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JULY, 2021
DOUBLE FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN HEGINS
KEN SNYDER
HEGINS, PA - A woman named Tawnya Bowman, 44-years-old, and her son Daniel, 4-years-old, lost their lives in a tragic fire that occurred on May 22nd at 951 East Main Street. The County's 911 Center received a call around 10:00 A.M. reporting a fire at the location with possible entrapment. - See full story on page 2
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No. 7 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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KEN SNYDER
Double Fatal House Fire in Hegins HEGINS, PA - A woman named Tawnya Bowman, 44-yearsold, and her son Daniel, 4-years-old, lost their lives in a tragic fire that occurred on May 22nd at 951 East Main Street. The County's 911 Center received a call around 10:00 A.M. reporting a fire at the location with possible entrapment. Hegins Valley Fire and Rescue Command was first on the scene and reported a fully involved dwelling. A working fire was dispatched, along with eventual mutual aid from Dauphin County. Two grandparents and an uncle were able to get out of the dwelling safely. Companies remained on scene into the afternoon chasing hot spots. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the cause of the fire.
This is Lieutenant Deanna Mackey’s leg tattoo from the Clintondale Fire Department, located in Ulster County, NY. Deanna has been an active member with the department for the past 6 years, and she is also a NYS correction officer.
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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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.
DALE FEEHRER
This 2002 Ford F-350 was just a standard pickup operated by the Linglestown Fire Co. #1 designated as Squad 35. Members took initiative and spent close to a year repurposing the unit in house to serve as a brush unit. This piece now serves as Brush 35 (285/285).
TERRY RITZ
Outbuilding Fire in Upper Hanover Twp. UPPER HANOVER TWP., PA - On Sunday, May 30th at 5:20 P.M., the Pennsburg Fire Co., along with several other fire companies from the surrounding municipalities, were dispatched to a dwelling fire on Wild Run Road in the township. Upon arrival, Chief 65 had flames showing from an outbuilding with plenty of smoke. He called Montgomery County Dispatch and
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asked for a second dispatch for additional tankers as well as an air supply truck. The outbuilding was used to house exotic birds and chickens. At this time the cause of the fire is not known, nor is the damage until the investigation is completed. The fire
was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Assisting Pennsburg Fire Co. were companies from East Greenville, Red Hill, Trumbauersville, New Hanover and Hereford, along with Fire Police from several fire companies and an EMS unit from Upper Perk. - TERRY RITZ
CHALFONT FIRE CO.
Chalfont Fire Company's new traffic unit is a 2020 Ford four wheel drive F 350 XLT with a Martins truck body (Martinsberg, PA).
FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future 1st Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANK ROBINSON
Lampeter Fire Company operates a 2018 Ford F 350/EBY squad truck.
DALE FEEHRER
The West Bradford Fire Co. operates this 2019 Ford F-450/4-Guys (1000/300/5f) "TAC" unit.
CHANTEL LANGAN
Future Duncannon Junior Firefighter, 5-year-old Landon, supervising the acquired structure burn on June 6th. Landon enjoys watching the firefighters and apparatus, and can't wait to have the opportunity to gear up with them.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
DENNIS BOWER, SAFETY OFFICER
(L to R): Gary Mattox, Fire Chief; Leroy Gross, Life Member and son; Jaime (Gross) Zimmerman, Member and granddaughter; Molly Amsler, Award Winner; Gary Gorr, President and son-in-law; Linda (Gross) Gorr, Secretary and daughter; and Dennis McArdle, Fire Marshal and Vice President
Good Will Fire Company No.1 of Trexlertown Announces Award Winner TREXLERTOWN, PA - As part of their June 2021 business meeting, the members of the Good Will Fire Company No.1 of Trexlertown announced the winner of the Fred J. Gross Memorial Community Service Award. Established by the fire company in 2016, a graduating High School senior residing within the fire company’s response area is recognized for their volunteer community service during the current academic year. The award is in memory of Past Fire Chief Fred J. Gross, who was a life member of the fire company with over 45 years of active service. He strived to always assist his fellow neighbor in their time of need. Fred instilled this compassion not only in his children and grandchildren, but also to many local residences, allowing this all-volunteer organization to provide emergency services to the local community for over 100 years and counting. On June 1, 2021, representatives from the fire company along with the Gross family presented this year’s award to Ms. Molly Amsler, a 2021 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. Molly is the daughter of Jeff and Andrea Amsler
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of Upper Macungie Township. As a scholar, she maintained over a 3.1 GPA and still made time giving back to her local community. As a volunteer firefighter with Upper Macungie Fire Department Station 56, she completed over 180 training hours to successfully pass her National Pro Board examination and awarded her Firefighter 1 certification. In addition to being successful in the classroom, she made the time to respond to over 20% of the emergency calls within the township and she was an active participant with Community Service Projects conducted by St. Thomas Moore Church. She has strived for excellence in the classroom and willingly assisted her neighbors in their time of need. The members of the Good Will Fire Company No.1 of Trexlertown along with the Gross family congratulate Molly on her accomplishments and wish her much success in all her future endeavors. - DENNIS MCARDLE
July, 2021
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Oklahoma: Lonnie Bolar, 45 Rank: Chief Incident Date: January 29, 2021 Death Date: January 29, 2021 Fire Department: Waynoka Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, January 29, 2021, at approximately 3:07 a.m., Chief Lonnie Bolar and Firefighter Tayler Bradford responded to a residential fire. The fire was initially reported by a person trapped in a bedroom of the home. Chief Bolar and Firefighter Bradford entered the home and found a man and woman. While attempting to perform rescues, there was a roof collapse killing both Chief Bolar and Firefighter Bradford as well as the occupants. Oklahoma: Tayler Bradford, 28 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 29, 2021 Death Date: January 29, 2021 Fire Department: Waynoka Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, January 29, 2021, at approximately 3:07 a.m., Chief Lonnie Bolar and Firefighter Tayler Bradford responded to a residential fire. The fire was initially reported by a person trapped in a bedroom of the home. Chief Bolar and Firefighter Bradford entered the home and found a man and woman. While attempting to perform rescues, there was a roof collapse killing both Chief Bolar and Firefighter Bradford as well as the occupants.
New Mexico: Edward Vasquez, 35 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 7, 2020 Death Date: January 30, 2021 Fire Department: NASA Fire Department, White Sands Test Facility Initial Summary: While on duty, Lieutenant Edward Vasquez contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus on Saturday, January 30, 2021. West Virginia: Brian Ritchie, 50 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 18, 2020 Death Date: February 2, 2021 Fire Department: Weirton Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Lieutenant Brian Ritchie contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Lieutenant Ritchie was also the Assistant Chief of the Hooverson Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Mississippi: Guandes “Mook” Smith, 27 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 9, 2020 Death Date: February 8, 2021 Fire Department: Sardis Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Guandes “Mook” Smith contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus during the early morning hours of Monday, February 8, 2021.
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Pennsylvania: Edward P. Bookmyer, 60 Rank: Chief Engineer Incident Date: January 24, 2021 Death Date: January 30, 2021 Fire Department: Craley Fire Department Initial Summary: On January 24, 2021, Chief Engineer Edward P. Bookmyer was working on a piece of apparatus after returning from a fire call when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Tennessee: Terry Watts, 51 Rank: Training Lieutenant Incident Date: January 20, 2021 Death Date: February 10, 2021 Fire Department: Shelby County Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Training Lieutenant Terry Watts contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
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WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
PENNSYLVANIA
If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
ROCKY POINT, NY - Meet Caitlin Thrash, cheerleader by day, firefighter by night!
moved up to the regular department around the same time she did.
Caitlin is not just your average young lady; she's an inspiration to many. Caitlin is a senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School, and in addition to her studies and being on the cheer squad at school, she also has other very important responsibilities.
When asked about whether the guys treat her differently because she's a female, she said they don't. She did however admit that some of the training can be a little tough so she has to work harder, but her friends and fellow department members are super supportive.
Caitlin is currently a probationary member in the Rocky Point Fire Department Company #3. She originally joined the fire service around the age of 14 when one of her neighbors, who is a chief in the department, struck up a conversation with her about the department's Junior Firefighter program. Little did she know that this would lead to bigger things.
Caitlin had her first working fire in April of this year and when asked if she was nervous about it, she said that though the heat was something to get used to, the training she had done prior in the Juniors Program and regular department definitely helped ease her nerves. The very next evening the department had another house fire and she saw some more action.
Now a few years later, Caitlin is one of just a handful of female members in the department, most of whom are EMTs. She joined the department as a probationary member in October of 2020. I was able to sit down with Caitlin recently to discuss her involvement in the fire service, as well as how she balances it all.
Though right now she is balancing her school, work and volunteer schedules, Caitlin plans on sticking with the fire service as a volunteer and eventually aspires to work her way up the ranks into being an officer.
Caitlin said she was originally a little nervous when she first joined the Junior Program a few years ago, but that changed after she built great relationships with the guys in the program, some of whom had
KIMTEK Unveils Large Capacity Firelite® FDHP-303-300 Brush Truck Skid Unit May 25, 2021 – Orleans, VT KIMTEK has added a large capacity model to its brush truck series skid unit lineup. The new Series FIRELITE® FDHP-303-300 skid unit is desired by departments needing larger water capacity, affordable brush truck units with industry leading Darley Davey Pumps. To additionally meet departments' specific needs, KIMTEK offers the new 300 gallon model in options that include a patient transport area which can hold a long board or stokes basket or accommodate other optional items that can be added such as storage boxes and supply line trays. The KIMTEK's FDHP-303-300 Series skid unit is equipped with an electric rewind Hannay 4000 Series reel, 300 gallon fully baffled to NFPA standards poly water tank and integrated 5 gallon foam cell. Pump options include: Davey 6.5, 9, or 13HP or Darley 1.5 AGE 13HX pump. The 300 gallon Series brush truck skid units also include 100’ of 3/4"
Booster hose or 50’ of 1’ Boostlite booster hose with nozzle and Scotty Through-the-Pump class A foam system. Also included Mercedes Draftlite Kit – Hydro-Wick Hand Primer installed on skid; 20’ of 1.5” suction hose; Foot Valve / Strainer. Incorporating KIMTEK's trademark sensible design, the new FIRELITE FDHP-303-300 Series Brush Truck Skid Unit is affordably priced yet produced with the same high-quality materials and workmanship that departments throughout the world expect from KIMTEK. The 300 Series unit incorporates all-aluminum diamond plate construction, aluminum tubing, stainless steel manifold with pressure gauge. All the NFPA fully baffled water tanks are on reinforced aluminum bases with spaces to accommodate a fork lift for easy installation in brush trucks. About Kimtek Corporation KIMTEK Corporation is the largest producer and marketer of ATV/UTVspecific skid units for public safety
agencies in the U.S. KIMTEK's FIRELITE® fire and rescue skid units and MEDLITE® medical skid units are now in service in all fifty U.S. states and across Canada, all branches of the military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities, and in several countries worldwide. KIMTEK Transport skid units are made in the USA. Founded in 1984 as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences, KIMTEK Corporation manufactures and markets a full line of FIRELITE and MEDLITE Transport skid units for emergency service UTVs and pick-up trucks. For more information, please contact KIMTEK at 888-546-8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com or www.brushtruckskids.com. KIMTEK®, MEDLITE,® and FIRELITE® are registered trademarks of KIMTEK Corporation.
Caitlin's advice for any fellow women who may want to join the fire service but are nervous is to just try it, and if need be join with a friend. “The more women the better!”, says Caitlin. For her, she said it was one of the best decisions she ever made, and she has made many great relationships because of it.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Rocky Point FD Co. 3 Probationary FF Caitlin Thrash is a senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School where she's also a cheerleader, but on nights and weekends she can be seen battling fire! Caitlin's pictured here at a working fire on April 10th.
KIMTEK CORPORATION
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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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.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Four-Alarm Fire Consumes Monroeville Bike Store
BRIAN MCCABE
This patch belongs to the Gordon Fire Dept., located in Schuylkill County, PA.
MEMORIES
MONROEVILLE, PA – At 3:50 P.M. on May 25th, Monroeville fire crews were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire at the Pro Bike+Run Store located in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center along the 4000 block of William Penn Highway. Chief 10 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from the front of the building. As crews arrived, they were met with heavy smoke from the 'Alpha' side of the building. Crews made entry and found heavy fire on the 'Charlie' side of the structure that extended
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into the second floor. Command requested additional alarms be dispatched as interior crews tried to battle the flames. Batteries stored on the second floor made for intense heat, forcing crews to back out of the second floor, and a fourth-alarm was requested. The fire was finally placed under control at 4:44 P.M., but crews remained on scene for over three hours for overhaul.
Eight employees and several customers were in the store at the time the fire broke out. Everyone was able to make it out safely. The entire contents of the store were deemed a complete loss. A GNC and AT&T store were also damaged by the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but store employees believe it started in a second floor storage room and quickly spread due to running shoes, bike tires and lithium bike batteries. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
KEN SNYDER
While driving on Rt. 11 in Nanticoke, I came across an interesting surprise. I was driving down the highway and thought I had just passed a fire truck in a used car lot. I pulled off to the side of the road and double backed to that location. Sure enough, there sat retired L5 of the Bethlehem FD. It's unknown what the status of the quint is.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
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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.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Pedestrian Accident at 8th & Main St. in Pennsburg PENNSBURG, PA - On June 7th, West End Fire Co. Squirt 18 of Quakertown and Souderton Fire Co. Tower 74, which were both on standby in Pennsburg's station while they were on the scene of a dwelling fire in Marlborough Township, were dispatched at 4:17 P.M. for a pedestrian accident at 8th and Main Streets in the Borough of Pennsburg. Also on the scene were Upper Perkiomen EMS, Upper Perk Police, State Police and Pennsburg Fire Police. The cause of the accident is pending the police investigation.
KEN SNYDER
This Lower Providence, PA 1999 KME Excel XMFD 1250/400/75' is now in service in Danville, WV.
FRANK ROBINSON
Pine Grove North End Fire Company now operates a 2007 Seagrave 2000/900/100 F that once served Hillsborough, NJ. TERRY RITZ
Motorcycle Accident on Gravel Pike in Upper Hanover Twp. UPPER HANOVER TWP., PA - On Saturday, June 5th at 1:42 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched for a motorcycle accident on Gravel Pike in the village of Palm. Upon arrival the fire company officers had a motorcycle down and one patient with injuries. The cause of the accident is pending the outcome of an investigation. There were several witnesses being questioned about what they saw. Assisting the fire company were fire police officers from East Greenville and Hereford. Two EMS units were also at the scene, including one from Upper Perk and one from Bally. PA State Police were also on the scene.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Engine 45-11 of the Girard Hose Co. No.1 is a 1993 Spartan/Quality with a 1500-GPM pump. This rig previously served with the Goodwill Fire Company of Pottsville, PA.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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July, 2021
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KEN SNYDER
Fire Heavily Damages Fullerton Home FULLERTON, PA - On June 14th shortly before 9:00 A.M., the Whitehall Twp. FD was dispatched to 921 Pennsylvania St. for a dwelling fire. Reports of possible entrapment proved to be negative. Incoming companies experienced heavy fire conditions along with an eventual collapse of the second floor. The WFD was also assisted by Catasauqua and Greenawalds companies. There were no reports of any injuries.
TERRY RITZ
Dwelling Fire Quickly Contained in Marlbough Twp. MARLBOROUGH TWP., PA On Monday, June 7th at 2:55 P.M., Green Lane Fire Co., along with a host of other fire companies from the local area, were dispatched to a dwelling fire on Geryville Pike in the township. Upon arrival there was a heavy smoke condition in the dwelling and the call was upgraded to a working dwelling fire. The tanker task force for this area was dispatched, along with more manpower with engines and an air truck. There were no injuries to fire-
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fighters, and it is unknown whether or not there were any residents from the dwelling that might have been injured. The cause of the fire was not known, as its pending the outcome of an investigation. The fire, which was under control within 45 minutes, was fought with handlines, ladders, and the use of a tower truck. Water had to be supplied by
tankers, as there were no hydrants in that area. Some of the fire companies assisting Green Lane Fire Co. were Pennsburg Fire Co., Red Hill, East Greenville, Upper Salford, Trumbauersville, Miford, Tylersport, Trappe, and more. Upper Perk and Harleysville EMS units also assisted. The mid-afternoon heat hampered the conditions for firefighters, as the temperature outside approached the mid-nineties. - TERRY RITZ
THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CHRIS LAWERENCE
Early Morning Vehicle Fire in Amity Township AMITY TWP., PA - On May 26th at 2:27 A.M., Amity Fire and Rescue Stations 6 and 49 were dispatched to the Wawa at 10 Maplewood Drive for a reported vehicle fire. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the call was upgraded to a structure fire assignment due the truck being in close proximity to the building. Amity Township Police Department arrived on location and reported a pickup truck fully involved. Quint 6 arrived and crews quickly deployed an attack line, knocking the fire down before there was any extension into the building.
FRANK ROBINSON
The White Mills Fire Department has their 1911 firehouse still in great condition.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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Vehicle News
FRANK ROBINSON
DALE FEEHRER
Pocono Twp. Tannersville Fire now runs a 2021 Seagrave 1500/2800 Pumper Tanker. The Bareville Fire Co. has taken delivery of their 2021 Pierce Enforcer PUC (1500/1000/Holmatro). This piece will be designated as Engine 31.
DALE FEEHRER
FRANK ROBINSON
The Middletown VFD has taken delivery of their 2021 Seagrave Marauder II two stage Eastern Salisbury Fire Company now operates a 2021 Spartan ERV 1500/1000. pumper (2000/500). This piece will be designated as Engine 88.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Lafayette Fire Company has taken delivery of this 2021 Pierce Enforcer pumper, Washington County's Valley Inn Fire Co. has placed this 2020 Spartan Metro designated as Engine 63-2 (2000/500). Star/Toyne into service as Rescue 46. It has a 1500-GPM pump and 1000-gallon water tank.
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212 degrees Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana
One of the many things I learned in the Fire Department Drill Tower was that at 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train. One degree! When water turns to steam the expansion ratio is 450/1. 450 more effective than water at 211 degrees. Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference between something that is simply very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine. A beautifully uncomplicated idea that should feed our every effort. Consistently pushing us to make the extra effort in every task, action and every responsibility we undertake. 212 serves as a scientific/natural law and a spiritual law. It reminds us that seemingly small things can make tremendous differences. In the lives of believers, this entire thought has a much greater outcome – salvation, eternal life, making a spiritual impact on the world that we live in. Let me ask and answer the question that most of you are/should be thinking about now: WHAT IS NEEDED TO REACH AND MAINTAIN THE BOILING POINT IN MY LIFE? What is needed to transform me into steam? 1. Position yourself over the heat source: Leviticus 6:12 (ESV) The fire on the altar shall be kept burning;
it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning… Being Spirit filled and Spirit led is deliberate act of your will. If you want to go from a subdued, unenthusiastic, lukewarm existence to the boiling point (212) which produces steam - you will have to position yourself for it. Position yourself over the fire of God! 2. Be constant: 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV) Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Stay long enough for the fire to do its work. Be steady, stable and unmovable when it comes to your dream or vision. Never allow yourself to be thrown off or removed by things you see around you (failure of people, administration, bureaucracy). 3. Maintain concentration and focus: Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Your efforts must be such as to harness the steam and focus it where it is needed. A laser beam can cut through several inches of steel. That laser is no more than concentrated light. The bottom line - do whatever necessary to raise your temperature. Let us ask God for help in moving from a simmer, to a boil, to steam which has the ability to produce power.
Read more columns on our website! www.1rbn.com
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11 Displaced After Three-Alarm Structure Fire in Plymouth PLYMOUTH, PA - Around 3:00 P.M. on June 6th, the Plymouth Fire Department was dispatched to a possible porch fire. As multiple calls started coming through reporting JUMP TO FILE# the fire, first respon- 060621114 ders arrived on scene and found a fully involved structure fire with possible people and animals reportedly entrapped. Minutes later, the third-alarm box was called out and multiple ambulances and rehab units were requested to respond due to very hot outside temperatures firefighters faced while battling the blaze. At one point firefighters had to evacuate the structure as the roof started to cave in, and several firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion. It took crews four hours to extinguish the fire and perform overhaul. It was confirmed that all residents, including pets, made it safely out of the house. The fire is under investigation by the fire marshal at this time. - PA BUFFING
PA BYSTANDER
Plymouth engine while overhaul was underway.
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Not all barbecue sauces are created equal! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco KEN SNYDER
Truck 35 is a 2021 KME 2000/300/102'.
To lump all barbecue into one category would be doing it an extreme disservice. It is by far one of the most complex cuisines in the world. Its origins can be debated and dissected ten times over without ever fully understanding it. But rather than focusing on all aspects of it, let’s talk sauce. What makes BBQ taste so good is not one thing. It is a combination of quality meat, spices a.k.a rubs, smoke and sauce. And it is sauce that can arguably make the most noticeable difference between recipes. The most popular of all barbe-
KEN SNYDER
cue sauces is the tomato-based kind, particularly Kansas City style. It is sweet, tangy and loaded with spices such as garlic and onion powder. Thick, almost syrup-like, from molasses and brown sugar, this type is the one found in most restaurants that serve anything “BBQ”. Most tomato-based sauces start with ketchup and then branch off in many directions with the addition of unique ingredients, particular to a region or style. Some other examples are Texas and St. Louis style, which tend to leave out molasses. These are thinner and less sweet than the Kansas City sauce. The ketchup-based sauces compliment most types of BBQ, whether it is beef, pork or chicken. When you get into North Carolina, which is predominantly hog, that is when vinegar-based sauces start to become popular. This is actually my
favorite style because I tend to like the way these sharp, spicy sauces cut through the fattiness of pork. By now you are probably thinking there couldn’t possibly be anymore styles of BBQ sauce. What if I were to tell you that South Carolina is known for a mustard base sauce? Yup, mustard. Traced back to the 18th century and the German settlers in the area, this type of sauce is perfect for pork. Typically it contains just a hint of ketchup, but the yellow mustard is the star if the show. In this recipe I wanted to make it a touch healthier by replacing the molasses and brown sugar often used with maple syrup. The result is just enough sweetness to balance out the acidity and spice from the mustard. Give this one a shot the next time you fire up the smoker!
MAPLE-MUSTARD BBQ SAUCE
Brush 35 is a '02 Ford F 350 done 'in house'. Yields 1 pint Ingredients: ¾ Cup Yellow Mustard ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp. Salt 2 Tbsp. Ketchup 1 tsp. Hot Sauce ¾ Cup Maple Syrup Procedure: -Combine all ingredients well, taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside in the fridge.
KEN SNYDER
Air 37 is a '21 Kenworth/Swab.
Linglestown Holds Triple Housing LINGLESTOWN, PA - On May 22nd, Linglestown held a triple housing for their Truck 35, a 2021 KME 2000/300/102', and two other units. For each vehicle, the housing was conducted two times. The first time was an invitation from the fire company to the public to participate; the second time the fire department participated. After the sixth housing, the ceremony continued inside with each truck being christened on the front bumper with a bottle of champagne.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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Rick Billings
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Department Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
On June 12th, the Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport held a block party, parade and other ceremonies to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the fire company. Ninety pieces of apparatus were in the parade from surrounding communities. Awards were given out in 21 different categories of apparatus.
ALAN HOFFMAN
ALAN HOFFMAN
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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Southern California Wildfire Siege 2019 VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky
Southern California Wildfire Siege, 2019 By Firestorm HD Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite 4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $12.95
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This DVD is approximately 53 minutes in length and involves coverage of four fires driven by high winds that lasted a span of five days. They are the Tick, Getty, Easy and Maria fires. They involved the Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County and Ventura County Fire Departments with mutual aid from several departments from California and other western US states. At one fire I spotted a Type II engine from Albuquerque, NM. I found out later that many western states have agreements with California to furnish mutual aid when requested. It is an involved process, but worth learning about if you are interested. It also applies to firefighting aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary. One of the fires involved the area of the historic Bel Air fire in 1961, which was one of the worst, if not the worst wildland fire in the state’s history. Another fire in Ventura County occurred very near the President Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. In the first fire, an engine company from Los Angeles County valiantly tries to prevent wind-driven flames from involving a couple of nice homes. They are eventually backed up by a second engine company making their best effort as well; but the wind overcomes their tactics and eventually flames start to take the homes. Much of the footage involves wildfire suppression supported by fixed wing air tankers and rotary craft. Some of the fixed wing aircraft are huge, like commercial jet size. There was one fixed wing craft by CanadAir which I recognized as being one which is able to swoop down onto a lake for instance and take on water in its tank and they take off again to continue firefighting. There was no slouching here! Firefighters relentlessly fought using handlines from their pumpers and facing extreme heat. Even the videographer put in such a day that he admitted he had to rest from exhaustion, but promised to resume the next day!
TERRY RITZ
Hazardous Material Incident in Pennsburg Borough PENNSBURG, PA - On Saturday, May 22nd at 3:35 P.M., the Pennsburg Fire Company, along with several other fire companies from Upper Perk Valley, were dispatched to investigate an incident involving hazardous materials at the Penn View Apartments, located at 129 Fourth St., in the borough. On arrival, Upper Perk Police and fire chiefs entered the building and found a Haz-Mat condition
JUMP TO FILE #052421109
that required additional personnel from Montgomery County to respond .Both buildings at 127 and 129 Fourth Street were completely evacuated. There were no injuries. A Haz-Mat unit from Montgomery County was dipatched to the location to assist in the investigation. Assisting Pennsburg Fire
Co. were fire companies from East Greenville and Red Hill. EMS units from Upper Perk and Harleysville were also on scene, along with North Penn Goodwill canteen, Upper Perk Police Dept. officers, Fire Police from the four boroughs and Pennsburg Borough Officials. - TERRY RITZ
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
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ALAN HOFFMAN
Engine 12-11 from the Laury's Station Volunteer Fire Company No.1 is a 1994 Freightliner/Pierce with a 1250-GPM pump and 1000-gallon tank.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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Pizza Place Destroyed by Overnight Fire in Larksville LARKSVILLE, PA - Around 11:00 P.M. on Wednesday night, June 17th, Larksville's structure box was dispatched to a possible commercial structure fire at Classic Italian Pizza with multiple calls being received. When fire departments arrived they saw fire blow- JUMP TO FILE# 061721100 ing out of the front of the building's windows and heavy smoke coming out of the roof. Two lines were pulled and volunteers immediately went to work to put the fire out and open up the roof. It took crews two hours to put the fire out and do overhaul. The fire is under investigation at this time by the fire marshal. - PA BUFFING
PA BUFFING
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2021
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