patient to one of the area trauma centers. The extent of the patients' injuries have not been released and their current condition is not known. The Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the incident to determine what caused the collision. Penndot reported the roadway re-opened later that night, around 8:30 P.M. - WILLIAM KING
DENNY CLOPPER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Vehicle News
Carlisle, PA - The Union Fire Co. has taken delivery of two 2016 Pierce Enforcer pumpers. Both engines are equipped with 1500GPM pumps and carry 750-gallon tanks. Engine 1-41 is currently answering calls and Engine 2-41 is preparing to go into service.
Engine-241.
DALE FEEHRER
TIMOTHY COOVER
Second Alarm Hit for Dwelling Fire in Marietta
Engine-141.
DALE FEEHRER
New Kingstown, PA - The New Kingstown Fire Co., has taken delivery of this 2016 Pierce Enforcer PUC, designated as Squad-33 (1500/650/4-Tool Amkus Ultimate System).
DALE FEEHRER
Beat The Budget Blues!
Marietta, PA - On November 26th at 12:35 P.M., the Marietta Fire Department, along with Mutual Aid companies were alerted for a dwelling fire. Initial calls reported a fully involved, duplex style dwelling, with possible entrapment and bystanders trying to make a save. Chief 10-1 arrived on-scene to find a two-story duplex with fire coming from the "Charlie/Delta" side. Chief 10-1 then upgraded to a second-alarm. First-in crews from Marietta and Maytown Fire Departments made intial entry to try to knock down the fire. Crews then found all occupants of the homes outside of the dwelling. The fire started to spread to the exposure building, on the second and third floors. Due to the fast moving fire and the deplorable conditions, EVAC tones were hit for the main fire building. Truck-74 from Elizabethtown started venting by removing two skylights and breaking windows. Crews entered the exposure building and found fire on the second-floor and high heat on the third-floor, but no visible fire. With heavy fire still to the rear of the main fire building, master
JUMP TO FILE #120316108 streams were put into use in the front and a two-and-a-half inch line was stretched to the back, with a deck gun knocking down the bulk of the fire. Chief-80 was in Command of the exposure building and with rapidly changing conditions, asked for a read of the smoke conditions from the outside as crews started checking again for fire on the thirdfloor. Command advised of heavy brown smoke coming from the roof line. Truck-74 started venting the roof on the exposure and Engine-76 started venting all the windows. Inside crews found fire in the roof and running the walls again. With the fire mostly knocked to the rear of the main fire building, the fire started to spread to the front. Crews then had to exit the exposure building due to live ammunition going off in the main fire building. Truck crews continued to pour water onto the fire and crews from outside kept hitting what they could from the ground and the front porch roof. From the exposure buildings,
as crews checked the second-floor from the first-floor ceiling, crews from 70 advanced into the front room and knocked down most of the fire from that side, as the Engine-75 crew knocked down most of the fire from the porch roof in the main fire building. With the secondfloor fire knocked, crews from outside reported fire still running the roof and walls on the third-floor. Crews were finally able to make it into the attic of the main fire building and knock the rest of the fire down. Crews worked on-scene for a total of five hours. Marietta Pioneer Fire Co. had Command and was assisted by Maytown/East Donegal FD, Columbia Borough FD, Bainbridge Fire Co., Elizabethtown FD, Rheems FD, West Hempfield Fire/Rescue, Mountville Fire Co., Wrightsville Fire & Rescue Company-41, Londonderry Fire Co., Fire Department Mount Joy, Blue Rock Fire Rescue, Rohrerstown Fire Co., Hempfield FD, Penryn Fire Co., Northwest EMS, SVEMS and Fire Police from multiple agencies. - TIMOTHY COOVER
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TIMOTHY COOVER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
FUTURE 1st RESPONDERS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future First Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Maytown, PA - These two adorable future first responders were more than happy to strike firefighter poses for the camera!
Future 1st Responder Loucks.
TIMOTHY COOVER
MIKE RUSSELL
Where to Begin: Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Your Fire Department
Future 1st Responder Rettew.
DID YOU K NOW
TIMOTHY COOVER
?
A Crayola crayon can be used as a candle in an emergency. As the wax melts, the paper becomes a wick and one candle will last about 30 minutes.
The new year has rolled in and your fire department has started the dialogue to consider incorporating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as “drones”, into departmental operations. Your officers and firefighters have witnessed some of the benefits of using UAS during departmental operations because a local hobbyist has volunteered to fly his aerial vehicle over your fire scenes and has shared the videos in real-time with the chief. So, where do you go from this point? The first step is to immediately stop what you are doing. While the intentions of the hobbyist may be sincere and much appreciated by the fire department, they go against federal regulations and can land both the fire department and the hobbyist in serious trouble, including fines adding up to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. The same holds true for any firefighter who may be using his or her personal UAS on scene for the benefit of the fire department. The bottom line is, this is not allowed within the scope of federal UAS regulations. Fire chiefs have recognized the value of using UAS during departmental operations. Whether it’s for scene size up, hazmat conditions, search and rescue, or large scale incidents, the benefits of this technology are certainly notable. The decision to acquire a UAS is not one that should be entered into lightly. For any fire department, this process should be initiated with a strategic-level needs assessment that evaluates a variety of factors, including types of calls, number of alarms, manpower and
JUMP TO FILE #121216109 budget. The appropriate UAS platform and accessories must also be matched with the department’s operational needs. Fire departments need to conscientiously and sensibly establish comprehensive and risk adverse UAS programs along with substantial educational and training protocols for the utilization of this technology as a practical and sustainable tool. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established separate guidelines for the use of UAS by public organizations as compared to hobbyists and commercial entities. As public organizations, fire departments need to follow the procedures set forth in this category by the FAA in order to deploy UAS legally and safely during departmental operations. Through the FAA, public agencies can apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) in order to seek approval to conduct UAS operations in the nation’s airspace. This approval follows a lengthy all-inclusive operational and technical preparation by the fire department and an equivalent review by the FAA. Fire departments may also utilize elements of the newly designated FAA small UAS rule (Part 107) to become properly certified to fly for their department’s aerial vehicle. Attaining this certification, which must be renewed every 24 months, requires becoming proficient in general aeronautical knowledge. This includes being able to read visual flight rules (VFR) sectional
charts in order to recognize various airspaces and their limits; the understanding of weather phenomena and their effects on your UAS in flight; and specifics about the Part 107 regulations that you will be flying under. Depending upon the individual, preparation for this test could take more than 20 hours of study time. All of these details illuminate the fact that fire departments are not permitted to simply go to a store, purchase a drone, and deploy it during their calls. It is an exciting time in the world of unmanned aerial technology. Use cases are presenting themselves at dizzying rates as the aerial and imagery technology continues to rapidly advance. In this blur of progress it is essential for fire departments and other public agencies to remember that they are being closely scrutinized by the public. Your department needs to ensure that it has developed and implemented a comprehensive UAS program that encompasses regulatory compliance, ground safety, executive management and operational training. Much consideration needs to be made by your department and municipality in regard to budgeting and vendor management, as well as designing appropriate policies, standard operating procedures and emergency safety protocols. In the end, the essential objective is to be able to deploy your UAS in a safe and responsible manner in order to aid your department in effectively saving lives and property. - MIKE RUSSELL
ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATE 1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
PAGE 33
To see your Action Shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
ANDREW KUTZ
Reading, PA - Reading Firefighter John Diehm poses with St. Nick on the platform of Tower-1 before the start of the Reading Holiday Parade.
Waynesboro, PA - New Franklin Firefighters battle a fire through an exterior window of a house on December 13th.
DALE FEEHRER
SETH LASKO PHOTOGRAPHY
TERRY SIGLER
Bressler, PA - Bressler Firefighter D. Adams takes a break after catching work on a Mutual Aid structure fire on November 25th.
Halifax Boro., PA - Perry Truck-2 and Truck-20 in operation during a structure fire on November 17th.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Mechanicsburg, PA - Firefighters White, Martin and Miller buff the floors to prepare for the 2016 Christmas Train open house.
Hamilton, PA - Chambersburg firefighters work to remove the walls of a storage building to access fire on December 7th.
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January, 2017
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
DALE FEEHRER
New Kingstown, PA - The New Kingstown Fire Co. operates this 2002 KME/International mini-pumper (750/300/30). This unit previously saw service with South Middleton Twp., PA and Mt. Holly Springs, PA.
Rohrerstown, PA - The Rohrerstown Fire Co. has purchased this 1996 Pierce Arrow engine (1500/500). This engine saw prior service in Hillside, MD and Marlboro, MD. DALE FEEHRER
TOMMY HOUPT
Late Night Blaze Destroys Barn in Peters Township Mercersburg, PA - On November 23rd, Franklin County crews were alerted for a barn fire in Peters Township at 10:56 P.M. Crews on Box 9-03 were dispatched out to 10139 Church Hill Road for a fully involved barn. Franklin Dispatch had multiple calls reporting the working fire conditions, so the Working Fire dispatch was immediately started. Assistant Chief-9 confirmed the working fire while en-route to the station. Chief-9 and Assistant Chief-9 responded out on Engine-92 and quickly arrived to find heavy fire conditions. Chief-9 assumed Command and immediately requested a tanker task force started. Firefighters worked to establish a defensive attack plan to gain control of the blaze. Firefighters worked with
JUMP TO FILE #112416105 deck guns and aerial ladder pipe operations to fight the fire, bringing it under control around 11:43 P.M. With the fire under control, Command worked to start releasing a majority of units he had en-route for the working fire dispatch. Firefighters remained on the scene until the early morning hours, conducting overhaul operations. No injuries were reported during the incident and no live stock was lost; however, it was reported that several pieces of equipment were lost. The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Over 80 emergency personnel from three counties responded out
to the incident. Mercersburg M.M.P.W. Fire Co. 9 responded, receiving in-county assistance from Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. 3, St. Thomas Fire Co. 18, Franklin Fire Station-4, Marion Fire Co. 8, Mont Alto Fire Co. 5 and Fannett Metal Fire Co. 12. Additional assistance was received from Fulton County, PA crews from Needmore Fire Co. 55, McConnelsburg Fire Co. 56, Hustontown Fire Co. 57 and Washington County, MD crews from Longmeadow Fire Co. 27, Williamsport Fire Co. 2, Hagerstown Western Enterprise Engine and Truck 4, Hagerstown Antietam Fire Engine-2, Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Clear Spring Fire Co. 4 and Leitersburg Fire Co. 9. - WILLIAM KING
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Mahoning Twp., PA - This 1971 Chevrolet once served with the Shartlesvile VFD as a pumper. The unit was sold and stripped of its fire components and is currently sitting on a lot in Normal Square.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Blair County PA - The Bald Eagle Fire Co. operates a second hand tanker from Chesterfield County, VA. It is a 1996 International 4900/S&S with 750/1800/200 foam, and operates as Tanker-36.
VISIT WWW.1RBN.COM CLICK ON “VEHICLES”
20’ Rescue 1® Walk-Around Demo Available for Immediate Delivery. Spartan Metro Star MFD-2015 chassis, Cummins ISL 450 HP diesel engine, seating for crew of six. 20’ all extruded aluminum body, upper storage compartments. Curb side roof access lift-up stairway, absorbent compartment with electric re-loader and dispenser, 9000 lbs. portable winch with three receiver positions. Participating co-op purchasing programs: GSA, H-GAC, and New Jersey State Contract. Contact Mike Marquis (800) 752-8786, (732) 223-1411 in New Jersey, or info@plcustom.com
For Sale Extremely Versatile Type III Ambulance Road Rescue Ultramedic remounted onto a 2015 Chevrolet G4500 Diesel Chassis Unique Dual Squad Bench Design - Great for Critical Care, High Risk Transport or Rehab Services. Can Easily Be Equipped For Bariatric Transport As Well. Complete Repaint with Bedliner Exterior Compartments. $125,000 For additional information or photos, email vsales@emergencyvehiclecenter.com or call 732-657-1104.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA