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DENNY CLOPPER
Guilford Twp., PA - On the afternoon of April 23rd, Franklin County 9-1-1 received a call reporting a garage fire at 3418 Social Island Circle in Guilford Township. The Marion Vol. Fire Dept. was dispatched out on Box 8-1 with multiple other Franklin County departments around 12:42 P.M. - See full story on page 58
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June, 2018
ADVERTISER INDEX
A guide to finding great companies
Company Page 911 Rapid Response 43,67 AirVac 911 23 All Hands Fire Equipment 17 American Trademark 46 Armor Tuff Flooring 26 Backstop USA 15 Brindlee Mtn. Fire App. 41 Campbell Supply Co. 1,45,72 CA Reed 22 CET Manufacturing 5,27 CILS Inc. 51 Circle D. Lights
54
Equipment Marketers
22
Fire Flow Services
7
Firehouse Expo
Fire Line Equipment
Firovac Power Systems
Hoffman Radio Network Hy-Viz Inc.
Kaler Motor Company
49
19
59 9
71
33
Mid Atlantic Rescue Mil Pro Marine
PAC Industries PA Hazmat PGI Inc.
Ray’s Pager Sales Safe-T
Spectrum Comm.
65 68
21
13,63
69
Vehicle Fire Dispatched During Box Alarm in Reading Reading, PA - While crews were tied up at a working fire on Maple Street on May 3rd, Reading Engine 7 and Ladder 3 were dispatched for a working vehicle fire on South 12th Street. Firefighters arrived with a car burning on Weimer Street. There was some extension into an adjacent fence, but the fire was knocked down quickly. No injuries were reported.
31
Medix Ambulance
Mid Atlantic Fire & Air
Bethlehem Township Fire Company operates this 1995 International/General 4x4 500/500.
48
35
MedEx Billing
BRETT MACK FRANK ROBINSON
37
Marco Equipment Sales Marion
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.
46
ESI Equipment
LI Mega Show
LITTLE BIG GUYS
47
Command Fire App.
Kimtek
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
FRANK ROBINSON
Robert Fulton Fire Company operates this 2015 Ford F350 Squad Truck.
55 50 39
42
29
53
Spotted Dog Technologies 11 Sutphen
TurboDraft
Valtek Waterous Waterways of PA WEH Technologies Zodiac
25 61
48 57 3 44 58
Cumru Township Fire Department Brush 42-1 is a 2002 Ford/Darley with 250-GPM pump and 250-gallon tank.
RAINMAN14
Historic Mural in Quakertown Includes Town's Fire Engine
CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 22 No. 6 - 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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KEN SNYDER
KEN SNYDER
Brush 50 of Strausstown Vol. Fire Co. No. 1 is an all-wheel drive 1991 BMY 275/870.
Quakertown, PA - This northern Bucks County community shows off its historical influence with a large mural in the center of town, beside the train station. The Quakertown Fire Company No. 1 engine is shown on the left side of the mural.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Jconboy@waterwayinc.com
June, 2018
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
PRIZED POSSESSIONS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Prized Possessions” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
J. KRIESHER
This outbuilding was destroyed by fire after a brush fire spread to it on Germanville Rd., in Butler Twp.
Brush Fire Destroys Butler Twp. Outbuilding "This is a photo of a shadow box I created with my great uncle and grandfather's fire department badges. My uncle, Joseph Cattelona, and grandfather, Michael J. Haas, Jr., were both former chiefs of the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department in Hamburg, New Jersey. The shadow box highlights Joe's Ex-Chief badge and Mike's Fire Police badge, along with an old newspaper clipping of Joe (far right) and two other members of HVFD showing off their parade trophies. A current patch from Hamburg Fire is also displayed that I was thrilled to receive in a patch trade with my own department, (Lake County Fire Rescue in Lake County, Florida)."
KELLY J. BOEDER
Schuylkill County, PA – A brush fire spread to an outbuilding in Butler Township on Tuesday morning, April 24th. Around 10:00 A.M., Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched Fire District 4 (Lavelle and Fountain Springs) to 215 Germanville Road for a brush fire. The call was quickly upgraded to a structure assignment as a building was now reported to be on fire. Englewood, Altamont and Ashland Fire Companies were then dispatched to the scene.
JUMP TO FILE #050618110 Chief 4-04 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire with a growing brush fire. Engine 4-12 and Tanker 4-32 arrived and took position in two driveways. Crews stretched two lines to a 24'×12' outbuilding that was fully involved. Engine 369 took position behind 4-12 and sent their manpower to the scene, as did Engine
38-11 and Engine 367. Firefighters were able to knock the fire down in less than 20 minutes and contain the brush fire. Forestry units began to arrive on scene to provide additional support and help with the investigation. Mutual aid units began to be released around 10:45 A.M., and all units were clear shortly after 11:00 A.M. - JC KRIESHER
ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JIM MILLER
Harrisburg Area Community College Graduates 59th Firefighter Academy Class
Harrisburg, PA - On Friday evening, April 27th, the 59th fire academy class graduated from the Harrisburg Area Community College program. The class was composed of recruits from several departments. The graduates include: Richard Brocius, Nicholas Buckingham, James Grundon, Greg McDonald, Glenn Raudensky, Forrest Rothrock (Harrisburg Bureau of Fire), Benjamin Davis, Jarrod Galler, Andrew Lefever, Tony Ruiz (Lancaster Bureau of Fire), Tyler Buckley, Drew Nunemacher (Scranton FD), Cameron Arthur, Broc Rupert (Williamsport Bureau of Fire), Joseph Salsavage (WilkesBarre FD), and Jamie Birgfeld (Chambersburg FD).
DALE FEEHRER
The members of the Bainbridge Fire Company were proud to announce the arrival of their new "baby" (a.k.a. Rescue 71), to the community by listing the new Rosenbauer specs using the company's advertisement board. The new rescue arrived to a crowd of members and community citizens.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
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June, 2018
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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
Tennessee: Jason Dickey, 38 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 12, 2018 Death Date: February 12, 2018 Fire Department: Lawrenceburg Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Jason Dickey died from injuries sustained in a structural collapse while operating at the scene of a residential structure fire. Two other firefighters were injured in the collapse and taken to the hospital. The fire started in a twostory residence along Lakeview Drive at around 1630hrs. According to media reports, crews transmitted a “Mayday Emergency” near 2000hrs when the three firefighters became trapped as the result of a collapse. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. Rhode Island: Richard Jenks, 72 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: February 14, 2018 Death Date: February 14, 2018 Fire Department: Pascoag Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Richard Jenks collapsed while fighting a residential chimney fire. Other responders performed CPR on Lieutenant Jenks and transported him to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, RI, where he was pronounced deceased. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. Georgia: Earnest McDuffie, 51 Rank: Captain Incident Date: February 20, 2018 Death Date: February 20, 2018 Fire Department: Hinesville Fire Department Initial Summary: While performing fire department mandated physical fitness training, Captain Earnest McDuffie was running at a local park and fell unconscious. CPR was rendered immediately and Captain McDuffie was transported to Liberty
Regional Medical Center where he passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.
Maryland: Christopher Pryor, 46 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: February 25, 2018 Death Date: February 25, 2018 Fire Department: LaVale Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: After returning home from an early morning response for a motor vehicle crash, Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Pryor complained to his wife that he was not feeling well. According to reports from FirefighterCloseCalls.com, Chief Pryor's wife then took him to the emergency room where, upon arrival, he collapsed. Despite all efforts to revive him, Assistant Fire Chief Pryor passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported. Vermont: Casey Stephen Kuhns, 30 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: February 27, 2018 Death Date: February 28, 2018 Fire Department: Morrisville Fire Department Initial Summary: On February 27, at 1526hrs, Lieutenant Casey Stephen Kuhns responded to a motor vehicle crash. Later that day, Lieutenant Kuhns participated in fire department training that ended at approximately 2130hrs. At 0600hrs on February 28, Lieutenant Kuhns was found deceased at home from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Pennsylvania
KIMTEK's FIRELITE and MEDLITE Units Aboard Latest Energy Efficient First Response Vehicles
The RAFM is located at S. 5th and Laural Streets in the former Liberty Firehouse.
April 23, 2018 Orleans, VT— KIMTEK CORPORATION, manufacturers of modular skid units for firefighting and emergency medical transport in ATVs/UTVs, and brush trucks, recently implemented its latest line of skid units that support energy efficient electric vehicles.
Museum visitors enjoy seeing area fire artifacts.
Tropos Motors has just debuted its ABLE™ FRV and ABLE™ EMS fire and medical first responder electric vehicles with KIMTEK FIRELITE® Transport 300 series truck skid units and the MEDLITE® Transport MTSTR104 Transport Cot Units aboard. Ideal for first response coverage at large events, parking garages, commercial buildings, and entertain-
KEN SNYDER
KEN SNYDER
KIMTEK's commitment to environmental sustainability, quality construction and convenient, modular design features provides important advantages for makers of electric vehicles such as Polaris GEM and Ranger EV models and, most recently, for the California-based Tropos Motors team.
ment venues featuring smooth or paved surfaces, electric vehicles allow fire and EMS personnel access to hard to reach areas where standard full-size fire and rescue vehicles do not fit.
"Our latest pairing of MEDLITE and FIRELITE skid units with electric vehicles is part of KIMTEK's history of partnerships with American manufacturers to serve the varied and emerging needs of public safety professionals," KIMTEK's Founder and President, Kimball Johnson, said. "We are constantly seeking relationships that reflect energy efficiency as well as product combinations that best adapt KIMTEK equipment with the needs of our first responders in the many environments in which they work." For more information about KIMTEK's full line of public safety skid units for fire, rescue, EMS, and brush trucks, including those specifically for electric vehicles, please visit the KIMTEK websites at kimtekresearch.com and
brushtruckskids.com.
About KIMTEK Corporation: KIMTEK Corporation is the largest producer of ATV/UTV-specific 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, seven Canadian provinces and one territory, all branches of the U.S. military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities and in several countries worldwide. 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. More information about KIMTEK is available at 888-546-8358 or www.kimtekresearch.com.
Reading Area Firefighters Museum Celebrates Reopening
Reading, PA - On April 14th, the Reading Area Firefighters Museum held its reopening with improved display areas, as well as other enhancements. The museum is located in the former three-story Liberty No. 5 firehouse at S. 5th and Laural Streets, in the Callowhill Historic District of the city. Admission is $5.00 and the museum operates Thursdays 9AM-12PM, and Saturdays 10AM-2PM. You can also check them out at www.readingareafirefightersmuseum.com and on Facebook. KIMTEK
See more photos and stories on our website!
www.1RBN.com KIMTEK
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.
Polk Twp. Vol. Fire Co. Engine 35-1-2 is a 1954 GMC/Darley 250/1250. It came from the Quarryville Fire Company.
KEN SNYDER
FRANK ROBINSON
Rohrerstown Fire Company runs this 1996 Pierce Arrow 1500/500. The unit once saw service in Hillsdale, MD.
DALE FEEHRER
The Ebenezer Fire Company of North Lebanon Twp. has placed this 2000 ALF/LTI 100' rear mount ladder into service, designated as Ladder 9. This piece formally served as Truck 75 in Mt. Joy, PA.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Catawissa Hose Co. (Columbia County), recently placed into service Tanker 52. This 1985 Mack MC/4 Guys 1500/1800 previously saw service with the New Wilmington Fire Co. in Lawrence County.
June, 2018
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
STILL IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
The Mifflintown Hose Co. has been operating this 1987 Mack R/4 Guys tanker for quite some time. It has a 480 pump, 2000 water and was originally Upper Allen's of Cumberland County. It currently operates as Juniata County Tanker 23, which is how it operated in Cumberland County. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
TERRY RITZ
Commercial Building Fire in Upper Hanover Twp.
Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Sunday, April 22nd at 9:14 A.M., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched for a fire alarm at a commercial building in the township. Upon arrival, Chief 38 notified Montgomery County Radio that he was on location and investigating. He notified County Radio that it was a manually-pulled fire alarm, and to proceed with the plan on a building fire for that location. Assisting were fire companies from Pennsburg, Red Hill, Green Lane, Milford Twp., Hereford and Eastern Berks. Upper Perk and Harleysville Area EMS, as well as Pennsburg, Red Hill and Milford Fire Police also responded. The fire was brought under control within the hour. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is being investigated. DALE FEEHRER
The Newburg Hopewell VFC continues to operate this 1987 Pemfab/Ranger (1250/500) as Engine 151.
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.
RAINMAN14
Goodwill Fire Co. operates this 1989 Hahn pumper with 1500-GPM Hale pump and 500-gallon tank as Engine 10-1. It's housed at the main station on Madison Ave.
DALE FEEHRER
This now privately owned 1973 CF Mack pumper, with a refurb in 1988 by 4-Guys, will now be used for parades and various FD functions a few miles away from where it originally served. This engine began its career responding for Rohrerstown, then served a few years with Mary-D and Adah before finishing in Redstone Twp. for the Republic VFD, all located in Pennsylvania. The new collector plans to use this piece for many fire department functions alongside friends and family. Congrats Matt, you deserve it.
DALE FEEHRER
The Monaghan Twp. VFC continues to operate this 1995 Autocar/White GMC/4-Guys (1250/3000) as Tanker 67.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
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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.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Chambersburg Fire E-1-2 and Fayettevile volunteers stage at a shed fire on Hwy. 30 in Fayetteville.
Pittsburgh firefighters battled a 3-alarm Wilkinsburg blaze on April 27th.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Three-Alarm Wilkinsburg Fire Destroys Row House
TIMOTHY COOVER
United Hook & Ladder Company Engine 33-3 on scene of a 2-alarm fire in West York Borough.
Wilkinsburg, PA - At 12:11 P.M. on April 27th, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to Wilkinsburg fire zone 3-20 for a possible commercial structure fire located in the 1700 block of Paul Court. The caller reported that their entire apartment was on fire. About one minute later, city dispatch stated that they were now receiving multiple calls reporting that the fire was spreading. One responding fire unit notified dispatch that they could see heavy smoke in the area. When the first unit arrived on scene, they found heavy fire showing from the entire front of one unit of a 12-unit row home, and that fire was already through the roof and spreading to the exposures. A second-alarm was then immediately requested.
JUMP TO FILE #042718116 Firefighters made an aggressive attack while also attempting to protect the exposure units and do a primary search, which came up negative. Due to the roof construction, the flames continued to spread. At 12:31 P.M., command requested evacuation tones to be alerted due to the fast spread of the fire and possible roof collapse. At that point, a defensive attack was set up and firefighters continued to try to contain the fire. There was a report of a possible victim around 12:45 P.M., so a quick supervised search was conducted on the unit believed to have the victim, with negative results.
Shortly before 1:00 P.M., a thirdalarm was requested to the scene for additional manpower for extensive overhaul. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were able to re-enter the structure and bring the remaining flames under control at 1:37 P.M. At least seven residents were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. No one was injured and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal's Office is now investigating. The owner of the building also owns the apartment complex that was destroyed earlier in the month by a massive landslide in East Pittsburgh. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
J. KRIESHER
Shenandoah Engine 64-12 secures a water supply on East Oak St. for a fire in a residence.
DALE FEEHRER
Engine 75-1, a 2005 Seagrave (2000/500/20F) of Mt. Joy, is seen here "first in" at a recent mobile home fire.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
Visit us at Fire Expo! MAIN HALL
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June, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Dream Comes True for Father & Son Firefighters in N.J. My name is Mike Nittoli, and all my life I wanted to be a firefighter. My father, Angelo Nittoli, who I consider "my hero", was a firefighter and exchief with the Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company in Bridgewater, New JUMP TO FILE # Jersey. As a kid, I 042018108 can vividly remember going to the firehouse and being around the trucks, and it was something I looked forward to every day. Being able to play on the trucks back in the late 1980's was every kid's dream. Back in those days, Mack, Hahn and American LaFrance rigs were the the only ones around; everyone had one of the three in the area. Taking pride in your apparatus in those days was something everyone looked forward to doing and wanted to be a part of. Green Knoll Fire Company had three Macks back then. One of them I considered a favorite was a 1977 Mack CF600 50' Tele-Squirt. I was hooked at first sight. I always wanted to be around the Macks. So when I turned 16-yearsold in 1998, I joined the Raritan Borough Fire Department as the department's first junior firefighter. Raritan, along with many other departments in the area, had two Mack trucks: a 1979 Mack CF600 Tower Ladder and a 1983 Mack MC Engine. Again, being able to be around Macks made the firefighting experience for me extra special. Raritan opened many doors for me as I came through the ranks in the fire service. In 2002, I became a full member once I turned 18years-old, and years later I achieved the rank of Lieutenant. I currently belong to Manville Fire Company #1, and my father be-
longs to the Herbertsville Fire Department in Brick Twp., NJ. Throughout my younger years, and even more so recently, me and my father have talked many times about owning a Mack fire truck. Every time we would attend a show or parade and see a private collector, we would later talk about how cool it would be to own one for ourselves. So about four years ago, I thought I would search for previously owned Macks by Green Knoll Fire Company. I belonged to the Mack Fire Apparatus Facebook group and posted there that I was looking for some help. I posted some older pictures and asked if anyone knew of their current whereabouts. Lo and behold, someone reached out and I was able to find two of them! One was the 1972 Mack Engine, which was in Harrisburg, PA, and owned by a private collector. The other was my childhood favorite, the 1977 Mack Tele-Squirt. It was owned and operated by the Franklin Borough Vol. Fire Department, which is located in Cambria County, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I contacted the Franklin Fire Department and spoke to their chief, Mr. Jeff Weir. Jeff informed me that the truck definitely came from Green Knoll Fire Company because it still had their name custom built into the steering wheel of the truck. I asked if they would be willing to sell the truck and he informed me that they couldn't sell it since it was still in service. About two years went by and then I received a phone call from Jeff. Jeff advised me that they had received a new ladder truck, and they were putting our Mack up for sale. I thought "this is it, now is our chance". I spoke to my father and we agreed on a number that we were going to offer. I contacted Jeff, told him what our intentions were, and he advised that he would
bring the info back to the membership for a vote. Well, about a week's time had passed, and then I received some unfortunate news. My father had gotten laid off from his job, so we were unable to commit to our original offer for the Mack. I informed Jeff, who gave us his sympathy and told us that he would let us know who would be buying the truck so that we could stay in touch with it. Approximately two months passed before Jeff called to inform me that they had only gotten one offer for the Mack, and that they wanted to give us a second chance at making an offer. I took it upon myself without speaking to my father to make them an offer, using my own funds. I thought to myself, if this truck was meant to come home, whatever would be will be. On October 1, 2017, I made the Franklin Borough Fire Department a formal offer. On October 3, 2017, I received a call from Jeff. He informed me that the department had accepted my bid offer and that the truck was mine. He told me that the membership was happy that the truck would be returning to it's original home. Talk about a dream come true! I called my father and we had an emotional moment over the phone. We drove out to pick the truck up on December 2, 2017. I can't thank the Franklin Borough Fire Department enough. We decided that we would leave Franklin's lettering on the truck as a constant reminder of their sincere generosity. I wanted to share this story with the Fire Service because miracles do happen. If you have an interest in apparatus collecting, don't wait, you too can do this just like we did.
PROVIDED
How the truck looked in 1977 (top), compared to now in 2018.
- MIKE NITTOLI
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
This photo was taken in June of 1977 when the truck first arrived. Fire Chief Angelo Nittoli is front row, 6th from right.
After picking up the 1977 Mack Tele-Squirt, (L to R): Frankiln Fire Chief Jeff Weir, Mike Nittoli, and Angelo Nittoli.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
PAgE 15
Hazle Township Brush Fire Brings Multi-County Response Luzerne County, PA - Just after 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 2nd, Hazle Township Fire 141 was sent to the Eagle Rock Resort for a brush fire. Crews arrived to find a rap- JUMP TO FILE# 050618113 idly spreading brush fire near the far end of the resort that was moving toward the Humboldt Industrial Park and Interstate 81. Additional resources were requested to the scene, including Forestry, Sheppton-Oneida, Harwood, Valley Regional, Sugarloaf, Freeland, McAdoo, Beaver Meadows and Nuremberg-Weston. With large plumes of white smoke going up into the sky, crews accessed the fire from multiple points in an attempt to bring it under control. Forestry requested air tankers to respond from the Hazleton Airport and had them make multiple drops onto the front lines of the fire. It took firefighters over three hours to bring the fire under control. While returning from this fire, crews were sent to a commercial structure fire in the Industrial Park. - JC KRIESHER
Equipment is prepped before heading down into the woods to fight a brush fire in Hazle Twp.
BACKSTOP
JC KRIESHER
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MAXIMUM SAFETY BACKSTOP’s instant and automatic braking system is much faster than a driver’s reaction time. The brakes remain applied until the driver manually releases the brakes by shifting the vehicle out of reverse gear. EASY INSTALLATION The BACKSTOP manual provides installation Instructions for almost any truck or emergency vehicle.
Don’t Back Up Without Backstop Backstop USA
18 Hollywood Blvd. S * Forked River, NJ 08731 Phone: 609-971-2756 * Toll Fre: (Outside NJ) 888-745-2983 * Fax: 609-971-2793 Email: support@backstop-usa.com * Website: wwwkstop-usa.com
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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.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Junction Fire Co. hosted visiting FF Kendrick Campbell, fourth from left, during his week-long stay in April.
Junction Fire Co. Hosts Firefighter Visiting from Arkansas
BOB DEVONSHIRE
A young amish boy, dressed in his Fire Chief coat and helmet, watches as firefighters work to extinguish a chimney fire in Paradise Twp., (Lancaster County). The young boy watched in awe as firefighters worked off of a ladder truck to access the top of the chimney. We look forward to seeing this young man riding the rigs in about 15 years, but until then, thanks for watching our back big guy!
IN SERVICE
Junction, PA - Most fire departments are very welcoming to visitors when they stop by for an hour or two, but the Junction Fire Company in Lewistown (Mifflin County), will welcome you for as long as you wish to stay! Firefighter Kendrick Campbell of Quail Creek, Arkansas, spent a week in April visiting the department and running every call with them while he was there. What makes this extra special is that Kendrick was an officer in his department back home when
JUMP TO FILE #041718103 they purchased Junction's 1996 EOne wagon to run at their department several years ago. He vowed that some day he would go and visit the company where the engine came from and see how things operated there. He had an enjoyable time during his visit, and even got to take in a photoshoot with a small group of fire buffs who were out photo-
graphing some of the newer Mifflin County apparatus. Kendrick was on his way to Massachusetts for EMT training, so it was an excellent opportunity for him to spend some time with Junction and make some great friends there. A big thank you to the Junction crew for bringing the apparatus out for photos, and for hosting Kendrick during his visit there. - DARIN SMITH
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.
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
York County's Airville Fire Co. operates a 2013 Spartan Metro Star/2006 KME as Engine 55-4. The engine had a fire in the cab area, so it was replaced with the Spartan cab. It has a 1500 pump, 750 water and 50 Foam.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Chambersburg, PA - Chambersburg firefighters and Franklin's Station 4 at the scene of the Nitterhouse structure fire back in early 2000.
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Multiple Departments Respond to Fatal Fire in Greene Township Greene Twp., PA - On the evening of April 15th, Franklin County 9-1-1 received calls reporting a mobile home fire in the 600 block of Pine Mountain Drive in Greene Township. Fayetteville Fire was alerted with JUMP TO FILE# Franklin County 042418115 and Adams County units due on Box 75 at 11:42 P.M. Fayetteville Fire Chief Bill Wishard marked up on the call directly after dispatch and was advised by Franklin County that they had received multiple calls reporting the fire. Chief Wishard arrived shortly after dispatch at 673 Pine Mountain Drive to find a double wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames. Chief Wishard confirmed he had a working fire and established command. Engine 7-1 was the first-in engine to arrive behind Chief Wishard and deployed attack lines to begin their fire attack. Command reported that they had heavy fire conditions, with no confirmation if there were any occupants still inside the structure. Firefighters worked to battle the fire from the exterior as the blaze began to spread into the woods on side "Charlie" of the structure. The heavy fire conditions hampered firefighters' efforts, delaying their ability to conduct a good search of the structure. Crews battled the flames and got a significant knock down on the blaze around 12:35 A.M. At that time, firefighters made entry and began searching the structure. One occupant was later found deceased inside the structure. No other victims were located. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal’s Office. The victim’s cause of death has not yet been released and is being investigated by the State Coroner’s Office. Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and assisting the State Fire Marshals. No other injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and all fire units were clear of the scene shortly after 4:00 A.M. the next morning. Over 55 emergency personnel members responded out to the incident from three different counties. Fayetteville Fire Co.7 received assistance on the initial assignment from Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Franklin Station 4, New Franklin Fire Co.17, Letterkenny Co.13, Chambersburg Fire Co.1,
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Marion Fire Co.8, Franklin County Air Unit 10, and Adams County’s Buchanan Valley Fire Co.27 and Cashtown Fire Co.4. Franklin County crews from St. Thomas Fire Co.18, Pleasant Hall V.F.C. Co.11, West End Fire Co.15, and Washington County, Maryland’s Leitersburg Fire Co.9 responded to assist on transfers and were later pulled to the scene to assist with manpower. Additional transfer crews were pulled in to cover the surrounding stations from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania’s Vigilant Hose Co.52 and South Newton Township Fire Co.49, as well as Adams County's Arendtsville Fire Co.5, Washington County, Maryland crews from Longmeadow Fire Co.27 and Maugansville Fire Co.13, and an ambulance from Pleasant Hall V.F.C. Co.11. - WILLIAM KING
BUCHANAN VALLEY FIRE CO.27
Firefighters responded to a fatal fire in Greene Twp., (Franklin County) on April 15th.
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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.
Tanker 1-1 of the Beaver Springs FD is a 2016 International/KME 750/3000. KEN SNYDER
Chief Hutchinson being escorted to his final resting place.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Retired Greensburg Fire Chief Laid to Rest
Greensburg, PA – John Edward Hutchinson, better known as “Hutch”, passed away on April 15, 2018. Hutchinson became Greensburg Fire Chief in 1953 and served as Chief for 63 years before his retirement in 2016. At the time, he was one of the longest serving Fire Chiefs in the country, and the longest serving Chief in Pennsylvania. He joined Greensburg Hose Co. #3 in 1939 at 18 years of age. He was instrumental in starting the fire department’s dive team in 1957, bloodhound team in 1969, and tactical rescue team in the 1990’s. Chief Hutchinson was 96years-old when he passed. The entire Greensburg community, along with the Pennsylvania fire community will truly miss him. We thank him for his 78 years of dedicated service.
The City of DuBois Fourth Ward Hose Co. operates this 2017 Sutphen (2000/750) Engine & Rescue with cascade as Squad 74.
BILL BOYLE
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.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Emerald Hose Co. #3 of Renovo (Clinton County), operates this 2005 American LaFrance Metropolitan with 1500/1250/20 Foam as Engine 29. The engine was purchased using a FEMA grant in 2005.
DALE FEEHRER
A very unique piece of Lancaster County, PA has been brought back home. A local collector very familiar with this 1974 CF Mack snorkel (1250/500/55') now owns it and is currently restoring it. This piece was originally ordered for Pikesville, MD, and then sold to the Eden Fire Co., in Manheim Twp., PA, where the collector first operated it. After a few years with Eden, it was again sold to a department in Grand Bay, AL, where it ran its last few years as an active piece before being sold to a collector in York County, PA. In late winter of this year, the current collector purchased "Snorkel 24" back. It will now be roaming the streets it once served under, as a privately owned piece.
The Bainbridge Fire Co. operates this 2003 Semo/Peterbuilt (1250/1000) as Engine 71-2. DALE FEEHRER
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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.
FRAN WEBB
This patch belongs to Greater Valley EMS in Sayre (Bradford County), PA.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
COMMAND VEHICLES
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
The Twin Valley FD of Elverson uses this 2007 Chevy Tahoe for Command 69.
This Chevy is used by the Muncy Area VFC as a command vehicle.
KEN SNYDER
DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JASON BATZ
Firefighters from the Reading FD took advantage of some nice weather in April to get out and train with the new Seagrave Ladder Truck at the Berks Fire Training Center.
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Dedication Ceremony Held for Schuylkill County’s New Burn Building Schuylkill County, PA – Schuylkill County firefighters have a new burn building for training, and it's now ready for use. Firefighters, along with elected officials and the general public, gathered at the Schuylkill County Fire Training Grounds outside of JUMP TO FILE# Frackville on Sun- 050618109 day, April 22nd at 2:00 P.M. for the dedication ceremony. The program kicked off with emcee Dave Sattizahn, President of Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association (SCVFA), welcoming the crowd and leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the Pledge, an invocation was given by Rev. Fred Crawford, chaplain of SCVFA. Eric Eichenberg, Minersville Fire Chief and chairman of the burn building project, gave a his-
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tory of the burn building and shared some details that went into the new burn building, which was designed by RDG Planning & Design. The 1.5-million-dollar building was built by Performance Construction. Pottsville Fire Chief Jim Misstishin followed and spoke about the expanded training opportunities the new building will give firefighters and other emergency personnel from Schuylkill County and beyond. Tom Slane Sr., SF2DO Board Chair, spoke of bringing fire officials, elected officials, business officials and other public representatives together to raise the funds needed for this project, as well as plans to make sure that the facility will continue to serve in the future. Elected officials spoke, including Senator David G. Argall and Representatives Mike Tobash, Neal P. Goodman and Jerry Knowles. Schuylkill County Commissioners George Halcovage Jr., Frank Staudenmeier and Gary Hess also gave remarks. All speakers were excited about the fact that fire companies, business leaders and other donors all stepped up to the plate to make this project a reality. Commissioner Halcovage brought some young people up to the podium and told the crowd that these future generations of firefighters will be able to train in this building and serve the community thanks to the hard work of all the people involved in the project. Monsignor Bill Glosser, an active firefighter and State Fire Instructor, said a prayer and then blessed the new building with holy water. Eichenberg and Sattizahn then moved to the front steps of the building and cut the red ribbon, officially opening the new building to loud cheers from those gathered. Tours were then given throughout the building where firefighters, contributors and elected officials saw the intricate details and many hours of thinking that went into its design. Guests were also provided with food and refreshments, catered by Hess Catering. No time will be wasted getting the new burn building into action, as the first structural burn session was scheduled to be held the following Saturday.
The ceremony took place in front of the burn building under an arch formed by Minersville's Tower and Pottsville's Ladder. J. KRIESHER
A group of individuals from the Schuylkill County Vol. Firefighters Association stand on the steps with local politicians and clergy after a dedication ceremony for the new Schuylkill County Burn Building. J. KRIESHER
- JC KRIESHER
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Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari gives a tour of the new facility.
J. KRIESHER
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VEHICLE NEWS
The Palmer Municipal Fire Department has acquired this The Pioneer Fire Company of Ephrata has taken delivery The Reading Fire Dept. recently placed this 2017 Sea2017 Pierce 2000/300/100'. of this 2017 Pierce Enforcer engine (2000/750), desig- grave 100’ TDA into service, designated as Ladder 1. nated as Engine 15-1. DALE FEEHRER
KEN SNYDER
RAINMAN14
Bainbridge Fire Co. has taken delivery of a 2017 Rosen- The Cumberland Valley Hose Co. of Shippensburg has The Exeter Township Fire Dept. has placed a 2017 Seabauer Command Custom MP3 rescue/engine. Rescue 71 taken delivery of this 2018 Pierce Velocity 100' rear grave Rescue Engine into service as Rescue Engine 25. operates with a 1500-GPM pump, 750-gallon tank, and will mount, designated as Truck 53. The truck has a 500-gallon tank and 1500-GPM pump. utilize Amkus extrication equipment. DALE FEEHRER
DALE FEEHRER
RAINMAN14
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FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,
J. KRIESHER
Hegins Paramedic Aaron Maidenford (left) and Hegins Police Seargant Matt Dillman help out on the pump panel during a recent fire in Hegins Twp.
NIK KNUAER
Congratulations to Reading Paramedic Christopher Bixler on his promotion to Fire Prevention Lieutenant. Chris was hired by the department on April 11, 2010 and assigned to Medic 2 on the "D" platoon. Lt. Bixler will begin his new position with the Fire Marshal's Office on May 1st.
Reading Firefighter Gene Spotts works to plug a punctured drum during a HazMat drill.
JASON BATZ
J. KRIESHER
Pottsville Firefighter Jack Messner points to the building before throwing a ground ladder on a mutual aid run.
J. KRIESHER
Pottsville Captain Kurt Shelhamer stretches a line from Tower 6325 to the second-floor of a fire in North Manheim Township.
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38 Years, A Detroit Firefighter’s Story ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
38 Years A Detroit Firefighter’s Story By Bob Dombrowski 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: $15.95 This is a soft cover book, measuring 6-inches by 9-inches, with 232 pages. It is the memoirs of a Detroit firefighter who retired as a battalion chief in June of 2010 after 38 years of service. These are his stories to the best of his recollection. In a nutshell, I must recommend to the reader that this is a must read book! It has 44 chapters and an epilogue. All but one of the chapters are untitled, but by reading them you get a pretty good idea about the city of Detroit and its fire department. In short, you will easily become overwhelmed by the heroic and the horrific! These are stories one cannot make up!
The author was born and raised in the city and has always had a love for it. The disaster that it has become and has been for many years is one that people who love the city hold out that someday it will return to the beautiful, prosperous town it once was. Remember, it was the automobile capital at one time, and one of the richest, if not the richest city in the country. The author will enlighten you about the nightmares of arson, legitimate fires, accidents and crime that plague it. Even though the chapters are not titled, the reader is in for an interesting voyage through them. He also mixes in non-emergency activities that the DFD involved themselves in with sports, education and entertainment. Almost all of the fires in Detroit are arson. It took most of the book to get through before I discovered that he eventually achieved the rank of battalion chief. To say the least, he is a humble man! He is also critical of the administration and freely admits to breaking the rules at times, but nevertheless, he tells his stories in an honest way. The chapters are not long and there is a 15 page section of black and white photos. As I stated in the beginning of my review, this is a book I recommend buying to learn about Detroit, its fire department and the horror and heroics of fighting fires and saving lives in it.
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.
Crews remain on-scene after a mass casualty accident in Brentwood on April 24th.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Eight People Injured After Car Plows Through Busy Brentwood Salon Brentwood, PA - Around 7:00 P.M. on April 24th, a 58-year-old man crashed his vehicle through a busy hair salon in the Brentwood Towne Square Plaza. A Level 1 mass casualty incident was requested by command, sending multiple EMS units from throughout Allegheny County to the scene. Five people were injured inside of the salon, including several who became trapped after the
JUMP TO FILE #042518100 crash. Rescue crews were able to extricate all patients from the building within 30 minutes. Two people were also injured outside of the salon as they were walking down the sidewalk. A total of eight people, including the driver, were transported to
various trauma centers. Two of those people were in critical condition. Allegheny County homicide detectives are now investigating the cause of the accident and have stated that it appears that the driver either had a medical emergency, or was under the influence of alcohol. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
DALE FEEHRER
This 1984 Sutphen is still responding to emergencies on the highway. The rig formally served as Rescue 4 in Spring Grove, PA, and now serves as a heavy recovery unit for Interstate Towing and Recovery in Camp Hill, PA.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
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DEPARTMENT PROFILE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Department Profile� feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Apparatus of Exeter Township Vol. Fire Department, located in Berks County.
Tower 25 is a 1995 Seagrave.
TIMOTHY COOVER TERRY RITZ
Mobile Home Fire in Hereford
Hereford Twp., PA - On May 1st at 2:34 A.M., Hereford Twp.'s two fire companies were dispatched to a mobile home fire at Mountain Scene Dr., in the village of Hereford. Upon arrival, Chief Josh Borowski had some flames and smoke showing from the rear of the mobile home. Quick work from the fire companies that were involved confined the fire to the rear of the residence. It was brought under control in 30 minutes. The sole resident had gotten out safely before the fire company arrived. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was determined to be from a candle that was lit in one of the rooms in the rear. There was no word on the estimated amount of damage. Assisting Hereford were the East Greenville and Eastern Berks Fire Companies. Hereford Fire Police and Bally EMS also assisted. Tanker 25 is a 2012 Seagrave/MACK Granite with a 3000-gallon water tank.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Engine Tanker 25 is a 2000 Freightliner/Pierce with a 1250-gallon tank.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Rescue/Engine 25 is a 2018 Seagrave.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Bob Long
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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Turtle Creek Receives New Truck from New Hanover Fire Rescue
Turtle Creek, PA - The Turtle Creek Fire Dept. in Allegheny County recently took delivery of their new Truck 283. The new truck is a 2000 KME 75’ aerial with a 500-gallon tank, 1500-GPM pump and 750-lbs. tip load. The new truck replaces a 1974 Haun aerial that was recently placed out of service due to service issues. The aerial is former Ladder 37 from New Hanover Fire Rescue out of Montogomery County.
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
Engine Co. 63-1 stretching.
FF DALTON KUHN
Working Pickup Truck Fire in East Lampeter Threatens Store East Lampeter, PA - Just prior to 8:00 A.M. on April 27th, the Lafayette Fire Company was dispatched to a reported automobile fire at the Turkey Hill Minit Market, located at 2000 Lincoln Highway East in East Lampeter Township. Multiple 9-1-1 callers reported a working fire in the engine compartment of a pickup truck that was in close proximity to the convenience store. Engine 63-1 arrived, confirmed the report and stretched a one-and-three-quarter
JUMP TO FILE #042818110 inch bumper line to attack the fire. Due to the flames directly impinging on the building, a full firstalarm assignment was requested. A quick knock-down of the flames prevented further extension into the store. Some of the soffit and siding was removed to ensure that there was no further fire spread. Once no extension of the fire was confirmed, the assign-
ment was scaled back to Stations 63, 62 and 204. The PSP Fire Marshal was contacted to handle the cause investigation. No injuries were reported. Units that responded included Engine 63-1, Engine 63-2, Engine 62-2 (Witmer), Engine 204 (MTFR), Engine 54-2 (Lampeter), Truck 66 (Lancaster Twp.), Truck 50 (Willow Street), Rescue 48 (Ronks), Rescue 50, and Squad 41 (Bird-In-Hand). - BRETT FASSNACHT
KEN SNYDER
Union Fire Co. No. 1 of Walnuttown once ran this 1974 Ward LaFrance 1000/1000. It's now collector owned.
KEN SNYDER
This late 1800's hand-drawn Rumsey hose and ladder cart was used by the Rescue Fire Co. to protect Dallastown.
FF BRANDON GROFF
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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.
DALE FEEHRER
The Fremont Fire Dept. operates this 2004 Freightliner (500/2200) as Tanker 10-1.
JC KRIESHER
Smoke and flames escape from the roof of a building on East Mountain Rd. in Hegins Twp. that brought in a Tanker Task Force and special calls to the first-alarm.
Morning Fire Destroys Hegins Twp. Building Schuylkill County, PA - Just after 9:00 A.M. on Monday, May 7th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched a first-alarm assignment to the area of 886 East Mountain Road in Hegins Township for a building fire. The first-alarm included Districts 13 (Hegins Valley), 10 (Pitman), 12 (Donaldson), 14 (Sacramento), 22 Station 4 (Joliett), and 58 Station 2 (Pine Grove North End). Crews spotted a column of smoke across the valley as they were responding and requested a tanker task force. This request brought Joliett, Newtown, Donaldson, Llewellyn and Klingerstown, as well as three tankers from Dauphin County to the scene. Engine 13-15 arrived on scene to find fire showing from a onestory barn type structure used for storage. Multiple hand lines were stretched off the engine while Tanker 13-35 arrived and pulled behind the engine and fed them water. Chief 13-01 assumed command of the incident. Donaldson Engine 12-10 was next to arrive and was sent to an adjacent driveway to begin drafting from a portable pond where tankers were dumping water. A few hundred feet of large diameter hose was stretched across a field to feed 13-15. Engine 22-14 was directed to a local business to set up
JUMP TO FILE #050818112 a tanker fill site. Chief 14 took charge of the water supply. The remaining first-alarm engines were directed to stage at the end of the driveway and send their manpower to the front of the structure. Room was left in front of the building for Ladder 58-25 to position and fly to the roof. As they approached, crews began to pull out of the building until the truck company could provide some relief. The truck company made it to the roof, where they determined roof conditions were too unsafe for operations. The rest of the units operating were ordered to retreat out of the building and a water supply was set up to the ladder pipe from 13-15. A Rapid Intervention Team from Pottsville was requested as conditions continued to deteriorate, as well as an engine from Minersville. Thick smoke continued to pour from side "A" and the entire roofline until the ladder pipe began to blast water into the attic area from the front of the building. The smoke began to lighten and turn to steam after a good deluge of water was applied. Companies were then able to ascend to the metal roof and began
opening up. Once opened up, smoke began to thicken through the vent holes and eventually led to heavy black smoke and flames blowing out of the roof. While the fire was blowing out above them, crews were able to stretch lines into the building and began to knock down the fire. After a 10 minute fight, the fire was brought under control and the thick black smoke turned to steam. Command was able to mark control just after 11:00 A.M. Extensive overhaul was then needed to keep the fire under check. Crews began to rip siding from the building while interior crews soaked hot spots. Hegins Ambulance was on the scene throughout the incident and was supported by Ryan Township Ambulance, who brought their rehab unit for additional supplies. PPL Electric was also on scene to ensure all power was disconnected from the building. Command requested a State Police Fire Marshal to respond to the scene as well. Command marked the fire out around 11:45 A.M., and began to release units. By 1:00 P.M., all units were clear of the scene. District 13 returned after 3:00 P.M. for a small rekindle.
FRANK ROBINSON
Linglestown Fire Company operates this 2017 KME 1750/850.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Big Run Fire Co. of Jefferson County runs this 2016 International/Darley as Engine 17. It has a 1500 pump and 500 water.
- JC KRIESHER
Visit us on the Web! www.1RBN.com KEN SNYDER
West Berwick Hose Co. E. 131 is a 2007 Ferrara 2000/700.
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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
Crews stretch a second line into the front door.
RAINMAN14
Kitchen Fire in Spring Twp. Severely Damages Home Spring Twp., PA - Around 6:35 P.M. on April 22nd, crews from Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services (85), Wyomissing FD (79), and other mutual aid companies were dispatched to 2317 Lincoln Avenue for a structure fire, reported to be a kitchen fire. Calls reported black smoke showing from a kitchen window and flames in the kitchen. Engine 85 arrived to find a single-story, single-family dwelling with heavy smoke showing from the front. Engine 85 laid in from the hydrant on West Wyomissing Blvd. and Lincoln Avenue. Captain 85 took command as crews stretched a
JUMP TO FILE #042418100 line. Firefighters found heavy fire in the wood-frame dwelling. Tower 79 arrived and assisted 85 with searches. Rescue Engine 85 laid into the rear alley of the house from a hydrant on Harrison Avenue. Upon arrival of Engine 36, crews stretched a second line off of Engine 85 to the front door. Deputy 85 took command and requested FM 43. Crews placed ground ladders around the house while Ladder 18 was setting up to
the roof. Company 18 crews went to work with saws on the roof to provide ventilation. Searches in the house were completed and found negative. Off-duty career staff from Companies 85 and 79 were recalled and reported to their stations. The fire was placed under control within an hour. The cause of the fire was determined to be from unattended cooking oil. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 worth of damage. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
NEVER FORGET
This tattoo belongs to veteran Firefighter Tom Leszczynski from Ladder 3 in Reading. It features St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
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Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
PROVIDED BY JEFF LECOMPTE
Reading FF Jeffrey LeCompte and Bethlehem FF Bob Simons wave as they near the finish line during the 40th annual Saint Luke's Half-Marathon. Both firefighters have been running the race in their protective clothing since 9/11 in honor of the 343 firefighters who perished during rescue operations. The pair completed more than 13 miles in two hours and 22 minutes.
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BUDDY SHOTS
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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JIM MILLER
Reading firefighters pose with Harrisburg recruit Glenn Raudensky, who just graduated with the 59th academy through the Harrisburg Area Community College. Raudensky previously served Reading before being hired by Harrisburg. BOB DEVONSHIRE
Firefighters from Truck 5 (Strasburg) work a chain down the chimney to break a hole through the built up creosote in order to extinguish the fire in the flue.
Chimney Fire in Paradise Township Paradise Twp., PA - A mid-afternoon chimney fire in Paradise Township had firefighters from Paradise Leaman Place Fire Co., Bart Township Fire Co., and Strasburg Fire Co. respond to the 300 block of Keneagy Hill Road on Saturday, April 21st. Chief 47 (Cosgrove) arrived and established command. Chief 47 instructed Engine 47-2 (Paradise Leaman Place Fire Co.) to pull a one-and-three-quarter inch line to the "Bravo" side of the house and to
DUSTY GREENWALT/COLUMBIA FIRE CO.
Pictured are firefighters from Undine Fire Co. of Bellefonte, PA, and Columbia Fire Co. of Osceola Mills, PA. The crews were covering a stand-by for Port Matilda Fire Co. on April 28th during their annual awards banquet when they were dispatched by Centre County 9-1-1 to extinguish a brush fire along East Mountain Road in Worth Twp., PA. The photo was taken prior to departing the scene.
JUMP TO FILE #042118102 look for extensions. Tanker 51 (Bart Fire Co.) arrived and supplied Engine 47-2. Rescue 47 was held on the street to make room for Truck 5 (Strasburg Fire Co.). Truck 5 backed down the driveway and placed the aerial ladder to the top of the chimney. The truck crew worked on opening up
the chimney while the engine and rescue crew worked to remove the fire from the stove. Once the chimney was opened up, chimney bags were used to extinguish the fire that was burning in the flue between the first and second floor. Crews remained on scene for about an hour. The fire was contained to the flue of the chimney. - BOB DEVONSHIRE
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.
OLD & NEW
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RAINMAN14
Western Berks Fire Department Ladder 18 set up to the roof of a house in Spring Township for a recent working kitchen fire.
DALE FEEHRER
Lower Allen Twp. FD owned a 1955 Ford pumper (left), seen here parked alongside the company's newest piece, a 2017 Pierce Enforcer designated as Squad 12.
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COMMAND VEHICLES
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
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KEN SNYDER
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Contact Ray Zimmerman - Sales Phone: 717-859-2021 • Email: Rnkz@att.net Squad 48 of the Glen Moore Fire Co. is a '07 Chevy Tahoe.
KEN SNYDER
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Vehicle Rollover in Brandonville Sends Two to Hospital Schuylkill County, PA - The Sheppton-Oneida Fire Company and Shenandoah ALS were dispatched to 10 Main Boulevard in East Union Township at 3:14 A.M. on Mon- JUMP TO FILE# 050818117 day, May 7th for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Engine 9-10 and Medic 6401 arrived on the scene to find a passenger car on its roof in front of the former Brandonville Fire Company, with both occupants self-extricated. EMS, with the assistance of the engine company, began to treat two patients who suffered minor injuries. Crews remained on the scene for over an hour while police investigated the crash and a wrecker removed the vehicle. - JC KRIESHER
Crews check a car after it rolled over near the former Brandonville Fire Company in East Union Twp. on May 7th.
JC KRIESHER
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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.
KEN SNYDER
Engine 1 of the Mocanaqua Fire Co. is a 1994 E-One 1250/750.
RAINMAN14
Boyertown Area Fire Rescue Collapse 95 serves as the only collapse unit in Berks County.
Lower Allen Twp. Fire Dept. operates this 2009 Pierce Velocity (2000/3000/100') tower as Truck 12.
DALE FEEHRER
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June, 2018
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Radio Test Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
TERRY RITZ
Building Fire at Upper Perkiomen High School Red Hill, PA - On Saturday, April 28th at 10:06 A.M., the Red Hill Fire Company and several local fire companies were dispatched to a working building fire at the Upper Perk High School. Upon arrival, Chief 71 had flames and smoke showing in the area of the wood shop in the school. A second-alarm was dispatched for more apparatus and manpower. The fire was located in the wood shop and the ceiling. Firemen were hampered with heavy smoke, and the metal roofing had to be cut open for ventilation. The fire was held to the wood shop and the surrounding area.
JUMP TO FILE #050118116 There was extension of smoke and water damage to the surrounding rooms. Several exhaust fans were used to help ventilate. The wood shop received the most fire damage. The fire was brought under control within one hour and extensive overhaul followed. It was reported that two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The high school would be closed for a period of time until clean up is completed. The school was completely evacuated from ac-
tivities that were going on inside during the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage was not available, pending the outcome of the investigation. Assisting Red Hill were Pennsburg, East Greenville, Green Lane, Milford, Trumbauersville, New Hanover, Quakertown West End and Souderton Fire Companies. EMS units from Upper Perk and Bally, along with fire police from Red Hill, Pennsburg, East Greenville and Hereford also responded. North Penn Goodwill was also called in with their canteen trucks. - TERRY RITZ
TERRY RITZ
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There are many fire departments that have radio tests at the beginning of a shift or once a day. The purpose of this test is to see how well we hear dispatch, and how well they hear us. There are many times we pray. We transmit communications of our concerns to Dispatch, but do we always hear Dispatch answer our transmission? Do we wait to hear the answer, or do we keep on going? We are used to someone acknowledging our calls, especially when we call a Mayday. When we call a Mayday, it is confirmed and then everything on the fire scene stops and handles that Mayday.
When we pray, we do not usually hear a verbal response from God. God has other ways that He communicates with us. It may be a direct response by the situation that is answered right away, or there may be a soft answer. We may be so busy that we never pay attention to the response. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know that He is God. I have to admit that there are times that I want an immediate response, or want to hear from God to make sure that He is working on the problem. I have learned that I need to trust him. I have to think of it like doing a search in a building. I do not need to be nervous or scared, even though I do not see my partner or hear from Him all the time. I can trust Him. Joshua 1:9 tells us to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
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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.
Utility 64 of the West Reading FD is a '15 Ford F-250.
KEN SNYDER
Brush 124 of the Dorrance Twp. VFD uses this '78 Chevy/Wheeled Coach with 200-gallons of water. KEN SNYDER
ACTION SHOT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Action Shot feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JIM ALERCIA
Palmer Township (Northampton County) fire personnel work to contain a kitchen fire on April 25th.
June, 2018
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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.
Green Lane Fire Co.'s 2017 Sutphen Squad 42 at an apartment fire in Red Hill. TERRY RITZ
STEVE GINDER
The aftermath of an accident on Boyertown Pike in Exeter Twp. The incident brought Rescue 1 from Reading nearly 5 miles outside the city limits.
City Rescue Requested into Exeter Twp. for MVA Exeter Twp., PA - Late in the afternoon of May 3rd, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services center received several calls reporting a motor vehicle accident on Boyertown Pike near Wood Lane. While units were being dispatched, information was being reported that the driver was pinned under the dash. Exeter PD units ar-
JUMP TO FILE #042818108 rived with a heavily damaged vehicle into a tree. Deputy 25 (Lessig) requested Reading Rescue 1 for assistance. Firefighters worked quickly to free the driver using hydraulic rescue tools to roll the dash. The oc-
cupant was freed in 13 minutes and packaged for transport to Reading Hospital Trauma Center. Rescue 1 was back in the city within the hour. While on the scene, a vehicle struck an EMS unit during the incident and fled. No responders were injured.
Whitehall Township's newest Engine 3711 got a workout after Nor'easter winds fanned a working two-and-a-half story dwelling fire in West Catasauqua on March 2nd.
KEN SNYDER
- JASON BATZ
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Medical Services” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Pottsville Engine 11 (Good Intent) secures a water supply on Market St. during a building fire. J. KRIESHER
ERIK FOTORNY
Goodwill Hose Co. Ambulance Association Medic 21 on scene of a medical call in Clinton County back in May of 2017. Medic 21 is a 2017 Chevy Tahoe.
Columbia Truck 80, a 2012 Ferrara (77'rm ladder) is seen here being used by members of Columbia during a mutual aid dwelling fire. DALE FEEHRER
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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.
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Air Methods launching from Chambersburg Hospital in Franklin County, PA. SHANE SHIFFLETT
Ladder 10 of the Philadelphia Fire Department is a 2013 American LaFrance/100' LTI.
KEN SNYDER
Engine 6 of the Bellegrove Fire Co. operates this 1999 ALF (1750/1000/CAFS) engine.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
This 2016 Mack Granite/KME runs as Tanker 44 of the Community Fire Co. of Craley (York County). It has a 1250 pump and 3300-gallons of water.
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DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RAINMAN14
TIMOTHY COOVER
The Pioneer Fire Company No. 1 from Lancaster County in Marietta was founded in 1840.
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.
A car caught fire at a gas station and extended to the gas pumps in Bern Twp. on April 14th.
Car Burns at Gas Pumps in Bern Twp. Bern Twp., PA - At 3:28 P.M. on April 14th, Greenfields Fire Co. Station 55, along with West Reading Engine 64 and Temple Engine 11 were dispatched to the Topstar at 2588 Bernville Road for a vehicle fire, reported to be a car on fire at the gas pumps. Crews went responding with reports of a fully involved vehicle at the pumps, with the pumps involved. The pumps were shut off
JUMP TO FILE #042018100 before the arrival of the fire department. Utility 55 arrived on scene and confirmed the report. Engine 11 arrived on scene and immediately went into service stretching a line. Engine 55 arrived and assisted Temple crews. Engine 64 arrived and supplied Engine 11
with water. Wyomissing Tower 79 was dispatched so that crews could check the canopy of the pumps for extension. Crews also used a foam inductor to help extinguish the fire. The fire was placed under control and no extension was found in the canopy of the pumps. The fire damaged two pumps and all four were closed.
DRILLS/TRAINING
- LUCAS RICHARDSON
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
DALE FEEHRER
The Hellam Fire Company has placed this 1994 Seagrave engine (1500/750) into service. Engine 21-2 is on its fourth home, previously serving York Twp., PA, Glen Rock, PA, and McSherrystown, PA.
KEN SNYDER
This ex-Montgomeryville Twp. Fire Co. 2007 Ford Explorer is now in service with the Green Lane Fire Co.
JASON BATZ
Firefighter Frank Miller from Phoenixville FD works a rotary saw to practice cutting during a recent Forcible Entry class.
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Unattended Grill Causes Fast-Moving Blaze in Guilford Twp. Guilford Twp., PA - On the afternoon of April 23rd, Franklin County 9-1-1 received a call reporting a garage fire at 3418 Social Island Circle in Guilford Township. The Marion Vol. Fire Dept. was dispatched out on Box 8-1 with multiple other Franklin JUMP TO FILE# County depart- 050818108 ments around 12:42 P.M. Franklin dispatchers advised responding units that the caller reported their garage as fully involved. Crews could see heavy smoke emanating from the area from several miles out. Marion Ambulance 89 was the first-in unit to confirm that the garage was fully involved, and that they had multiple exposures. Franklin County 9-1-1 dispatched additional units on the Working Fire dispatch as firefighters arrived and began their fire attack. Marion’s Chief, Jerry Houpt, arrived and established Social Island Command as firefighters stretched multiple attack lines to battle several blazes. Franklin Station 4 units arrived and assisted with establishing a water supply and fire attack. Firefighters were faced with a 30’x75’ garage fully engulfed in flames, along with several small outbuildings and multiple exposures. Firefighters split into multiple groups working to get control of the blaze that had rapidly spread across the property. Crews were able to knock down a bulk of the flames within 30 minutes of their arrival on the scene. Command reported the fire under control around 1:20 P.M. Firefighters remained committed on the scene for over an hour conducting over-
haul operations and hitting hot spots. Chief Houpt advised that the Monday afternoon blaze caused significant damage, destroying the garage and several outbuildings, including a log cabin style structure. The residence also sustained extensive heat damage to the exterior, but firefighters were able to save the structure from further damage, keeping the fire from spreading any further. The cause of the devastating blaze was determined to be from an unattended grill that was being used earlier in the day. Chief Houpt advised that the family was cooking on the grill prior to the fire and after they left it unattended, the grill was blown over by the wind which then set the garage on fire. The windy conditions fueled the flames, causing the fire to quickly spread to the other buildings on the property. The garage was a total loss while two metal sheds, a log cabin style building, and the residence sustained substantial damage. The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal’s Office was made aware of the fire loss from the incident, but was not needed to respond and investigate. The fire was determined accidental and no injuries were reported. Nearly 30 Fire and EMS workers responded out on Box 8-1 that afternoon. Marion V.F.C. Co.8 responded, with assistance from New Franklin Fire Co.17, Franklin Station 4, Greencastle Rescue Hose Co.3, Fayetteville Fire Co.7, Chambersburg Fire Co.1, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Washington County, MD’s Maugansville Fire Co.13, Holy Spirit EMS Co.100, Franklin County Air 10, and Franklin County Fire Police.
Marion VFD arrived to find a garage fully involved on Social Island Circle on April 23rd.
DENNY CLOPPER
- WILLIAM KING
A fast-moving blaze destroyed this log cabin style building on April 23rd, along with a garage and two outbuildings.
DENNY CLOPPER
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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.
Lycoming County's Nisbet Fire Company was in search of an engine to replace it's 1991 HME/Grumman 1250/750 engine, which was from Indianapolis, IN. They found that the Violetville VFD in Maryland had an engine for sale. Because Violetville was merging with Lansdowne, the department needed to eliminate some of the duplicate apparatus.
RAINMAN14
A police car sustained heavy front end damage after striking a police SUV at the intersection of 6th and Chestnut Streets.
Two Police Vehicles Collide in South Reading Reading, PA - Just before 6:30 P.M. on Friday night, May 4th, a Reading police officer requested assistance during a call. Two police vehicles responding to the call for assistance collided at the intersection of South 6th Street and Chestnut Street. Reading Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. Tower 1, stationed just around the corner, arrived to find two police vehicles involved in an MVA with lots of debris and fluid down. After checking for injuries, crews
JUMP TO FILE #050418129 found three people with minor injuries, all to be transported. Both officers were transported in the same ambulance. A civilian who was hit with debris after the crash went in a separate ambulance. Both police vehicles were heavily damaged. One vehicle remained in the intersection while another vehicle hit the corner of the church at 138 South 6th Street.
Multiple buildings had superficial damage while a street sign and multiple parking meters were taken out. Police taped off the scene and began investigating the incident. A man was arrested after he crossed into the crime scene and threw a beer at an officer. The road was closed for an extensive amount of time.
Violetville had a 2001 American LaFrance engine for sale, which had a 1250 pump, 750 water and a 50 gallon foam tank. Nisbet was happy with what they saw and negotiated a price both departments were happy with.
After bringing the rig home, Nisbet sent it to Shore Equipment for some extensive body repairs and a repaint, along with some lighting upgrades. After the engine returned, a se-
rious leak appeared in the water tank, so an 800-gallon replacement poly tank was obtained and put into the engine, and the foam system was eliminated.
The members are now in the process of putting in mounting for more tools and adding extrication equipment for lighter duty rescue work. It has a sixman cab and a 550 Detroit, the typical Maryland "get up and go", which takes this engine up the mountainous roads of Nisbet's first, while gaining speed instead of slowing down.
A special thanks to Bart Beasom for taking the engine out for a spin for photos, and congratulations to Chief Jim Pfleegor II on a great purchase for the department. - DARIN SMITH
- LUCAS RICHARDSON
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Ex-Violetville VFD's 2001 American LaFrance 1250/800, now running as Engine 7 of Nisbet, PA.
RAINMAN14
A police SUV ended up wedged in between a tree and a church after striking another police car.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Nisbet Engine 7 still sports Violetville's logo on the back compartment door, with the only change being Taz's front piece that now bears a "7".
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Fire Destroys Two Tractor-Trailers Behind Sheetz Store in Chambersburg Chambersburg, PA - On the evening of April 14th, emergency crews from New Franklin Fire Company and Ambulance Company 100 were alerted on Box 172a for a reported tractor-trailer fire at the Sheetz store lo- JUMP TO FILE# cated at 1819 042018112 Wayne Road. F r a n k l i n County 9-1-1 received multiple calls reporting a tractor-trailer with fire in the engine compartment of the tractor. The fire quickly spread prior to fire departments' arrival, causing one of the diesel fuel tanks to rupture which allowed the fire to spread to an adjacent tractortrailer. Assistant Chief 17 arrived to find two tractors to the rear of the Sheetz store engulfed in flames, with multiple exposures. Assistant 17 established command and assessed the scene, quickly upgrading the assignment and requesting the full box. Firefighters were faced with a working fire that spread from one tractortrailer to another, accompanied by a burning diesel fuel spill from the ruptured tank. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 30 minutes before they were able to get the flames knocked down. Crews remained committed for a short duration conducting overhaul operations. The cause of the fire was not released, but no foul play is expected. Approximately 30 firefighters responded on the call from multiple departments from both Franklin County and Adams County. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the two trucks that were parked side by side, and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. New Franklin Fire Co. 17 responded out, receiving assistance on the call from Holy Spirit EMS Co.100, Franklin Station 4, Fayetteville Fire Co.7, Marion Fire Co.8, Greencastle’s Rescue Hose Co.3, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Chambersburg Fire Co.1, and Adams County’s Buchanan Valley Fire Co.27. Once the fire was knocked, command was able to cut back on units needed and released a majority of the units that were enroute to assist. - WILLIAM KING
Reading Lt. Mike Brunner works on the roof after this fire on Maple St. on May 3rd. Temperatures climbed into the 90's during the day.
JASON BATZ
SOUTH CENTRAL PA FIRST ALERT
Firefighters from New Franklin Fire Co. arrive to find two tractors behind the Sheetz store fully engulfed in flames.
PHOTO 17
Reading Firefighters Do Work During City’s First Heat Spell Reading, PA - With temperatures reaching into the 90's on May 3rd, firefighters in Reading were trying to stay hydrated and cool when a call was made around lunchtime to the Berks County Department of Emergency Services center, reporting smoke showing in the 600 block of Maple Street. As the center was dispatching a box alarm assignment, a caller from 620 Maple Street reported that their home was on fire. Chief Moyer (Car 7) arrived at a two-story MOR with fire showing in the rear. Engine 1 and Tower 1 arrived and began a hose stretch into the dwelling. A search of the structure was initiated, with no one found inside. The bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly, with crews opening the roof over the rear to stop extension. The fire was placed under control within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
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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.
DALE FEEHRER
The Elizabethtown Fire Dept. is seen here operating Truck 74, a 2010 Sutphen SPH 100', at a mutual aid structure fire in March.
Crews knocked down the bulk of the fire in under 20 minutes.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Braddock Hills Crews Arrive to Find Fully Involved House Fire Schuylkill Haven Engine 63-12 works at a basement fire in North Manheim Twp. J. KRIESHER
Braddock Hills, PA – At 6:12 P.M. on May 8th, Allegheny County 9-1-1 dispatched fire units to the 300 block of Virginia Avenue in Braddock Hills for a reported structure fire. EMS, along with several other responding units, reported heavy smoke in the area. When fire crews arrived, they found a two-and-a-half story home
JUMP TO FILE #051018100 with heavy fire showing from three sides. Crews worked quickly and were able to get the bulk of the fire knocked down in about 20 minutes. The fire was placed under control in under one hour. A woman was home at the
time of the fire, but managed to escape. She was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. Three cats were reported to be unaccounted for. No other injuries were reported and the fire is now being investigated by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
The Middletown VFD crew off Truck 88 (2009 Seagrave Marauder II-95') disappears into the smoke during a mutual aid structure fire in March.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Shenandoah Squrt 64-20 assumed first-in engine company duties at a working fire on East Oak St. in April.
J. KRIESHER
During a recent photoshoot trip, it was arranged to photograph the new tanker at Fayette Fire Company in McAlisterville, (Juniata County). The new Tanker 43 is a 2017 International 7400/E-One with a 750 pump and 300 water. I asked our host if we could photograph the old tanker since it was still there and he was kind enough to pull it over for us, parking it for a nice "Old and New" shot. The old Tanker 43 is a 1989 Ford C-8000/Darley with a 1500 pump and 1250 water. Much appreciation goes out to the members of the Fayatte Fire Co. for their hospitality.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2018
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Fully Involved Fire Destroys Trailer Near Ringtown Schuylkill County, PA – Around 3:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 5th, Schuylkill County dispatched District 30 (Ringtown Valley) to Melanie Manor for an unknown type fire. As crews JUMP TO FILE# approached the 050618112 scene, they found a fully involved trailer house in the development. A first-alarm was requested as well as a Tanker Task Force, which brought units in from Sheppton-Oneida, Nuremberg, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Frackville, Aristes, Beaver Twp., Butler Twp., Girardville and Gordon. District 30 arrived on the scene and stretched two lines to attack the fire from an exterior position. Chief 30 established Melanie Manor Command. Engine 9-10 arrived and supplied water to the scene while the crew assisted with fire attack. Other tankers began to arrive and nursed their water to the scene. Firefighters from Mahanoy City, Frackville and Shenandoah staged their apparatus and assisted with pulling the building apart. Nuremberg Ladder 19-20 was recalled from the assignment. Firefighters were able to make a knock on the fire within 15 minutes, at which point some of the Tanker Task Force was scaled back. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes and companies began to return to service within an hour of being on scene. - JC KRIESHER
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Crews work to knock down flames at a fully involved trailer fire in Melanie Manor, outside of Ringtown.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Medical Services” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Juniata County's Fayette Twp. EMS of McAlisterville operates two very sharply painted BLS units.
J. KRIESHER
Smoke and steam escape from a trailer in Melanie Manor.
J. KRIESHER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Ambulance 45-2 is a 2013 Ford F-450/Road Rescue.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Ambulance 45-1 is a 2016 Ford F-450/Road Rescue.
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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.
FRANK ROBINSON
Allentown, PA and Oaklyn, NJ Fire Departments once ran this 1974 Mack CF/Maxim 100' Tiller. The rig is now privately owned.
KEN SNYDER
This Brooklyn, Ohio 1981 American La France 1500/500/54' engine is now owned by a PA collector.
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.
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our Working Faces feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RAINMAN14
Reading FD Tower 1 is seen here operating at a two-alarm fire in south Reading. Tower 1 was first-due for this fire.
Londonderry Twp.'s Engine 54, a 2008 KME (2000/750/50Af), is seen here operating at a working barn fire.
DALE FEEHRER
JC KRIESHER
Hegins Firefighter Bryan Musolino carries a ladder to a building during a recent fire in Hegins Twp.
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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.
The Edgemont Fire Co. of Susquehanna Twp. operates this 2002 KME (1500/500) as Engine 31. DALE FEEHRER
JC KRIESHER
Ringtown Valley firefighters work to extricate the driver of this car after it went over an embankment on Little Mountain Rd., in Union Twp.
Pair of Crashes in Schuylkill County Sends Two Drivers to Hospital Schuylkill County, PA – Two separate crashes sent two drivers to area hospitals during the evening hours of Wednesday, May 2nd. The first crash came in around 7:00 P.M., and was located in the 200 block of South Main Street in Shenandoah. Crews arrived on scene to find a PT Cruiser into a tree, with the driver still inside the vehicle. A crew from Squrt 64-20 popped the door to access the patient, who was then transported to a local hospital by Shenandoah EMS. Rescue 64-50 and Shenandoah Police were on the scene as
JUMP TO FILE #050618114 well. Approximately 30 minutes later, around 7:30 P.M., District 30 (Ringtown Valley) was sent with Mahanoy City West End Rescue 993 to the area of Creekside Restaurant on Ringtown Boulevard for an MVA with entrapment. Squad 30-15 arrived on the scene to find a vehicle over an embankment on Little Mountain Road, with the driver still inside the ve-
hicle. Personnel began to stabilize the vehicle while others assessed the patient. The passenger door was forced open and crews were able to bring the patient out to a nearby backboard. Rescue 993 arrived and assisted with bringing the patient up to the roadway where they were then taken to a local hospital by Northumberland MICU 93. The Pennsylvania State Police were on the scene to investigate the crash.
Vigilante Engine Co. of Rome (Bradford County), now operates this 2003 Freightliner FL-80/Spencer as Rescue 11-1, which carries a CAFS system. It previously saw service with the Thornapple Twp. FD in Michigan.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
- JC KRIESHER
The Rheems FD operates this 2005 S&S/Mack (1250/3500) tanker, designated as Lancaster County Tanker 70.
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
JC KRIESHER
This PT Cruiser struck a tree on South Main St. in Shenandoah, and sent the driver to a local hospital.
Elk County's Crystal FD of Saint Marys operates this 2009 Ford F550/Knaphiede as Utility 113. This unit operates out of their substation, and has a portable pump and 150-gallons of water.
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